Enduring

‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:16-22

We have been inundated with snow and there is more to come this afternoon and evening. The temperature was near zero at dawn and clouds are sitting low on the horizon. We are stuck inside but so far, warm and dry. We hang on with hope that our plow will come and dig us out by tomorrow. We have to hang on, forgo and trips and trust. We don't really have to suffer or face the cold. We are fortunate that we are not under siege by ICE, although many cities in Massachusetts and Maine are. Today is the feast of the conversion of Paul, a violent and abusive man who was a critic of Jesus' followers. He had Stephen stoned to death, and many others as well. Despite it all, his heart was turned, he saw the light of God's love and became a great teacher and pastor. May we have hope today that the cruelest ones, those with the greediest and hardest hearts will be turned to the light.

Gracious Creator, source of goodness and love

you wrap us in a blanket of warmth and safety

protecting us as a mother swaddles her child.

We squirm and whine and want our own ways

we are selfish and cruel, greedy and mean

yet you know our hearts are full of deep fear.

Lift us, Lord, from the fears that open us to hate

turn our hearts to the pain and needs of our neighbors

and help us pray that even the cruel ones have a change of heart. Amen.