Responsibility

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.” Matthew 5:21-26 

 A Prayer for Responsibility

Dear God, Creator of our sacred circle, this home we share,

Give us new eyes to see the  beauty all around us and the brokenness we have caused.
Give us new hands to embrace the strangers among us and to mend the wounds and tears we have inflicted.
Give us ears to listen with our whole hearts to those who live off the land and to those who extract resources.

Teach us to depend on you alone as we learn how interdependent our lives truly are.
Teach us to listen when we ache to speak and to humbled ourselves when others speak.
Teach us the love which you would have us share broadly this and every day.

You are the one who seeks out the lost, binds our wounds and liberates the prisoner;
help us to know you as we serve in the name of your beloved son Jesus
Amen.