Respect

When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place. He came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.” And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:53-58 

Aretha Franklin sang about respect and we will never forget the song. But, we often forget to respect ourselves and one another. We live in a world of name calling and judging.  Our Indigenous people teach our children, from infancy, to be resepctful of all life. We are taught to honor and respect all of creation as well. Yet, we live in a moment when the lack of respect for our climate and our earth has wrought great tradgedy. 

Jesus went home and found no respect . Instead he was rediculed and called names, belittled and teased. In that environment,  no miracles or healing could happen. Is is also true for us. No forward progress, no healing, no change can come about without an environment of respect and love. Jesus understood that places and people can and do destroy the hopes for all life. We are called to respect the people and plaees where we find ourselves so that God can do great things among us.

Today, I ask God to help me respect everyone I come in contact with, and every place I find myself. May we invite the Creator God into our midst by respecting all wherever we might find ourselves.