My Beloved

When Jesus became aware of this, he departed. Many crowds followed him, and he cured all of them, and he ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah: ‘Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.’ Matthew 12:15-21

When we talk about one’s beloved we often get goofy and romantic. Yet through out scripture if most often refers to a child, a follower or a dear one. A person who is gentle and restores the hope of the people, insiders and outsiders as well. Right now we seem to have no people who live with the spirit of love so deep for all of the people. Even some of faith leaders are too worried about the bottom line. Yet Jesus was as one among who served and who proclaimed justice to outcasts, the overlooked and those who are treated as the enemy. We are called today to live as beloved followers of Christ, those willing to carry the spirit of gentleness and inclusion to those who are aching for some hope.

Loving Creator, you put your kindness within us

Calling us all your children and your beloved ones

teaching us how to care gently for one another.

We are selfish, competitive and often cruel

Forgetting how vulnerable each of us can be

And using money and power to destroy others.

Lord, help us to act like your beloved once again

Make our cruel hearts kind and caring again

So the world might know hope again as we serve. Amen.