FAITH

So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31

 This darling little sparrow flitted about on the chair next me at a French patio café on Pennsylvania Avenue this spring. We were in grand company with diplomats conversing at the next table with CIA bodyguards and TV cameras surrounding them. But my attention focused on this curious and bold little sparrow who was on a mission to find some food! His only concern was his mission, and he had no fear as he searched for croissant crumbs!

The boldness and trust of the sparrow reminded me of Jesus’ words in Matthew to his 12 new disciples as he prepared them to be sent out in mission to heal the sick and care for those in need a hostile environment. Jesus wanted them to have faith in him and go out boldly trusting that God was with them as they shared their faith in mission. Jesus explained that even seemingly worthless little sparrows sold for pennies are under God’s care, therefore the disciples must trust their worth in God’s eyes and live out their faith caring for others even when it was hard.

We face a hostile environment these days yet we are still called to live out our faith in service. May we be inspired by the small but bold sparrow and trust in Jesus’ promises as we find ways to boldly serve even in the smallest everyday ways. Let’s pray in the words of Rev. John van de Laar of the Methodist Church, in South Africa:

Our Small Difference

We may not be able to confront queens, or challenge presidents;

We may not have the capacity to divert resources, or uplift communities;

We may not have the voice to silence the noise of war, or the words to negotiate peace between armies; But, as we follow you, O Christ, we are able to do something.

And so, we pray that you would inspire us

to commit to and act on the small difference we can make:

May we bring peace through small acts of gentleness and reconciliation;

May we bring wealth through small contributions and collaborations;

May we bring safety through small acts of consideration and acceptance;

May we bring wholeness through small acts of care and service.

And in the small ways, O God,

may our small difference make a big contribution

to your saving work in our world. Amen.

 In faith, Pastor Andrea