Sunday Devotion

Welcome to our Sunday Devotion. We are 22 years after the events of 9/11. 9/11 is one of those times that people generally remember in detail where they were and what they were doing when they took place. Where were you? What do you remember most about that time and the months following? Do you remember the fear, shock and distrust of that time?  So many asked God what to do next? How to heal and find peace and a way forward.

Today we experience something that grew out of that event. People of different faiths pulled together to celebrate our diversity and our love for our neighbor. Today 10 Sep 2023 is the Interfaith Unity Walk in Washington, DC. It follows a 2 mile trek from the Hebrew Congregation to the Islamic Center where there are 11 different faith traditions along that 2 miles. Our Community of Christ of Washington, DC, is one of those faith traditions and we have been participating from the beginning. This is our neighborhood. These people of different faiths are our neighbors.

There is a spiritual practice called “Walking the Neighborhood”.  Today is a good day for all of us to “walk our neighborhood”. During the pandemic, this was a time when we found a way to exercise. Sitting on my front porch, I watched the neighbors stroll by and we’d engage in greetings. As I myself walked my neighborhood, I really saw the beauty of homes, yards, flowers and grass and the people who tended them.

In the spiritual practice, we are encouraged to walk the neighborhood of our churches in small groups, as a way to discern what God might be calling us to do there. With the lectionary theme of “Love Your Neighbor” we do this in response to several of our Enduring Principles: “Worth of All Persons”, “Blessings of Community” and “Unity in Diversity”. As an part of my neighborhood, I walk my neighborhood and I work to discern who God has called me to be as a loving neighbor. I recall the kind words and greetings during the pandemic and I long for that quieter time when walking through my neighborhood brought such a sense of peace. I can still enjoy that. God wishes for me to do that.

I challenge you to walk your neighborhood. Breathe, observe, be thankful, be loving and pray for God to open your eyes and your heart to others. Find ways to reach out to one another in love and peace. Identify needs. Visit the elderly person who doesn’t get out of their house much. Leave a note of welcome to someone just moving in. Pray as you walk. Talk to God and listen to God’s reply.
Amen.