Friday, January 31 – Strive! ...for justice and peace

And to strive for justice and peace in all the earth. -- (Baptismal covenant, part 5 of 5)

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. ¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. ¹⁸ If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. ¹⁹ Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." ²⁰ No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  
                                                                                      –Romans 12:14-21 (NRSV)

Read carefully and prayerfully the passage above from Romans.  Is that realistic for the ‘real’ world we live in?  How does that apply to the economy and health care reform?  How does that apply to the wars in Afghanistan and Syria and the issues in Egypt and Israel/Palestine?

Talk to God about “justice” and “peace.”  How does God want you to contribute to God’s ongoing efforts to bring about both “on earth, as in heaven”?