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If it does not please you to serve the LORD,
decide today whom you will serve,
the gods your fathers served beyond the River
or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling.
As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Joshua 24:15

There was an event last weekend, a program on civil dialogue that marked the first ever presentation of such an event for this Diocese of St. Petersburg.  Over 150 people sat at tables and discussed their feelings, opinions and experiences regarding immigration and refugees.  It was a very diverse crowd, and as I listened in between interviews I had scheduled with the facilitators, I was impressed by the atmosphere, animated and lively, yet free from disturbing words or angry gestures. The conversations were happening all across the room.  Even though I was not a facilitator, just observing the event reminded me of the wonderful feeling a teacher has when all of his/her students are attentively engaged in their studies, and how satisfying that tranquility can be.  

We are observing the lessening of civility and heightened tensions in the metropolitan areas around our country.  It is important that we pray for peace and remember that peace begins with each one of us.  We serve our God who loves us unconditionally, and we should have confidence in that truth. Let us be mindful that dissension and  uncivilty are not the handiwork of love and obedience.  

Acts 15: 7 & 10

After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to them, "Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear?"

I recently had a conversation with a staff member regarding a facebook posting about Pope Francis. The staff member encouraged me to check out the article but warned me not to read the comments below. She said the comments were unchristian and some even hateful. I've seen many articles on facebook and other social media posts or news articles. They all seek dialogue or comment at the end, and a good portion of it is disturbing. Instead of fostering good, intelligent or even challenging conversation, the words become personal attack. Even in church settings between church officials and parishioners, debate can spark and a bad wind blow through the congregation challenging the makeup of the local parish or church community.

Today's reading from Acts finds the early church leaders--Paul, James, Peter and Barnabas among others—in a debate about how to teach and convert the gentiles and the Jews. They have a very serious discussion on how things should be. James quotes an Old Testament passage and everyone agrees to it. Not everyone was on the same page, but after discussion, they came to an understanding that everyone could agree to. In our daily walk, life will bring circumstances that you may not agree with or debates that someone will lose. We have to be humble in our victories, and accepting in our losses, but always passionate about what we believe in. Lord, help us to always listen with an open heart and a spirit of cooperation for all challenges put before us.