Devotional – July 16, 2025

From the late Dr. Walter Brueggemann:

“The truth is that frightened people will never turn the world, because they use too much energy on protection of self.  It is the vocation of the baptized, the known and named and unafraid, to make the world whole:

• The unafraid are open to the neighbor, while the frightened are defending themselves from the neighbor.
• The unafraid are generous in the community, while the frightened, in their anxiety, must keep and store and accumulate, to make themselves safe. 
• The unafraid commit acts of compassion and mercy, while the frightened do not notice those in need.
• The unafraid are committed to justice for the weak and the poor, while the frightened see them only as threats.
• The unafraid pray in the morning, care through the day, and rejoice at night in thanks and praise, while the frightened and endlessly restless and dissatisfied.

So, dear people, each of you:  [As Jesus said] Do not fear!  I have called you by name; you are mine!”

~ Walter Bruggmann, 

A Way Other Than Our Own

Peace Be With You. – Paul