July 20, 2020

 Dear All Saints Family,

 Our nation lost two Civil Rights icons this past week, The Reverend C.T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis.

 I won’t repeat their biographies, knowing that others have done that so well. But I will share what’s particularly meaningful to me about these two men and that’s their ability to show us their love of Jesus in the way they lived. These men offered up their lives to lessen the suffering of those held back by systems of oppression. They did not seek personal power or wealth but rather spoke out to all to hear the truth of the continuing need for racial and economic justice in our nation. For even today, in 2020, there is still a need to seek justice for all. This isn’t a struggle that was won with the Civil Rights action of the 1960s; the efforts to strive for equity and justice must continue.

 I’m humbled by Reverend Vivian’s and Congressman Lewis’ perseverance in striving for dignity and equity for all God’s people until their deaths. May they rest in Peace and rise in Glory, for they truly have run the good race and have now found their well-deserved time of rest in God’s Glory.

 Jesus teaches us to love God and love our neighbor. Not just the neighbor who lives close to us or looks like us or acts like us, but all our neighbors: the poor and helpless, the downtrodden and hopeless, the prisoner and stranger, and the foreigner among us. All humankind — regardless of their race, creed, gender, sexuality, country of origin, economic standing — are loved by God. . . . and we live into our love of God by loving all God’s own like Jesus.

 This week I’m praying once again the Prayer for the Human Family, found on page 815 of the Book of Common prayer. Please join me in lifting up this prayer each day, in that hope that we too may persevere in our own daily struggles to walk in Jesus’ way of love.

A Prayer for the Human Family

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Blessings, Mother Bonnie+