Sunday Meditations

Hal Samples, my friend and talented photographer, produced this image. He calls it "Wasted Space." It hangs in my office as a reminder that the inner city contains much space that could be put to better, more productive use for people and families. I appreciate Hal for the constant reminder of my responsibility to partner with people who have been left out. Visit Hal's website at www.herotozero.org.

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"Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be co-workers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation. We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that time is always ripe to do right."

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Letter from a Birmingham Jail
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World Bank Fact: In the United States, the poorest 10% of the population holds 1.9% of the nation's wealth, while the richest 10% controls 29.9%.
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"Anticipate charity by preventing poverty; assist the reduced fellowman, either by a considerable gift, or a sum of money, or by teaching him a trade, or by putting him in the way of business, so that he may earn an honest livelihood, and not be forced to the dreadful alternative of holding out his hand for charity. This is the highest step and the summit of charity's golden ladder."

Maimonides, b. 1135
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"We must never claim that those who disagree with our judgments are not people of real faith."

Jim Wallis, editor Sojourners magazine
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Lectionary reflection for Sunday, July 3:

"A delighted, dancing response to a generous God ought not produce a faith that is so bent on controlling ourselves that we must crusade against others to subdue an unruly world. There is another way, says Jesus: 'Take my yoke. . .learn. . .for I am gentle' (Matthew 11:29). Dance on--it will change the world."

Robert Roth, Sojourners magazine, July 2005, page 48