Eastertide

May 20, 2021

Scripture Reading:
Romans 8:12-17
So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. God knows who God’s children are. We were not given the job of that discernment. Thus, we are called to love ourselves and all others. Hebrews 13:2 says it this way: Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. The Vatican amplified this idea with the Angels Unawares sculpture by Timothy Schmalz installed in St. Peter’s Square on September 29, 2019, the 105th World Migrant and Refugee Day.

Dale Evans’ book Angel Unaware taught me about welcoming all people as children of God. Dale Evans and Roy Rogers were movie and TV stars who had a baby they named Robin. Robin was born with Downs Syndrome. Rather than sending her to a home for children with special needs, they chose to raise her at home and ended up changing the way all children with disabilities are welcomed. Robin died when she was two years old, and Dale Evans poured her grief into the writing of this book. She wrote it from Robin’s perspective, looking down from heaven telling God about how she had completed her mission of love. That love continues to be shared here in Oklahoma City at the Dale Rogers Training Center.

Paul reminds us in this scripture that God is the final judge, and our job is to follow God’s example of loving one another until love rules the world. Loving-kindness can restore people to wholeness, and sharing it usually grows our ability to love.

Prayer: Lord, teach us the truth of Robin, whose short sojourn in life spread love throughout our land. Please help us to do the same. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.