Reflective Moments Moments Reflective This issue of Update includes a new feature we hope to offer with each publication. We are calling it Reflective Moments, and our intention is to offer you an opportunity for enrichment in the area of formation and spirituality. Please let us know if you find this valuable, and send us suggestions for topics you would like to see included here. Our first topic is peace, and the work we offer you is by associate Bill Moore, who was called home to God on October 4, 2005. In the words of those who knew Bill, he was pastor, activist, peacemaker, prophet, and hero who made extraordinary contributions to the Kingdom of God. You can read Bill’s obituary on page 10 of this issue. You may learn more about him by visiting the Baptist Peace Fellowship North America web site at www.bpfna.org. This writing is taken from Study of the Lord’s Prayer and is used here with permission from Bill’s wife, Jean.
On Earth As It Is In Heaven By William T. (Bill) Moore, Owensboro, Kentucky, 2005
What would God’s will being done on earth look like? I do not believe it would look like perfection, as that seems reserved for Christ’s coming. It could mean progress toward that state. Many debate whether the world is getting better or worse. Reality says that there are ups and downs, better in some things, worse in others. Most Biblical scholars do not believe that the Bible teaches that is has to get worse until Christ comes. This petition certainly teaches us to pray that it will get better. Concern for the environment First, God’s will on earth would include earth. Genesis says God observed His creation and found it was good. Therefore, it is worth taking care of. It is not only worth preserving, it is becoming more obvious that if human life is to continue, we must do a better job with the environment. Global warming and pollution are warning us more each year that we have neglected the earth to our peril. Psalm 24:1 says, “The world and all that is in it belong to the Lord; the earth and all who live on it are His.” (TEV) Note that earth is mentioned ahead of man. This petition opposes “this world is not my home” sentiment. Certainly it is not our permanent home, but those who are “so heavenly minded they are no earthly good” are not praying this petition.
Compassion for our fellow man Second, this petition would include compassion and concern and aid for every human being. It would involve the total Christian community in a massive, allout relief effort to end hunger, disease and illiteracy throughout the world. Scientists say the capacity to end hunger is available, but the will is lacking. The Carter Center (founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in Atlanta, Georgia) is proving that many diseases can be totally eradicated. Ruth de Barros, Anglican missioner in Brazil, says, “In this petition, we are asking for strength to transform our communities and, as we do, we ourselves are transformed.” Jesus seems to teach us to pray in a way that politics and bread will become spiritual matters. The Prince of Peace Third, I believe, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” would involve everyone who prays this in peace activism, determined opposition to war. Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Why? Because they knew not the things that made for peace. (Luke 19:42) Neither do we. We act as if the Beatitude says, “Blessed are the peaceful,” but it says, “Blessed are the PeaceMAKERS.” Jesus was prophesied as the Prince of Peace, His birth hailed by angels with a message of peace. He lived and Continued on back page
taught non-violence in a terribly violent world that thought little of crucifying 2000 men at a time or killing all the babies in the village. Much of the apathy of Christians about the problems of the world; peace, hunger, disease, environment, etc., seems to be the feeling that they are so big that one or even one church can do nothing.
An Intentional Minute...
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world: indeed it’s the only thing that ever has!” proclaimed Margaret Mead. What about making disciples? What about the Great Commission? This petition, if prayed sincerely, would make more disciples than confrontation evangelism or condemnation preaching.
For Your Reflection... “On Earth As It Is In Heaven”
Beginning in this issue is a new feature called: An Intentional Minute. We invite you to join together for an Intentional Minute of prayer for the needs of our world. We suggest that every day at noon, we pause momentarily, right where we are, to pray together for the intentions suggested in each issue of Update. We borrow this practice from the Ursuline associates of Toledo, Ohio, and submit it to you because we realize the power of united prayer.
This issue’s intention is PEACE Peace in our hearts Peace in our homes and families Peace in our workplace Peace in our world
TO JOIN OUR E-MAIL PRAYER CHAIN, CONTACT THE
OFFICE OF URSULINE PARTNERSHIPS:
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1. How does Jesus’ life illustrate God’s will being done on earth? __________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Experts tell us we have the means to end world hunger but not the will. What should this say to Christians? __________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ 3. War multiplies every evil. What should this say to Christians? __________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ 4. One of the tests for just war is avoidance of civilian casualties. Modern wars have 75% to 90% civilian casualties, so is “just war” possible? __________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________