In our reading for today is Jesus’ baptism by John the
Baptist. For some reason, the image of Jesus being baptized brings to mind the
children I see playing in the water gushing from broken fire hydrants. I think
that if Jesus was to come to Chicago today, he would not be baptized in Lake
Michigan, but instead on the street from the water of a broken fire hydrant.
Because the neighborhoods of broken fire hydrants need Jesus’ ministry…all
places need the message of love, but I believe these broken neighborhoods could
use a little extra help. I read in the news today that there were 15 people
were shot between the hours of 5:30 pm and 11:30 pm yesterday. One of the
people shot was a little girl…just trying to cool off in the stream of water
from a broken fire hydrant.
Tonight, all across the country people are celebrating the 4th
of July. But I am having a hard time mustering up my “Go America” attitude.
Right now there are people shooting off fireworks all around my house. They are
beautiful, but they sound like gunshots to me. 250 people have died due to a
gun shot wound. Sure, some of them might be gang related, but that doesn’t mean
those men/women/boys/girls deserved to be shot. When will the violence end and
freedom begin? How is the west-side, south-side and north-side of Chicago any
different than the 3rd world countries we read about in the news?
In her reflection of today’s reading, Donna Gray wrote, “Jesus
said that he was the good shepherd and that the sheep would know his voice. In
fact people who know sheep husbandry explain that sheep do know and will follow
the voice of their good shepherd. They know the difference between the voice of
their shepherd and another who might lead them to places other than the paths
of righteousness. I love Jesus' words, for they ring true.”
Her words made me think: Where are we in the midst of this
violence? Are we following Jesus’ words or are we choosing to be baptized in
Lake Michigan instead of the broken fire hydrants of Chicago. What can I do to
help stop this senseless violence?
I celebrated the 4th of July by having lunch with
Kiva, Potts, Jana (Kiva’s old roommate from college who is visiting) &
Rachel (a girl from Grinnell College who is interning at 4th this
summer & I was worried she wouldn’t have any fun plans!). I grilled
sausages & made salad, corn on the cob, baked beans & peach cobbler for
dessert! My salad was a red, white & blue salad. It has been my favorite
salad for the past few days—strawberries, blue berries, goat cheese, balsamic vinaigrette,
cashews and spinach/arugula. YUM! You need to make this salad ASAP if you know
what’s good for you. Then Kiva, Jana and I went to a White Sox game. They
played the Rangers & it was a really fun game! (Chicago won btw in case you
were wondering) Then I came home to make today’s daily video and wrote the
reflection above. Tomorrow is back to work as usual.
Sorry for the downer of a blog post. I truly am eternally
grateful for those who sacrifice their lives to defend our country. I thank God
every day for Rebecca, Alex, & their peers. And I hope that everyone had a
blessed day.
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