Travis Reese
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Loving one another, us brothers and sisters, is at the core of today’s reading.
In 1 John 3: 11-18 two different verses really resonate.
Verse 17 asks us:
How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?
Brothers and sisters is almost assuredly referencing followers of Christ. We hope our Church recognizes those in need within our own body and offers help any way we can.
If we are also led to spread the Good News throughout our community, are non-believers our brothers and sisters? What about the not-yet believers?
It is also impossible to live our daily lives and not be confronted with the reality of those in need all around us.
While I may not have everything in this world that I want, there is no denying that I have plenty, more than I need. Am I not a reflection of God’s love if I’m not dedicating most of my time and extra money to helping brothers and sisters in need?
Verse 18 says this:
Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in deed and truth.
The word deed feels intimidatingly noble to me. Mother Teresa carried out deeds. King Arthur’s knights carried out deeds. I don’t feel comfortable enough carrying a sword to feel like I can carry out deeds.
But some of the translations use the phrasing “truth and action” instead. Action feels a little bit more palatable. But what kind of action?
This is at the core of why I chose to get involved with the Outreach Commission at Saint Philip’s. It helps answer some of these questions. Knowing that there are already people and ministries helping those in our community is a great way to not feel overwhelmed.
The smallest acts, like donating loose change to Laundry Love, helps 400 fellow Tucsonans have the ability to do their laundry each month. Or, during the holidays, participating in our Angel Tree charity. Spending a little time and money shopping for the child of an incarcerated parent does not make me Mother Teresa, but collectively we put a smile on so many children’s faces that we are surely loving one another.
These are not the noblest of deeds, but hopefully actions that reflect the truth of God’s love.
In Christ,
—Travis
