The art work is entitled Island Cypress Today's Quote
There are three things in life that are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind. Henry James
A Prayer
For the expanding grandeur of Creation,
worlds known and unknown,
galaxies beyond galaxies,
filling us with awe and challenging our imaginations,
We give thanks this day.
For our human community,
our common past and future hope,
our oneness transcending all separation,
our capacity to work for peace in the midst of hostility,
We give thanks this day.
We pray that we may live not by our fears but by our hopes,
not by our words but by our deeds.
Read 1 Kings 5:13-18
Reflection
History has a way of repeating itself, often with a cruel twist. King Solomon is re-building the Temple, and his slave labor is supplied by men from Israel. Pharaoh now wears a Hebrew crown.
The Israelites at least have a more humane schedule. They spend a month working, then two months at home. The forced laborers - carvers, stonecutters, supervisors - are not so fortunate.
Solomon has sold out his own people in order to achieve a personal desire. They had to bear the burdens and suffer injustice for the sake of Solomon's Temple.
Even in a worthwhile project, done in the name of God, one's own personal agenda may get in the way. The questionable deals that are made, the oppressive costs that are paid, may compromise the integrity of the Lord's Temple and its human builder.
Closing
Lord, if you have to break me to remake me, let your will be done. Marian Wright Edelman
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