DH Update 52

Wednesday Meditation November 22, 2023

(Matthew 25:34,39)
Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?'

DH Update 51

Wednesday Meditation November 15, 2023

(Psalm 90:4)
For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.

We are very focused on today. Everything that we do is about now. This is so more now than ever before because life has become difficult and unbearable. Hope is no longer a part of reality, but a dream that we may put away for tomorrow when things are better. Life was not always like this. Time was not just about now. Time included past, present and future. For everyone today’s burden is full of worries. Our present and future are fused together. Today’s uncertainties and fears oppress tomorrow’s hope in ways that we walk with minds full of worries today, leaving no room to think of past and future.

DH Update 50

Wednesday Meditation November 8, 2023

(Amos 5:24)
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream.

After chastising the people of Israel telling them that their sacrifices were no longer meaningful because they were sinful and corrupt, God tells them to let justice roll down like waters, righteousness like an everflowing stream. The implication is that we, God’s people, are to deal justly with everyone with whom we meet, deal, and live with. Being just is to treat others in the way we want to be treated. It is to love others as we love ourselves.

DH Update 49

Wednesday Meditation November 1, 2023

(Psalm 107:6-9)
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; he led them by a straight way, until they reached an inhabited town. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.

I could not watch the picture on my computer screen. It was a picture of Jabaliya Refugee Camp. The bomb(s) wiped out buildings and made concrete into dust. It was a place of refuge, a place full of people with nowhere to run to. My heart stopped. My mind lost any thoughts. There was no word that can be spoken when witnessing such surreal aftermath of destruction. Sounds of justification or accusations mean nothing to ears when our eyes are confronted with empty spots where tall buildings once stood.

DH Update 48

map of the world

Wednesday Meditation October 25, 2023

(Leviticus 19:2, 15)
19:2 Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.

19:15 You shall not render an unjust judgement; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbour.

What does it mean to be holy in this very confusing time? As people who are called to be God’s people, how do we navigate this very difficult time? News of atrocities of wars make us feel helpless.