Thursday, August 17, 2023  

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Today’s Scripture Reading 
Psalm 82

God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:

“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?

Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.

Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk around in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

I say, “You are gods, children of the Most High, all of you;

nevertheless, you shall die like mortals, and fall like any prince.”

Rise up, O God, judge the earth; for all the nations belong to you! (NRSV)

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Reflection
When I was in college, I was able to spend part of my winter break in New Orleans helping rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. Our team was divided into crews to work in different locations during the week. There was a work crew that stayed at our home base, cleaning and preparing our meals. Another crew spent the week sanding the floor of a beautiful new, all-wood house.

Both teams struggled with feeling like the work we were doing was not important work. Our leader challenged us with why we were questioning the value of the work we were asked to do. Did we expect that our hosts would simply provide for us? Was it not valuable work to work alongside the staff to provide for the other work teams? The owner of the fancy house had their world destroyed by Katrina; why would they not need a hand getting back on their feet? Our job was to come and do what our partners asked of us.

We may not have had the full story but had to trust that our partners knew what their needs were. Similarly, God is the judge, but that does not leave us without responsibilities to provide justice. I know, easier said than done.

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Prayer
God of justice, help me to let go of my own false judgment. Help me to be an instrument of your justice. Amen.

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Written by Katie Patterson, Manager of Worship And Youth Ministry Programs

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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