We are right in the midst of the Olympics in Paris. Enjoy every one of the sporting events and all the efforts that the athletes are putting forward in their competitions. This is a moment of international cooperation. May it also be a stimulus for all countries and peoples to work together for the betterment of humanity.
It is wonderful from a human point of view to watch the wining athletes step up on the podium to receive their medals. We rejoice in their success.
As I was watching the medal ceremony it struck me, ‘But God never hands out medals. There are no winners and losers in the Kingdom of God.” Handing out a first, second and a third is certainly not the way that God does things.
We must remind every human being that God does not do things the way that we humans do. What we think is important, such a wealth, power and dominance over others, may be contrary to values that God lives and works by. God always does things God’s way.
First of all, is the creation of human beings. Each human being is made in the image of God. Each human being has incredible value because they have been made int eh likeness of their Creator. No human being is of lesser value because of their color, the ethnic origin, their age or their sexuality. Every human being has a right to be here on this earth. Every human being has a right to a fair share of the goods of the earth to enable them to survive and thrive.
There are no medals (i.e., honors) that some humans are more important than others. Human societies have all kinds of way to structure people; these structures make some people more worthy than others.
This is not of God. There are no medals being given out to recognize that some people are more value than others. We all are loved , cherished and created in the image of God. We all bear a likeness to the divine life of our Creator.
We humans do not live like this on this earth. We practice the violence of war, destroying the lives of young soldiers, smashing the livelihood of their parents and grand-parents and even being so evil as the lacing the farm lands with land mines that can destroy life and limb long after the war is over.
The goods of the earth do not belong to the mighty and the dominate ones. The goods of the earth (i.e,. the grains to feed us and the minerals that we use to manufacture tools, etc) are for the benefit of all. The fruits of the earth are given for the good of all human beings; not only to the powerful and well organized.
God is so challenging! Religion is to lead us into the love and compassion of God for all human beings and for every part of creation. There is no medal podium in God’s frame of reference. God is the great God who loves and cares for each and every one, and who seeks what is good for each and every individual life.
Today, there are no medals!
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