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Lectionary
11 TRINITY: 3 – 9 AUGUST, 2008
THEME: ‘PATRIOTISM.’
READING: ESTHER 8: 1 – 6
Patriotism denotes a
positive and supportive attitude toward one’s country. To be
patriotic is to have pride in and to build positively on the
development of one’s nation, especially the wellbeing of its
people.
Esther is a shining example of someone who has the
interest of the survival and integrity of her people at heart.
She is the embodiment of caring and of a life giver – a woman
who does not only see pain but feels it.
Although married
in a different country, with a different social and economic
status, Esther does not forget her Jewish roots. Being a Queen
of Persia does not make her turn her back on her people. She
saves them from being wiped out by Haman (Esther 3:1).
In
order for our continent Africa to be transformed and redeemed
from her calamities and restored to what God intends her to
be, her sons and daughters and all those of goodwill should
unite for its restoration and healing. Sons and daughters both
at her home and in the Diaspora need to join hands with God
for the restoration of Africa.
Those in leadership and
those who aspire to lead should be driven by the quest to see
a just and developed Africa, one that provides, protects and
cares for its entire people. Africans who to the spirit of
African patriotism.
The patriotic spirit of the women of
Africa needs to be cultivated and released through unhindered
and unbiased participation in the political, social and
cultural uplift of Africans. They are the ‘Esthers’ of our
day.
The more women are allowed to get involved in both
the economic and political systems of Africa not as tokens but
as true participants with the aim of restoring Africa’s
dignity and respect, Africa will experience healing and
stability.
Submitted by Rev. Dr. Libuseng S.
Lebaka-Ketshabile
PRAYER
By your will O Lord, we
are born to be citizens of the African continent. Enable us to
love our countries and continent, not in words only but in
deed and in truth. Let us work for the good of Africa so that
the continent will grow to your glory and resound your praise,
through the love of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
PRAY FOR:
Niger (National Day – August 3)
Burkina Faso (National Day – August 5)
READINGS
FOR THE WEEK
Psalm 68:30‐32; Exodus 2:11‐15; Nehemiah
2:17‐18; Luke 19: 45‐48; John 4: 27‐30; Luke 4: 16‐18
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