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Lectionary
19 TRINITY: 28 SEPTEMBER – 4 OCTOBER, 2008
THEME:
‘PASSION FOR OUR NATIONS.’ SUGGESTED
READING: NEHEMIAH 1
A human being by nature desires to transcend
boundaries and needs to relate to the other and become a
citizen of the world3. In 2006, there were approximately 200
million immigrants in the world4. It is therefore necessary to
cross borders and it is even something positive. For as long
as the world exists, there will be talk of Diaspora. However,
when people cross to invade others, or when they seek to
simply change their environment for the sake of it5, migration
becomes dangerous and the situation of the migrants becomes,
most of the time, a painful one.
In spite of very costly
attempts to close the borders, rich countries are increasingly
invaded by people from poorer countries. There are numerous
reasons for this. On the one hand, people could be seeking to
flee from internal or external social, economic or political
problems in their countries of origin. On the other hand, the
Diaspora may be the result of an indispensable exchange among
countries.
Whatever the causes of migration, the children
of the Diaspora could adopt positive attitudes towards their
host country and their country of origin : the willingness to
help in their host country (Gen 41: 37-56), the feeling of
nostalgia and passion for their native country (Ps 137: 1 -6;
Nehemiah 1: 1-11), advocacy (Esther 8: 1-6) and mobilization
to people living in poverty in their country(Acts 11: 27-30)
and if possible they could go back to their native land to
participate in its reconstruction (Mt 2:13-23).
The
passion of Nehemiah for his native land was demonstrated in
his willingness to pray, fast and seek God’s face for his
people. Taking the example of Nehemiah, we are called to keep
our faith in God and keep alive our passion for our nations.
Submitted by Rev. Gabriel
Akimana
PRAYER
Lord, you have given us the continent
of Africa as our abiding place. Help us to love it with a
passion so strong and true that we may be jealous for its
honour , may we reflect your truth and light as we work for
the good of our motherland, through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
PRAY FOR:
Botswana (National Day – September
30)
Nigeria (National Day – October 1)
Lesotho
(National Day – October 4)
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Gen 41: 37 – 56; Psalms 137: 1 – 6; Nehemiah 1: 1 – 11;
Esther 8: 1 – 6; Acts 11: 27 – 30; Matthew 2: 13 – 23; Ruth 1:
1 – 7 | |
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