Listening and acting and listening and acting . . .
The Psalmist praises God's words and actions in the past; the Psalmist implores God to to listen and act again.The Psalmist describes how he has listened for God's words (statutes, commandments, decrees, precepts) and asks God for understanding so that he might walk in their way with steady steps and live!
I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors.
Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.
Redeem me from human oppression, that I may keep your precepts.
Listening and acting and listening and acting . . .
It is a process that can be a path to wisdom and to justice.
It is a process used intentionally for decades by Christian Base Communities (known as Comunidades Ecclasiales de Base or CEB's) in Latin America. Some of us experienced a taste of the way Bible Study is done in CEB's at the Diocese of Huron Synod last month under the leadership of Bishop Saulo de Barros from the Diocese Anglicana do Brazil (our new Partner-in-Mission).
Groups gather to listen and reflect on obstacles and issues they and their neighbours face; they listen together for what light Scripture can shed on the issue; and together they act with other groups and movements, supporting and cooperating with one another, to create change. And as they act, they continue to listen and reflect.
Listening and acting and listening and acting.
Spend some time listening and observing today - in the midst of Scripture, the land, art, city streets, workplaces, conversations.
What do you see and hear and sense in your context?
What light is shines on your understanding?
What call to action do you hear?
Marilyn Malton
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