Today’s Reflection
The kingdom of God is the kingdom of enough. It shouldn’t be a surprise that there is enough food, water, and shelter for everyone on the planet. In the United States alone, there are enough unoccupied houses — second, third, or vacation homes — to give every unhoused person on our streets multiple homes. And we are still arguing about whether it is a good idea or a wasteful handout to make sure children get lunch at school whether they can pay or not, even though approximately a third of the food produced in the United States goes to waste.
People do not have enough despite there being enough, because we serve wealth and not God. Thus, as we consider shifting our service to God, we start by noticing our attachment to money and begin to pay attention to the reality of enough.
—Daniel Wolpert, Looking Inward, Living Outward: The Spiritual Practice of Social Transformation (Upper Room Books, 2024)
Today’s Question
How might we begin to practice being in God’s service in tangible economic ways? [question from Looking Inward, Living Outward] Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
No one can serve two masters, for a slave will either hate the one and love the other or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
—Matthew 6:24 (NRSVUE)
Prayer for the Week
Dear God, I want to take part in the creation of your beloved community. Help me to order my life around you, and guide me to social action that manifests your kingdom on earth.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
The Two-Year Academy for Spiritual Formation invites you to embark on a transformative journey of faith. Immerse yourself in retreat-style learning, worship, and reflection during five-day sessions held quarterly over two years. Guided by world-class faculty and nurtured within a community of seekers, you’ll explore practices that nourish your spirit and help you live a more centered, God-focused life. Learn more here.
Lectionary Readings
- Acts 11:1-18
- Psalm 148
- Revelation 21:1-6
- John 13:31-35
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.