Our Gates Against Immigrants--March 22, 2018

When we think of strengthening the bars of our gates,

and of maintaining peace within our borders,

when we want to enjoy the finest of wheat,

usually the focus is on our own privilege.

Lord Jesus, remove the veil from our eyes;

soften our hearts, that we may listen to you.

You have a way of reversing the order of things.

The ones we call last are the ones you call first.

They are standing at our borders, waiting.

Strengthen your gates against our

prejudice and selfishness;

tear down our bars--

and let the poor

come in.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 27; 147:12-20; 126; 102

Exod. 7:25-8:19

2 Cor. 3:7-18

Mark 10:17-31

Selected Verses

Ps. 147:13-14

For he strengthens the bars of your gates;
          he blesses your children within you.
He grants peace within your borders;
          he fills you with the finest of wheat. 

Exod. 8:15

But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite [from the plague], he hardened his heart, and would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.

2 Cor. 3:15-16

Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.

Mark 10:31

"…But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first."