“Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.”
-Matthew 26:38 NRSV
April 8, 2022
Finding Compassion in Community
In September the Mighty Men of Metropolitan hosted a family-friendly cookout. We followed the Covid guidelines for park usage and were glad to be in each other’s company.
A day later, I was informed that two of my party tested positive for Covid. I don’t know why I expected the worse, but I dreaded informing my brothers. Was it my guilt, shame, or blame? I was unsettled until I could alert the MMM during our next Men’s Prayer Call. To my relief, I received a flood of compassion from my brothers. They interrupted their normal flow to pray for the Botts family. I received calls and texts from individuals offering unqualified support. The love was overwhelming; I found compassion in community.
This Lenten season, we find Jesus at Gethsemane seeking compassion from his disciples, especially Peter, James, and John. Jesus was facing his greatest trial and his closest friends failed to stay awake for him. Then Jesus, still seeking compassion, turned to his Father-God as reported in Luke 27: 46 (NRSV), “…My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for your acts of compassion towards us. Even as you were being lynched, you asked our Heavenly Father to forgive us. Parent God, like Jesus, may we pass this compassion to ourselves and to all creation. Amen
Carlos Botts
Mighty Men of Metropolitan
Lent 2022
We invite you to join us on a 40-day journey of prayer, financial sacrifice, physical activity, and spiritual connection.
Each day a new reflection with a scripture and prayer will be posted on the Metropolitan AME Church website and social media to encourage you as we prepare for Resurrection join us as we are reminded, awakened to the great power of God within us, and connect to our role in building with God a world of justice.
Read along with us each day or download the book to read and write along with us offline.
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