Reading 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 (NRSV)
Once a year, I join other women at a weekend spiritual retreat. Each year, I take pictures of the spectacular sunsets and sunrises. I now have pictures of the changing sky, taken every few minutes, for two evenings and two mornings every year for several years. I have hundreds of photos from under the same tree, of the same vista, but all with different variations. I love God’s extravagance of color marking the boundaries between light and dark and back again. God celebrates differences.
Science explains the red and orange skies as light bending as it passes through the earth’s air. I thank God both for air to breathe and for light that bends into such beautiful colors!
Science also explains that our eyes are drawn to differences and boundaries. When we see those differences as reason to create divisions between people, however, we reject God’s extravagantly creative efforts.
Today’s reading talks about a church that was dividing along lines of difference. Paul reminded them that whatever their differences, they were all part of God’s family.
Noticing people that vary in color, shape, philosophy, or culture can be a time for curiosity and awe and celebration instead of divisions.
In people you see today, what differences will you celebrate?
Let us pray. Creator God, thank you for the extravagance of your creation. May we welcome the distinctions among us and celebrate our differences the same way we glory in your multi-colored sunsets. Amen.
Scripture to Life 