If we take Matthew's account of what Jesus said in a very literal sense, we in the southwest may recall the actions of the organization "No More Deaths" whose volunteers were placing gallon jugs of water in the desert on the Arizona border. These gallon jugs of pure water placed to those at risk of dying from thirst, each had a heart and a cross on it and the words “Good Luck Friends”. A simple gesture to the most vulnerable in the desert.
Their reward? An arrest for "littering garbage" resulting in 300 hours community service and one year probation. A few days before one volunteer, Daniel Mills was arrest, he found the body of a 14 year old Salvadoran girl.
From 2001 to March of 2011, more than 2,058 deaths have been recorded. There are no official records being kept, simply the noting of deaths by the Pima County sheriff's office.
The United Church of Christ participates in offering a cup of water through the leadership efforts of Revs. Randy Mayer and Liana Rowe, and thousands of volunteers who have left over 100,000 gallons of water in 55 gallon drums through collaborative efforts of multiple agencies and denominations supporting HUMANE BORDERS.
Cups of water in the desert to the most vulnerable is an example of what some disciples are doing. But, we need to ask why? To get a promised reward or for the personal satisfaction for doing “the right thing”. Or, maybe simply because the work of Jesus Christ is incomplete here.
The prophet Jeremiah said – the prophet who predicts peace (something much different than creating war, famine and plague) has to prove that God sent that prophet. The bottom line: only when the prophet’s message becomes a reality can we know God sent him or her.
It seems essential that if we believe that Jesus was the prophet of peace, we must continue his efforts to make peace the reality that validates the world God intends for us to create. We are responsible for contributing to "shalom"-- peace that is more than the absence of war; peace that is accompanied by justice. Whether it is peace on the Mexican border, or peace in our homes and in our selves, we are called as partners in Christ's service.
It doesn’t need to be extravagant. In fact, it is important to keep it simple. What is necessary is discernment as preparation for our actions. We must ask our self--
What am I doing?
Why am I doing it?
And how do I prepare myself?
If I am not engaged in border ministry, then who else needs that cup of cold water? What vulnerable person or place needs my attention? What is my motivation—personal reward or gain?
Jeremiah says it must contribute to the expansion of the reality of the “peace of God that passes all understanding.” Our actions should contribute to building up what connects us rather than what separates us!
So, how do I prepare myself to be a Christ-bearer? A peace-builder? A co-creator with God? The answer is simple and profound: establish and maintain a spiritual discipline.
Create a habit, a practice that nurtures and enhances your Source of holiness, compassion, kindness, love, goodness, gentleness, generosity, open-heartedness, and extravagant welcome---a practice that manifests the divinity that lives within each one of us.
Whatever you choose to do, ground it in gratitude: thankfulness for everything; for all life’s events act as our teachers.
What?
Why?
How?
Who knows what extravagant form your servanthood will take or what peace your simplest action may bear.
