Wake up to what?

"Wake up to what, exactly? Wake up to what the world can be. A world truly at peace. And peace, from the Arch's point of view, is not the absence of war. What he seeks is a shift in the battleground-forsaking armed conflict for the longer and more ennobling struggle against complacency, against selfishness, against revenge, and other, darker aspects of human nature To follow him in this fight is to have your life turned upside down turning the world right side up. To follow him is to join that ongoing march, the journey of equality." Bono

 This is a quote from the forward of the book: Tutu authorized, Allister Sparks and Mpho Tutu. Archbishop Desmond Tutu is a modern day prophet. The twinkle in his eye, the playfulness in his voice are merely points of entry to the wisdom, strength and passion this man embodies.

 Bono the lead vocalist of the popular band U2 is very faithful and passionate. He speaks in the forward of this new book about the man he calls his boss, "The Arch." When asked why the poor, the marginalized, the needy are so important to him, he speaks of a "wake up call", a time when having spoken with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, he knew that it was his responsibility to listen and respond in ways that would continue to make the world a better place.

 The majority of us are not Bono, with his recourses, talent or public image. We will not have the chance to meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu, but we are each responsible. We can each pray and reflect on the ways we can be present to God, to ourselves and our loved ones today.

 "the longer and more ennobling struggle agains complacency, against selfishness, against revenge and other darker aspects of human nature."

 It is so easy to believe that we are just one person, or that we live in small towns, or that we have nothing to say. Yet, each one of us are connected in ways we can't even imagine. How is it that God could be able to use your gifts, your talents, or your passion? Complacency leads to emptiness, selfishness leads to loneliness, revenge leads to pain, anger and the cycle continues.

 Gracious God, thank you for all the blessings of this day. Thank you for food, clothing and shelter. Thank you for not abandoning us, when we abandon ourselves, thank you for not giving up on us, even when we want to or give up on ourselves. Gracious God, help us this day, to be open to the richness of spirit and grace that can only come from you. Help us to look outside ourselves so that we can be the instruments you so desperately need us to be. Amen