York Minster (Photo: Irene Bom)
Here’s a thoughtful meditation by Ann Bell Worley, based on Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles headed for the city of Babylon.
The meditation is taken from the Cities and Towns issue in a series of publications on faith and ethics produced by Baylor University (and available for free download).
Meditation: “Babylon”
Not simply an evil territory
or a dirty word,
as we are prone to believe.
But a place where God’s people were sent
in exile
on purpose
on mission
to offer their culture
to the culture there
in love.
For God so loved the world.
Like Israel in exile, still we hope
for our homecoming in the city of God,
where there will be no more tears.
Let us hope not
in closed communion
in isolated sanctuaries
apart from the Babylon-world.
Rather let us hope
in the fullness of God’s love
in the life of the cities and towns
where we work
and love
and worship
and play.
And remember
that God so loved not only us,
but the world.
Let us hope for Babylon
as we hope for ourselves.
Let us embrace
its people
its buildings
its streets
and fill them with the beauty
of God’s temple.
Let us hope
with doors wide open,
welcome the city in
and pour ourselves out.
For God so loved the world.
~ written by Ann Bell Worley, copyright © 2006 The Center for Christian Ethics. Posted on the Baylor University website.
… more on Cities and Towns
Other subjects included in the Cities and Towns issue:
- Dysfunctional Cities: Where Did We Go Wrong?
- Citizens of Another City
- The New Urbanism
- Saint Benedict in the City
- Crate and Castle
- Cities and Towns in Art
- Salt in the City
… and loads more on Faith and Ethics …
Check out the Baylor University’s Christian Reflection Project for materials on other areas of life where faith and ethics intersect – to inform your thoughts and your prayers. Also a great resource for group discussions.
Note: Besides articles, there are also study guides provided, for example this one on Consumerism.
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