Romans 10:12-13: For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
No difference? Really? There are so many ways that we are different–the way we look, the food we eat, the way we think, the traditions we honor, the way we worship. Individual differences make us unique. Cultural differences make the world more colorful and more appetizing – literally. (Who doesn’t like cinnamon from Sri Lanka?) If the Apostle Paul is erasing differences in this passage, what’s his deeper point and what’s the takeaway for how we relate to one another across our differences?
Prayer: Good and gracious God, Who loves and delights in all people, we stand in awe before You, knowing that the spark of life within each person on earth is the spark of your divine life. Differences among cultures and races are multicolored manifestations of Your Light. May our hearts and minds be open to celebrate similarities and differences among our sisters and brothers. We place our hopes for racial harmony in our committed action and in Your Presence in our Neighbor. May all peoples live in Peace. –Sisters of Mercy
Tongue on Fire 