Morning Prayers for the World

The church bells are ringing... As I sit at Java on Ocean sifting through the Chronicle I can hear the bells of St. Emydius ringing just a block away. It signifies the election of the new pope. I wouldn't have guessed how meaningful this process would be to an increasingly secular Western world. But, here we are... People who practice no religion are talking about it and watching this antiquated process live in real time. As the white smoke rises from the Vatican and a pope emerges in white robes I hope for God's goodness to shine through it all. I believe God is not constrained by religious traditions of any sort. Though I know religion may never be purely centered on Jesus' ways I hope that it may somehow act as a force for God's goodness, healing, and love in all the earth. So let it be.

Third Places. Sipping my strong coffee I'm joined by a neighbor. He and his wife are activists for many quality of life issues in the south-western portion of our city. This kind of incidental running into people is common in community gathering places or "third places." First places being homes, second places being work environments, and third places are community nodes like cafes, parks, rec. centers, etc. We discuss some upcoming projects like the building of our new Ingleside library. We'll have some fundraising to do for the interior work. And an upcoming gathering to promote the OMI Cultural Participation Project - a labor of love we've both served for the past few years. I quietly thank God for third places like Java on Ocean where neighbors can gather, connect, and bump into each other.

Soon after I'm joined by another neighbor who's not quite himself today. He's depressed over his "wasted years." He's normally ready with a smile and a handshake, but not this day. He sits for a few minutes between cleaning tables and shares some details I'd never know apart from running into him in our third place. Within minutes of talking, listening, and a little care he's lifted just a bit. I offer a prayer for direction and openings for him. I didn't do much, but I think I was in the right place to be there for a friend.

Okay I'm off to the rest of the day...