Living the Serenity Prayer

In today's Gospel (Mark 6: 1-13) Jesus gives advice that is very similar to the Serenity Prayer: "God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the way we can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
Jesus himself was rejected by members of his own family and his own home town. We read: "He could do no acts of power there because of their lack of faith." Nevertheless Jesus sends us out, to share the message of God's saving love with the world. He realizes that some people will receive us and our message, and some will not, because at this time they do not have the "capacity" to receive it. Jesus tells us to wipe the dust from our feet, and move on to the next town, where hearts may be open to the message. We realize, however, that there is no one beyond GOD'S POWER to heal!

[@richevy5224]

AMEN! ❤🙏

[@barbaralaplume1379]

Beautiful sermon. Certainly gives us pause to think. Barbara

[@frankploof252]

This attracted my attention as I've worked with the street homeless for 10+ years now and couldn't do it well without a realistice change practice and Serenity is a best practice... Something to share from Claude and I:
"Moral Man and Immoral Society" is one of Reinhold Niebuhr's most influential works. Published in 1932, this book is considered a landmark in Christian ethics and social philosophy. Here are some key points about the book:
1. Main Thesis: Niebuhr argues that there's a fundamental disconnect between individual morality and group behavior. He posits that individuals can be moral, but groups and societies tend to be self-interested and less ethical.
2. Critique of Liberal Idealism: Niebuhr challenges the prevailing optimistic view that education and reason alone can solve social problems. He argues that this view underestimates the role of power and self-interest in group dynamics.
3. Power and Justice: The book emphasizes the importance of power in achieving social justice. Niebuhr contends that purely moral suasion is insufficient to bring about significant social change.
4. Realism in International Relations: Niebuhr's ideas influenced the field of international relations, promoting a "Christian realism" that acknowledges the role of self-interest and power in global politics.
5. Critique of Pacifism: While respecting individual pacifists, Niebuhr argues against pacifism as a social philosophy, believing that it fails to address the realities of power and conflict in society.
6. Social Ethics: The book laid the groundwork for Niebuhr's later works on social ethics, emphasizing the complexity of moral decision-making in a societal context.
7. Influence: "Moral Man and Immoral Society" has had a lasting impact on political theory, theology, and social ethics. It's often cited in discussions about the relationship between individual morality and collective behavior.
This work represents Niebuhr's shift from a more optimistic liberal Christianity to a more realistic and nuanced view of human nature and society. It remains relevant in discussions about social justice, political realism, and the ethical challenges of collective action.