As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
(Colossians 3:12 NRSV)

A few days ago I saw a television special report about one of God’s chosen ones—Sergeant Kevin Briggs. For the past 20 years he has served in a special detail as a member of the California Highway Patrol. Kevin’s overall job was to oversee the safety of the Golden Gate Bridge. In addition to managing all the accidents, speeding violations, and broken down vehicles, he has also prevented over 200 suicides during his tenure of service.
 
The interviewer, Steve Harvey, asked Sergeant Briggs how he was able to “get through” to all those people who had already climbed over to the outside part of the bridge to get ready to jump. The officer replied, “95% of what I did was active listening.”
 
Pastor and writer, Eugene Peterson, once said that it is fairly easy to share Christ with others. But what many people need is for God’s chosen ones “to listen deeply to them in Christ.” We have a lot to learn from Kevin Briggs and Eugene Peterson. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. I can think of very few ministries that are more important in our daily lives than listening deeply to the pain and joy of others.

Prayer for Emergency Workers
(Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 85)
God of earth and air, water and fire, height and depth, we pray for those who work in danger, who rush in to bring hope and help and comfort when others flee to safety, whose mission is to seek and save, serve and protect, and whose presence embodies the protection of the Good Shepherd. Give them caution and concern for one another, so that in safety they may do what must be done, under your watchful eye. Support them in their courage and dedication that they may continue to save lives, ease pain, and mend the torn fabric of lives and social order; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Contributed by Pastor Dan
Monday August 4, 2014
Liturgical Year A: Week 36
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday Gospel reading: Proper 13
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost