This morning, Lord,
I heard the « first confessions » of some 40 second graders.
There’s little variety in the sins they confess:
« fighting with my brothers and sisters »
is common to all – except those who have no siblings.
The sad part is that as we grow older
this remains, in one form or another,
the most common sin of all:
we’re still at odds with our sisters and brothers…
We argue with, fight, disparage and ignore
betray, resent and badmouth others
be they siblings, spouses, neighbors or strangers,
townsfolk, colleagues, opponents or classmates…
On the international scene
we fight with our sisters and brothers
in wars, invasions, armed conflicts, incursions,
cold war, terrorism, battles and bloodshed…
In business we abuse our brothers and sisters
through hostile take-overs and cut-throat deals
for profit margins and market shares,
for revenue, ranking and kickbacks…
Since Cain and Abel we’ve fought with our siblings
out of jealousy, bitterness, fear and greed
and confess again – and again and again –
our failure to love our neighbor…
Help us grow up and out of these habits,
help us to finally change our ways;
it’s your commandment, your wisdom and law,
Lord, help us to love one another…
Protect us, Lord while we’re awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
Brother, Sister, Let Me Serve You by Richard Gillard
