
Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us…So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgement, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us.
-1 John 4:11-12, 16-19
“Love your neighbor, y’all” it’s a catchy slogan from a local real estate brokerage (smart marketing, right?), and I’m reminded when I see their signs around town how much New Orleanians really truly do love their neighbors. I’ve been amazed reflecting on the number of community fridges and lil’ free pantries around town, the food delivery to our immigrant neighbors, and the ongoing ministries with food (like Trinity’s own Loaves & Fishes and Migrant Ministries), that regularly happen side by side with traditional canned food drives and community food banks.
I am truly in awe and gratitude for the people who make sure the pantries and fridges are cleaned regularly, host electricity at their space, continue to fill the fridges and pantries with food, host canned food drives, volunteer to package and deliver groceries, and donate items needed by our neighbors. I think what amazes me is the selflessness of these acts-it’s not something you get public acclaim for or even see the people who benefit from it. It’s just a simple way to feed and love your neighbors who are hungry.
If you’re interested in learning more, the New Orleans Community Fridge page on Facebook is the most active listing of what’s been dropped off at which fridge location, and there’s a separate Facebook page just for our Lil’ Free Pantry in Algiers Point (this one also provides coats, pet food, and toiletries to our neighbors). For today’s music, please enjoy this little song and film clip from an old Disney film, The North Avenue Irregulars. I loved this film growing up, and the song popped in my head as I was writing this-I think members of our choir might especially enjoy it!
Musical Reflection - “Pass a Little Love Around” (Strawberry Shortcake, The North Avenue Irregulars)
Thank you God for giving us so much that we are able to freely share what we have with others. Thank you Jesus, for teaching us to love as first loved us. And thank you Holy Spirit, for inspiring us to give more to others. Amen


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