Where others fear to tread

Today, my first Sunday at Tantur, I shared in the most personal mass I have ever celebrated, only myself and the presider, Fr. Russ, the Rector of Tantur. I was the lector and the readings were among my favorites, even Paul, who sometimes frustrates me, gave us the timeless: all the commandments can be summed up in one word: Love. Love God. Love your neighbor as yourself.

At the intentions, I asked (as I ask you now) for prayers for my nephew Todd, who is the leader of a Search & Rescue team. They were in Houston for the aftermath of Harvey, and then, without even going home (to Denver, CO, area), they moved on to Orlando to wait for orders when Irma’s path became clear. And they will be there too, searching for the living to be rescued from the rubble.

Last night I saw some video footage of a fire truck from the west coast cruising on the empty south-bound lanes of a Florida superhighway. The person who posted it said the footage made her weep.

These rescuers and first responders — they go where others fear to go, and they do it for no reason other than they love their neighbors and do everything they can to help. Blessings and prayers for Todd and his team, and for all the first responders who put themselves in harm’s way to help others.

Author: kathleenschatzberg

I'm a writer, an educator -- 45 years in education, 35 of them in community colleges -- and a lifelong advocate for justice (community colleges are, in fact, instruments of social justice). I have always been passionate about learning, traveling, and understanding the world's religions and political systems. This "Crossroads" blog offers my reflections on living for 7 months as a volunteer at Tantur Ecumenical Institute. On a hill in Jerusalem, within sight of Bethlehem, Tantur hosts students, scholars, and seeker for interfaith engagement and theological and biblical study. View all posts by kathleenschatzberg