The Company You Keep

December 6-12   New Orleans is divided into a number of neighborhoods.  One of the most difficult part of organizing recovery efforts is the fact that each neighborhood advocates for its own needs and wants… some neighborhoods are louder than others.   But since Katrina, we have been actively working on remediating mold and other pollutants in our neighborhoods.  Once the remediation is done, we can begin to rebuild or develop the structure of buildings and communities… rebuilding our infrastructure has proven to be quite a challenge.   As we enter the second Sunday of Advent, we continue to look forward to coming of something better.  The first reading from the Baruch reads, “for God is leading Israel in joy by the light of his glory, with his mercy and justice for company.”   What a great image: we are led to rebuild our city in joy by the light of God’s glory, with God’s mercy and justice for company.   From the volunteers to the friends that we have developed over the years as Katrina’s waters brought down walls that previously divided communities, we are all called to a better community… one that is in God’s light.  And we are reminded that our God is willing to enter into our chaos and be one, like us… and this is the company we keep.   When you look at your life, who are the people you spend most time with?  Who are the people whose influence is persuasive in your life?  In what ways is Christ a part of the company you keep?  How can you continue to make room for Christ this week?