The Tribune

By Rev. Angela Palacious

There is so much that makes us who we are, but as we move toward the next stage of national maturity, let us think about our personal contributions to this growth, focus on our strengths and develop them as much as possible. If we all pool these strengths, there is no telling what we will accomplish.
Our country is a blend of many persons from different backgrounds, with varied experiences. The gift of dialogue will help us to learn each other’s personal language.

For those of us who find ourselves in a particular grouping, with a common goal, there is strength in unity of vision. For example, those of us who are Christian people in the Caribbean, we are called to express ourselves in the ecumenical family; let us all remember the calling of our baptism to make disciples:

“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “…how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:12-15)

As I have stated elsewhere, “if what Jesus Christ has done for us is good news and our baptism commissions us to share that good news, then let us embrace both our identity as a gloriously redeemed sinner and adopted child of God, along with our life purpose of joyfully serving the Lord, and minister in the Caribbean and beyond, as instruments of God’s love, peace and saving grace.

We all have a vital role to play in the development of our country, and our Church. Our call as Christians is to love and worship the Lord, to model and teach Christian values, to work for justice and for righteousness to prevail. Shared leadership embraces the reality of the pooling of resources, the recognition of strengths and weaknesses, the vision of partnership in relationship in the home and wider society, where respect, consideration, encouragement and praise foster an image of humanity at its best, made in the likeness and image of God.

The future has been entrusted to us; let us handle it with great care. Psalm 16; 5-11 sums it up well: 5 “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage. 7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. 10 For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. 11 You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”