|
Sanctuary is less a program than a way of life,
less a place than a presence. It is both verb -- something
we do -- and noun -- a condition that exists. It is
both human construction and the activity of God in human
relationships. Sanctuary exists where people feel
unthreatened, safe, and valued -- whether they deserve it
or not.
When Jesus came to the defense of a woman caught committing
adultery when the church leaders of that day were ready
to stone her to death, he said, "Whoever is without
sin, let them cast the first stone." And all the
accusers slowly drifted away. In that moment, Jesus embodied
the culture we call Sanctuary. It is this Jesus we
seek to honor and imitate.
|