WEDNESDAY, December 11
[Frederick Howden, Jr.]

In the Bebemba tribe in South Africa, when a person acts unjustly or commits an offense, the entire village gathers. The people of the village form a large circle where the accused person stands unfettered. Then, each person of the tribe shares with the accused, one at a time, the good things that person has done. They bombard the accused person with their good deeds, kind words, and compassionate actions. They praise the accused’s strengths, good attributes, and kindnesses. This can go on for days until everyone in the village has had a chance to offer a word. At the end, the circle is broken, and the accused person is welcomed back into the community, and they celebrate.

Imagine how different our communities of faith would be if we practiced circles of caring. Imagine how different our world would be if we followed the example of the Bebemba. I imagine the Beloved Community of Christ being built on circles of compassion, with Jesus, the Prince of Peace, leading us along the Way.

MOVING FORWARD: Follow the example of the Bebemba the next time someone has wronged you.