Deuteronomy 6:4-9
4 Israel, listen! Our God is the Lord! Only the Lord!
5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your being, and all your strength. 6 These words that I am commanding you today must always be on your minds. 7 Recite them to your children. Talk about them when you are sitting around your house and when you are out and about, when you are lying down and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them on your hand as a sign. They should be on your forehead as a symbol. 9 Write them on your house’s doorframes and on your city’s gates.
Reflection
Israel’s response to struggle of exile and the journey through Sinai is a recommitment to faithfulness in heart, mind, and soul. They taught their children what was important by repeating shared stories which provided meaning and purpose, helping to shape their understanding of what it meant to be a part of Israel.
Questions
- What stories does your family tell about you? How have those stories shaped your identity?
- Are the stories which shape your identity ones which have had a positive impact, or have they caused struggle and heartache? What about the ones you tell of others?
Prayer: God, you tell us we are your child. Help us to hear and share the stories which shape a life of service, generosity, open hearts, and strong minds. Amen.