For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.

As we enter the 2nd week of the nation wide strike between GM and the UAW, I pray that the who are sitting at the negotiating table – on both sides – take the time the read our Gospels for the past couple of days.  Yesterday, we were taught the lesson of the importance of being a good steward with the gifts God has given us.  Today, we hear Christ talking about being a lamp, one that is bright and sheds light on those who enter may see the light.

Jesus said to the crowd:
“No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel
or sets it under a bed;
rather, he places it on a lampstand
so that those who enter may see the light.
For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible,
and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.

Take care, then, how you hear.
To anyone who has, more will be given,
and from the one who has not,
even what he seems to have will be taken away.”

To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.  Be honest and open with all those sitting at the table negotiating this contract.  Not only are the lives of those who work at GM (both salaried and union) will be affected by this current strike, but also the lives of many who depend on GM and their production and have no say in these negotiations; those companies and their employees who provide services and products to GM but are currently on hold until this strike is settled.

Yesterday’s first reading should also be read by all involved…

Hear this, you who trample upon the needy
and destroy the poor of the land!
“When will the new moon be over,” you ask,
“that we may sell our grain,
and the sabbath, that we may display the wheat?
We will diminish the ephah,
add to the shekel,
and fix our scales for cheating!
We will buy the lowly for silver,
and the poor for a pair of sandals;
even the refuse of the wheat we will sell!”
The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob:
Never will I forget a thing they have done!

The Lord is watching, all who are affected by this strike are watching.  Please negotiate what is fair and just for ALL involved in this strike.  It is my hope and prayer that a settlement can be achieved sooner rather than later.  I pray that all who need this negotiation to be settled quickly find the courage and needs to maintain until it is over.

Do something great for out Lord today – say a prayer for all those on the picket, behind the picket, all the employees of GM – both UAW and salaried and all the businesses that support the plant(s).

God’s will, not mine, be done.

Be not afraid; just have faith.

Jesus, I trust in You.

He must increase; I must decrease.