At Passover, our annual joy of recollecting our freedom must respectfully acknowledge its tragic cost. The Midrash reminds us that in each of the sinking Egyptians was at least a speck of good. It is up to us to find that speck in each other before we all end up at the bottom of the sea together.

Each Friday in The Christian Citizen, we publish a Religion News Roundup with summaries of religion news stories and links for those who want to read more.

It can feel like what is happening in Washington is a galaxy away and that we can do little to affect it, but what we do in our local communities matters a great deal. What matters most is that we do not cease to build.

The worst thing that can harm a woodlot is to decrease the diversity. The same is true for our schools, our healthcare, our workplaces, our media outlets, our churches, our government, and our culture.

While theologically, there are debates over what happens at communion, it is my opinion that in our rushed society we are neglecting the sign and seal of God’s presence in a gathered community. We are too polarized, too divided, or thinking a little too much about lunch that we miss the ways we ought to enjoy the meal before us. It is more than just a snack; it is more than holy goldfish.