Editor’s Note: Summer is traditionally a time for vacation, fun and rest. I’m going to honor that tradition by posting for Critical Conversations every other week in July and taking August off. My July posts will be Tuesday July 15 and 29. 

Last week was a painful and sad week with the passing by Congress of the 2025 budget with so many cuts to programs serving our neighbors who are hungry, economically fragile, and/or facing major health challenges. The same budget devastates progress on facing climate change and preserving our precious environment and extends unneeded and unjust tax relief for the wealthy. 

I invite you to join me in listening in those summer time quiet moments for what is ours to do individually and collectively to love our neighbors. How do we best work for a just and fair country by paying attention to how our neighbors are hurt by this bill and offering concrete and tangible support?  What needs to be done differently in the next elections to nominate and elect representatives who believe government should serve us all, particularly those in need? 

May your faith continue to sustain you and love bring you joy in this time of renewal.

Tom Adams