Message: Transformative Love
Scripture: Luke 19:1-10
This Sunday, the 5th Sunday in Lent we’ll be reading about the tax collector Zacchaeus and how he climbed a tree to be able to see Jesus pass by on his way through Jericho. And we’ll talk about what this can tell us about who we are per what the world sees verses what God knows as our creator.
HOWEVER! I want to take this space to talk about something else – maybe something more important… Yesterday, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) held the Senate floor for over 25 hours in an effort to raise awareness around the current efforts to destroy democracy of this country. He spent this time reading statistics and relaying personal stories; talking about the real concerns of those losing social security, medicare, medicaid, and veteran care. He reminded us of the late Sen. John Lewis’s courage against racism and for civil rights. And he spoke of his commitment in faith and how his faith directs his actions in the senate and in all of his life. Indeed we too are people of faith. As I watched/listened to Senator Booker speak I wondered, how does my faith direct me to stand for democracy? How does it call me to lead all of you into the streets on behalf of liberty and justice for all people? I think we can discern answers to these questions while we are simultaneously fighting for the kind of democracy of which our forebearers dreamed.
*** One way we can do this is at the “Hands Off” rally on the Boston Common this Saturday beginning at 11am. I am deeply regretful that I (likely) cannot be there but if there is a group from the church – or individuals! – who are seeking a place to participate in “good trouble” please oh please go! And take pictures! Represent yourselves and us as you march for freedom!
Peace,
Cheryl
Music:
Prelude: “Fugue IV:5 in E Minor” Johann Pachelbel
Anthem: “Lord to Thee We Turn” Orlando di Lasso
Meditation: “The Crucifixion” Samuel Barber Marina Khankhalaeva, mezzo soprano
Postlude: “Fugue VI:8 in F” Johann Pachelbel