Today is Mother’s Day. Grace and peace to all the moms. Today is also the 6th Sunday of Easter. I was reflecting on the relationship of women to Easter. It was the women who first went to the tomb–not the men. It was the women who first met Jesus–not the men. It was the women who were first instructed to take the news of the resurrection to the disciples–not the men. Without the women, there would be no announcement of resurrection hope. So, why has the church historically silenced the women? Forgive us. Today, we’re honoring not only the women who bear children, but all women who bear good news of hope and faith. Thank you for your faithful proclamation by word and action.
Author: Bruce Ray
Nay to NATO?
Commentary by Pastor Bruce Ray
Many of us are not looking forward to the arrival of NATO in mid-May. It will interrupt transportation. It will create gridlock on highways. The police will be on high alert, creating tension and increasing the likelihood of conflict with expected protesters. Downtown will be being turned into a military zone complete with combat personnel with automatic weapons. And this is supposed to be a good thing for the city. I’m not so sure.
However, there are two special days on the May church calendar: Ascension Sunday when we recognize only one sovereign Lord: Jesus Christ, and Pentecost when we celebrate the formation of the global church by the coming of the Spirit. I find the juxtaposition of current events with these church days challenging.
The Ascension is a reminder of Who sits upon the throne and Who is above the nations. While the heads of state gather to strategize and conspire to shape the future of the globe, I am reminded that “The the One who rules in heaven laughs.” (Psalm 2:4) I am challenged to consider my allegiance and my priorities. I am a follower of Christ. I heed the call of Christ. I proclaim that Jesus–not NATO or any other nation or gathering of nations–is LORD. I am also reminded that changing the world does not come through “swords loud clashing” in the words of the great hymn, “Lead On, O King Eternal”, but through deeds of love and mercy. The methods and strategies of NATO know little of the justice of God’s rule. But there is more.
That first Pentecost was also a gathering of the nations. And what the nations heard was not a strategy for peace through control and coercion, but a proclamation of Christ, crucified, resurrected and exalted. And they were cut to the heart, led in repentance and given a new orientation. Out of the many nations, a unifying movement toward God’s new creation was birthed.
The nations are gatherings in Chicago. Protesters will be present. Police will be present. Politicians will be present. And everyone will have something to say. The Church of Jesus must also be present, finding it’s spirit-empowered voice to proclaim Christ boldly and to be a witness of God’s global plan for change, justice and righteousness. Just maybe the nations will adopt a new battle plan. Shalom.
Lent Concludes – Easter Begins
With Easter’s arrival, Lent is officially concluded. However, Easter represents the beginning of the New Creation. The next 40 Days are not a time to “go back to normal”. Easter hope gives us the motivation and power to live new lives–lives of justice and righteousness.
How have the 40 Days For Shelter changed your view of property, home, comfort, and housing for others? What specific action have you taken to address homelessness or housing instability in your community? How will you live differently beyond Lent 2012 as a result of your participation in this year’s Lenten Compact?
Take a moment to share how the 2012 Compact “40 Days For Shelter” has impacted your life.
Day 40
Who will be sitting around your table for Easter Dinner? Who can you think of that might not have a place?
Who is welcomed easily in your home or your church? Who is most likely not to be received openly? Who needs a place at your congregation’s table?
How will your Easter celebration go beyond the typical “friends and family” to reflect the new banquet invitation list?
Day 39 – Good Friday
As Gentiles, we were not included in the division of land. We were outsiders. How has the work of Christ changed Gentiles from “aliens and strangers” into people with a home? What, if anything, does God’s act of inclusion teach us about giving others a place?
For Further Reflection
We often construct fences to differentiate our property from our neighbors and enhance security. However, fences often become barriers that shout, “Keep Out!” What metaphorical fences have your erected around yourself, your home or your church that would communicate “keep out” or “not welcome”? Are those fences necessary? What will you do to tear down the barriers?
Day 38
1 Samuel 21:10-15; 1 Samuel 27:1-6
These two passages describe two different situations where David was a political refugee: In the first, David was afraid for his life and survived by acting insane. In the second, David was welcomed and given a place to live. Why do you think he was welcomed in the second situation? Do you think having his wife and children with him made a difference?
Do you respond differently to a single homeless man than to a homeless family? Why? What generalizations do people tend to make about homeless men? Immigrant men? Is it ‘just’ to treat single homeless men and homeless families differently? Why or why not?
Day 37
Jesus encountered a man who lived in a cemetery. He was not in his right mind. He was possessed by at least one demon that had isolated him from the rest of the community. How had the community responded to this man’s condition? What was Jesus’ response to him?
What is your typical reaction to people live in places that are not intended for overnight accommodations—like viaducts, parks, doorways? Do you think people are homeless because they are mentally ill or are they mentally ill because they are homeless? Rather than imprisonment or institutionalization, would action do you think Jesus would want our community to take to make sure a person is not driven to isolation?
Day 36
In this story, a Shunamite widow left her home to avoid a famine. Upon her return 7 years later, she found herself at risk of homelessness (the circumstances around her home and land are not explained) and she must go to the King for a decision.
How does her relationship with Elisha impact the King’s decision? What might have happened to her housing if she didn’t have that relationship?
Elisha is a bridge between the person at risk and the people with power. What relationship have you developed with those members of your community who are at risk? What relationship have you developed with “the kings” in your community? How can you or your church make connections to “the King” in your community to impact those who are at risk of homelessness?
Day 35
Jesus was born into a displaced family–the result of a government policy–that was unable to find a place to stay—homeless in Bethlehem. How do you think Joseph felt every time he was turned away…”no room”? Joseph and Mary found a place in a stable. What would be an equivalent location today in your community? What shelter options do people who are homeless have in your community?
Why do you think God wanted His Son to start out life in this manner? If you were a homeless or displaced family reading this story, what affect could it potentially have on you?
Day 34
Why did Naomi and her family emigrate from Israel to Moab? What other factors motivate people to leave their home countries and to emigrate? Living in a place where you do not have relatives or familiar support systems can be very frightening. While in Moab, Naomi lost her husband and her two sons. She was far from home and she was alone. If it hadn’t been for the presence and kindness of Ruth and Orpah, her Moabite daughters-in-law, Naomi probably wouldn’t have survived. Would Naomi and her family be welcomed in your community? What difficulties might immigrants face today in your community? Do you know of any immigrants that need help, protection, support? How can you advocate for their safety and security.
For Further Reflection
Rural communities throughout Mexico are suffering what the government is calling “the most severe Mexico has ever faced. “ (NY Times 1/30/12) More than 2 million people have no access to water and nearly 50% of farmland has been affected. While the Mexican government has committed $2.63 billion for relief efforts, many people are so desperate for food and water that they are migrating into cities in Mexico or to the U.S. How do you think the US should respond to this crisis? The church? How does this information challenge your view of current US Immigration policy?
Tongue on Fire 