Why Hope?
In celebration of and thanksgiving for the life and ministry of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I thought I would try and distill a couple of reasons he gave for us to stay steadfastly hopeful.
Shine
We believe in a light that gives direction, clarity and warmth. A light that gives courage, comfort and enlarges community. A light that cannot be extinguished by religious calcification, political egocentrism or judicial dereliction.
Intervened
He came to us, half man half God. Welcomed by all creation but we could not find room for him at the inn. On his father’s side, he was a descendant of Jewish royalty. On his mother’s side, no pedigree at all.
Amazing Peace
Believers and Non-Believers, Look heavenward and speak the word aloud. Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud. Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves, And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation.
Christmas Crossroad
At her crossroad, Mary remembered her God is a promise keeper. Now, she can accept and acclaim that God’s purpose for her life is the highest purpose for her life.
Nearness
God’s nearness demands a response. Not like a command or rude insistence but like being prompted by an undeniable truth like real friendship, forgiveness, and love.
Thanksgiving Message 2022
This Thanksgiving as we gather at table, let us celebrate with a defiant joy that our God enfleshed in the person of Jesus Christ is bigger than any dilemma that seeks to undo us. “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for God’s mercy endures forever.” Happy Thanksgiving Day.
The Question
When we talk we say, I know what the financial market says about this moment and I know what the news says about this moment, still, but what does God say is possible in this moment?’ That question keeps us attuned to God in the moment.
Attuned to the Moment
To each generation the invitation goes out not to simply pass time, kill time or consume moments but to attune ourselves to what God is doing in the moment and then join God with all that we are and all that we have.
Together
Here comes Jesus with his big heart, clear words, and refusal to retreat from us. “Love enemies” he says, “Bless those who curse you. Fill the beggar’s cup. Give the shirt off your back.”