Fourteen years ago this week, one of my church members was murdered in our gathering space on a Sunday morning as we prepared to begin Pentecost worship. Some Christians were disturbed that his women’s reproductive health practice included abortion services and labeled him an evil threat and worse. For years, various groups and individuals plotted strategies to destroy his medical practice and inflict injury to him and his staff. One finally succeeded.
Among the trauma and grief that followed, the Christian witness of love and inclusion at Reformation Lutheran (ELCA) was made public. We had not been private about who we were in any way, but now it was on display for the world to see. Many offered words of support and encouragement, while others chose to offer admonition or hate. Even some family and friends chose to leverage this moment as a corrective to who I was as a pastor or person.
Sometimes, we want to keep our Christian faith private. We worship, serve, give, and pray, not wishing to draw any attention to ourselves. This is good and faithful, but be aware that sometimes following Jesus is a public act. However, as we go about our daily tasks, the Spirit of God uses us as a vessel to bring more peace, hope, love, and joy into the world. Sometimes, living out our Christian faith even leads us into public spaces boldly declaring God’s unconditional love for all.
Some of Jesus’ first public words in Matthew’s account remind us of our public witness. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, giving light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). Even as you read this, you are the light of the world.
My colleague in ministry and our Director of Faith Formation Angie Seiller recently wrote about why we are tie-dying rainbow T-shirts, passing out water at the Hamilton Pride Festival, and marching in two different Pride parades this month.
“Sharing unconditional acceptance is a year-round journey but Pride Month in June is an additional opportunity to share God’s love and healing affirmation… By outwardly proclaiming God’s love for all, we can send a life-changing message to those in the LGBTQ+ community, their families, and friends. We desperately need voices that spread God’s inclusive love to counteract the messages from so many Christians that condemn those made in God’s image. It is a small step in the healing process.”
I know that we’re all at different places on our journey. We’re also gifted differently in the ways that we share the love of Jesus. That is one of the greatest gifts of life in community!
Wherever you go and whatever you do, I pray that you continue to know the love of Christ that will not let you go and that this hope in the risen Jesus Christ continues to radiate from you to the world.
Shine where you are!
Pastor Lowell