Beloved Friends-
This Sunday we will gather once again- both for Trinity@Home at 9:00 (and “anytime thereafter”) and for Trinity@316 at 10:00. When we do, we will hear familiar words from the gospel of Matthew including:
Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
And no matter how many times I have read this passage over the years, as is often the case with scripture, each time I read it and slow down to take in the words, I always hear something new. This week I am drawn to the words “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless…” These words help me remember that we are not just called out into ministry but are equipped because we need the help and support. Too often these days, when we hear of another shooting or another political debacle, it is easy to be filled with hopelessness and despair.
Reading those words today amidst our ministry context right now reminds me of Martin Luther King Jr.’s final book, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? While it was written in 1967, many of his words still feel as timely and relevant in 2023, now 56 years later. Flipping through the pages, readers today will find words that could have been written during this current season of unrest, despair, violence, challenge, heartache and perseverance. Of the many words to lift up, my eye was drawn to this succinct, profound and mind-mending proposition:
Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.
This month we have been celebrating Gay Pride month while also engaging in the difficult, and necessary gospel driven work of wrestling with the pandemic of gun violence all around us. We are talking and struggling together about next steps and what we might do to respond in ways consistent with our call as disciples and followers of Christ.
Thank you to those who gathered after our in-person service last Sunday; we had good conversation and are starting to explore different paths and connections in our community. We will continue to keep you updated as we build up our relationship with Mom’s Demand Action, and have started conversations with other local churches also willing and wanting to join our efforts.
So yes, there is much work to do and sometimes we can feel lost or helpless. But these are the times to remember we are not alone and that our call is deep and wide. May we together remember each day these inspiring words:
Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.
And may you never forget that you are loved.
Lisa