Our “I Am…” series has been full of wonderful insights and reflections. As we continue to move through Lent, members of Saint Luke are sharing reflections about who we are in Christ here on our blog. These thoughtful prompts will also gather us together and lead us into a weekly time of connection on Zoom.
Earlier this week, we heard from Ian Roth and today Jodi Cunniffe helps us continue to reflect on being welcomed.
I Am Welcomed
In full transparency, I am writing this blog at the last minute. There is much going on in my life at the moment but I am so very grateful to share some of my thoughts and insights into “Being Welcomed”. I am sitting at my dining room table eating homemade chicken soup accompanied by a piece of matzoh and butter. A simple meal that reminds me of childhood seders and that Passover is coming. Ironically, or maybe not so much, John Chapter 12 begins “Six days before Passover….” In fact, at this writing Passover is in a little over six days depending on when you count sundown.
COVID-19 has been a blessing to me in many ways. It is the catalyst that led me to the Saint Luke community. I was worshipping at another christian church that was “pushing in-person” worship and actively excluding other people who were not “like minded”. This was a dark time, one year ago, and I felt very isolated from community but never from God. God led me from Judaism to Christianity and Buddhism. I prayed to God to show me the path I was to follow; knowing full well that God would lead me there. “I will be the God of all the tribes of Israel, and they shall be my people.” Jeremiah: 31-1. I knew as a child of Israel, God always had my back. Indeed, God led me to the community of Saint Luke. I remember watching my first service online and feeling such a sense of peace when I read the words, “All are welcome, No exceptions.” Your welcoming presence and unconditional love and support for each other and individuals who are marginalized radiated across the screen each week. I am thankful to be a part of this community; you are joy bringers.
The social science definition of community is a group of people whose connections and relations are formed by their shared history, experiences, geographies and identities. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks has observed that “religion creates community, community creates altruism, and altruism turns us away from self and toward the common good … and good neighborliness.” Jesus characterizes altruism at its deepest core. Jesus showed us unconditional love and assured us that the love of God toward people is infinite and forgiving. Jesus always shows the community the “way” by simple yet profound messages. Prior to the death of Jesus, Jesus said to them, “The light will be among you only a little while. Walk while you have the light so that darkness may not overcome you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where [they] are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become the children of the light.”
Jesus wants the best for us, but knows we will encounter challenges along the way. When we welcome others into our communities, families and sacred spaces, we lean toward the light. God is smiling on us. Sister Ilia Delio teaches, “The humility of God is about God but it is also about us. It is about a God who remains faithful amidst the disorder of the world and it is about the ability to love well in a world of chaos. As Christians it is what we are called to do, to love well in a world that is often competitive, self serving and struggles for survival; to find God at the often messy centers of our lives so that we can find God hidden in the fragile faces and fragmented spaces of humanity.” It is also about creating welcoming communities of love and healing.
Heavenly Father, we come to the close of another day. Thank you for the bountiful blessings and protection upon each day. We love you Lord for all the amazing things you do for us each day. Continue to surround us with your grace and protection and help us rest completely in your unfailing love. Help us to follow our own star of light and let us learn from the darkness. Give us peaceful sleep till the breaking of a new day. We pray this in Jesus name, Amen
PONDER & SHARE
When have you felt most welcomed?
When did you feel you were in a dark place and leaned toward the light?