Friday, November 11, 2016

A Pastoral Word After the Election

Before the election, my prayers focused on work that would begin November 9 - the day after the election. Together with other religious leaders, I knew the divisions of our society would be fully exposed by America's choices. Yet still, like many of you, I was stunned by the tenor and societal outcomes of our presidential election.

So in light of concerns that I see and feel among many in our church and community, I want to offer a word of pastoral leadership on a few counts. Let me be clear, this is not a word I offer on behalf of the Session or any church council. It is a matter of instinct and conviction that comes from my own heart.

We have valuable gifts to share. I believe our congregation is fulfilling its calling to inspire our community and the world. We will accomplish this calling in many ways. But in today's climate, I want to underscore some timely gifts that we offer.

We are a gentle and safe community. Our hospitality extends through the breadth of society: from the unemployed to the corporate CEO; from the homeless to the privileged; from single to married; from gay to straight; from Republican to Democrat and to people of every race and ethnicity.  Do not underestimate the power of this welcome. We transform the world by our gentleness and our care for one another creates a spiritual home in which it is safe to be as you are by the grace of God in Jesus Christ.

We advocate for justice. The human rights and freedoms we enjoy are a privilege we work to share with others. We pray for and stand beside those who feel threatened in our culture today: Persons of color who feel treated as if their lives are of lesser value; Persons of other religions who feel wrongly maligned because of their faith; Persons of the LGBTQI community who fear a tone is being set in society that condones discrimination and could even turn a blind eye to violence; Persons of varied political convictions who feel their conscience is wrongfully attacked or demeaned; Persons who immigrate, whether working in our labs or laboring to serve our tables; Sisters and daughters who feel their dignity and rights are assailed by foul language or violent innuendo.

We speak truth in love. The words that we speak have great power to heal or to wound. It pains me to have to define this so clearly. But foul language and boastful descriptions of abusive behavior are not acceptable in any setting.  It is not acceptable in our church, our homes, or even in a locker room or bar. It is not acceptable for a Christian to pass off such speech simply because "everyone else is doing it."  We speak truth to each other in love. Our congregation certainly does not agree on all things. But we do know how to speak with each other in ways that demonstrate respect and kindness.

The weeks and months ahead may require us to speak or act outside of our normal comfort zones. But we are able to do so in ways that remain true to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Our tradition continues to honor those who hold public office. John Calvin believed the most significant vocation was not that of pastor. He believed the role of the politicians and civil magistrates were most greatly to be esteemed. Those vocations have the capacity to do both the greatest good and greatest harm. So we pray for President Elect Trump and all about to assume office who will hold the public trust.

Yet this is not a blind trust. We have long understood that all in this world, from the most humble to the most powerful, will stand accountable to God in the last analysis.  We claim the ultimate sovereignty of God over all life.  Our vision of the world is informed by our prayers seeking God's will.

John Calvin famously wrote to King Francis in his day and quoted 1 Timothy 4:10 saying, "we have our hope set on the living God." So we both carry that as a challenge for the world and a comfort for our souls. Our task is even more crucial today. Have courage, friends.

Frederic Edwin Church - Above the Clouds at Sunrise

I will close with a short Irish poem. I like the gentleness of its words. It was recorded from the lips of a classic bard in Ireland. Anthony Raftery was an underprivileged blind man who spoke with a song in his gentle heart. He offered his words wherever he went. His nation was grateful and honored him with a burial in County Galway's Cemetery of Poets.  This is his song. What will be yours?

I am Raftery the poet
Full of hope and love
With no light in my eyes
With gentleness that has no misery

Going west upon my pilgrimage

By the light of my heart
Though feeble and tired
To the end of my rove.

Behold me now

With my back to the wall
Playing music
Unto empty pockets.