Serving Sustains

Over the course of the week, I have had many conversations with a wide variety people that hold vastly different political worldviews. The common theme is an intense emotional response, albeit either intensely positive or negative. Even though elections create winners and losers, they are fundamental to our democratic system. I am praying for a continued peaceful transition of power from the current and incumbent office holders.

Regardless of our political allegiances, many people feel anxious and fearful. Although the monsters we fear may look different, I think everyone can relate to the feeling. Traditionally, the response to fear is either fight or flight. As the Church, I urge you to resist fighting. We must put down our fists and open our ears as we better listen to our neighbors. Of course, we will always stand for justice, work for peace, and proclaim the Good News. Still, we must become better listeners.

As the Church, I also urge you to resist the reaction of flight as well. This is the response that I work daily to curb. Do not give up on humanity. When we give up on humanity, it eventually crushes our faith in God. We must resist the temptation to reject community and togetherness. In the face of massive disagreement, the Church has historically tended to splinter off into smaller and smaller segments of people who look and think similarly. This response is a death sentence, not just of the Church, but more importantly, to God. If the Trinity teaches us anything, it’s that God is communal. Like it or not, we need each other.

The voice of the Church is needed now more than ever. People are going to need a positive example of how to live together and disagree… let them look to the Church. We will acknowledge and protect the voice of every human being, especially if that voice is not being heard, and especially if we disagree with that voice. This as a moment when we are being challenged to take our values seriously. Do we believe what we profess, that all people are created by God? Will we take Jesus seriously when he calls us to love one another?

My beloveds, I pray that God will open pathways of healing and hope. I pray that we make time for more prayer in our lives. I pray that we turn both inward to God, and outward toward the God we find in our neighbors. And if you are wondering what we will do between our prayers, the same as always… serve others. Serving is what keeps us moving forward. Ministries such as Feeding the 5000 is what restores my hope. Over the course of this busy week ahead, please find a role to fill and a way to engage. Being a part of all that we will accomplish is what provides sustaining food for the soul. May the Lord always keep us hungry to serve and fed by serving.

Loving relentlessly,

Pastor Lucas