For The Healing of the Nations
Revelation 21: 10,22 - 22:5
Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching
I am grateful to Jacob Perez, who preached on a moment's notice last week when I could not speak due to laryngitis. His sermon inspired me to reflect deeply on what God is calling us to do and to be as we strive to begin the healing of the nations. God brings us together to serve the work of love and liberation. The ultimate power of this work within us cannot be destroyed, confined, or controlled by forces of evil. God will prevail. God does prevail.
And God is always working urgently through us to bring an end to suffering and oppression.
Every day that God's people suffer is one too many. Therefore, God helps us recognize that we need each other to heal, grow, and face with courage all that works against the possibilities of ending suffering. We cannot live faithfully with mindsets or practices of isolation. Living our faith is a collective pursuit. The invitation to "come and follow," to come and live in the ways of God, to come and be transformed by grace for the sake of our collective life is always extended to us.
My friend and colleague, Dr. Sharon R. Fennema, serves as the Join the Movement toward Racial Justice Curator with UCC National Ministries. She has written a book, Building Up a New World Liturgical Resources, and in the chapter "Healing Sustains Our Organizing," she writes about this passage:
"Healing is a journey of stitching back together what was fragmented by the suffering of trauma - in mind body, and spirit. It is mending the soul by way of learning how to be in healthy relationship with self and others...Social justice organizing is actually healing work. We are healing ourselves as we are healing the systems that harm...Integrated, layered healing in movement is an opportunity to receive and reciprocate healing as we heal these harmful systems, not just reaching for healing after we are specifically impacted and realize we need healing. We always need healing and healing should always be available" (119, 124, 127).
Music this week:
I Love You Lord
Holy is the Lord
Open the Eyes of My Heart
Sanctuary
I Have a Hope
I Surrender All
Take My Life