August 27, 2020

Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

Exodus 2:23-24
I meet with a clergy covenant group every Tuesday via Zoom.  Together, we are studying the book How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi.  It is easy to not think about racism.  It feels good to say I treat everybody the same.  I feel better about myself when I say at least I am not like those really racist people.  But denying there is a problem and excusing my actions and inactions are not helping.  Times like these call us to wade into uncomfortable places and have difficult conversations.

The Israelites groaned and cried out for help.  They were suffering injustice and oppression. They were seeking freedom and change. God heard their groaning and remembered their covenant.  

In the last few days, many have called out to God for change.  The Detroit Lions, the Milwaukee Bucks, Doc Rivers, Robert Horry, the NBA, Jacob Blake's sister, The United Methodist Church...

All of us have an opportunity to make the change that is needed.  Perhaps it begins by remembering the covenant that God made with God’s people. And by remembering our covenant with Christ and one another in our baptisms.  Then we can work to dismantle racism within us, among us, and around us.

As we pray for steps we can make to address the pain, violence, and unrest in our country, let us also be in prayer for those who are suffering the effects of the hurricane that made landfall this morning.  We have lots to pray for today.  May God be our strength and guide.

Peace,
Dean