Dear friends,
Ahmaud Arberry. Breanna Taylor. George Floyd. Three beloved children of God. Ahmaud loved to jog. Breanna was an EMT. George was a father. Each of them loved and was loved. Each brought gifts to offer our world. The world is poorer because of their deaths. We grieve the loss of these our sister and brothers.
Each of their deaths is a tragedy and an outrage. Together, they are part of a much-too-long line of killings of African-Americans that reveals the depth of racial injustice in our nation. Protests have sprung up all over the country, the vast majority of them peaceful. The rage and distress highlight the deep distrust built up over centuries of injustice.
In the midst of this disturbing week, we prepare to celebrate Pentecost–a story about violent winds and fire and chaos. We will focus on what we like to say is the true miracle of Pentecost: a miracle of understanding. The disciples were suddenly able to communicate in the various languages of the crowd and compelled to share the Good News.
A miracle of understanding. Our theme for Pentecost is apt, for it is hard to imagine how anything other than a miracle could heal the centuries of mistrust and injustice. We need a miracle–or maybe thousands of miracles.
Sometimes we envision miracles as God coming “down” from heaven to fix the mess we have made. That image leaves us with nothing to do but pray and wait. It is more helpful–and more faithful–to envision miracles as God working through us to overcome otherwise insurmountable obstacles. On our own, we cannot do it; the obstacles are too daunting. With God’s help, miracles of understanding can happen.
With this vision of miracles, our Pentecost service becomes more than a celebration of the promise of the Spirit. It becomes a challenge to commit ourselves to allowing the Spirit to work through us. It becomes our opportunity to make a promise–to take part in miracles of understanding.
To transform our nation, to bring justice and heal the deep distrust, we need thousands, if not millions, of miracles of all sizes and shapes. We need miracles of communities speaking out to demand change. We need slow, patient miracles of building trust. We need miracles of deep listening when what we hear makes us uncomfortable. We need miracles that compel us to actions that will change hearts, change deep-rooted prejudices, change laws.
The Board of Wider Mission is talking about ways we can respond, as individuals and as a community. Watch for more information and opportunities.
We look forward to celebrating Pentecost tomorrow–a joyous celebration of the Spirit at work, a challenge to open ourselves to be part of miracles of understanding.
Peace, Debbie and Karen Nell
“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are. -Benjamin Franklin