In a time of national crisis, what our country really needs is a good poem. —Herbert Hoover

This is the time when we must say to the stranger,
the other, sit here. Notice how difficult it can be
to even come to the same table, how hard
to look the other in the eye. Something in us screams,
“Right, I am right.” And it is hard to hear the voice
beneath that scream, a whisper of a gospel that says
nothing at all.

This is the time when we must say to ourselves,
I am also the stranger, when we must look
in the mirror and not know who it is we see—
someone capable of being more courageous,
more compassionate, more devoted, more
astonishingly vulnerable and connected
than we ever knew ourselves to be. Who
is that stranger in the mirror, we must ask,
and vow to never let her down.

This is the time when we must write the poems
our country needs, the poem that builds the bridge
from truth to truth and never touches the river
of lies. The poem that allows our country
to fall in love with itself again, the poem
with enough places set at its table
that everyone knows they have a place to sit
and the rest of us know when that person is missing
because their chair is empty.

This is the time for the beauty that passes
all understanding, a testament of goodness
that cannot be contained, a congress of delight.
This is the time to pick up your pen
and with your most tender, most beautiful,
most ferocious self,
fight.
— Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, “Who’s Missing at the Table?”

John 16:33 God sent His Son into the world with shouts of “Peace, peace to the people on earth”

 1 John 4:4

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. NKJV

When Jesus the Christ, the anointed of God, returns there will be peace. Until His return we are His hands and feet created to do good. Soon the lion will lay down with the lamb. All those who caused destruction and chaos to His people on earth will be silenced. Satan and those who do his bidding to kill, steal and destroy  God’s creation will be no more. Carla

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” NKJV

Tribulation is literally “pressure,” and figuratively means “affliction” or “distress.” Be of good cheer means “be confident and courageous.” When we place our trust in God, He can give us peace in the midst of pressure. See Philippians 1:27–30 for Paul’s explanation of the principle of joy in suffering. The NKJV Study Bible

Jesus wants His disciples to understand that they can be at peace when He suffers and dies. It is the Spirit’s ongoing work to grant peace to believers (John 14:27). 

Jesus has overcome the powers of darkness (1:5) through His death and resurrection. He proclaims this now because He has already healed people and driven out demons, proving He is able to overpower what people consider unmovable forces. Jesus makes this claim as though it has already happened because He is confident in His prophetic proclamation that He will rise again after suffering and dying for the sins of God’s people. Faithlife Study Bible

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

Romans 8:37

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 

John 15:18–27

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you…

Revelations 3:21

To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Yes, we shine our light by making space.
And here’s the deal: you never know who may need that space. But you still make the invitation, “Come on in. There’s a place at the table for you.”
And this did my heart good: the healing power that comes from knowing there is a place at the table.

But too often, we wonder if we have what it takes to offer that space to others.
What if our light isn’t bright enough? What if we don’t have what it takes?

My friends, let us make space to see and to be seen.
Let us make space to welcome, to offer comfort, and reprieve, and hope.
Let us make space that says “NO” to cruelty and discrimination, and intolerance and hatred.
Let us make space to open our heart to care—to risk and embrace vulnerability.
Let us make space to speak out for compassion and justice for the marginalized, for the least of these.
Let us make space to be Sabbath (sanctuary), in a world of disquiet, disruption and unease.

I write this on the first day of Passover, the time when we celebrate and commemorate the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, a story about how God picked us up and brought us from despair to joy, from darkness to light, from chaos to meaning.
I was grateful for these reflections from Debbie Gutfreund, reminding us that Passover encourages, “Responsibility for each other. We invite all who are hungry to come and eat because we are responsible for one another. Some people are hungry for food, while others are hungry for wisdom. Whatever we have we should share as much as we can.
The meaning of freedom. Some people think freedom means being able to do what we want whenever we want to. But the Jewish definition of freedom is the ability to create a meaningful life with authentic values and to create a close connection with our Creator. 

Freedom is living a life of constant growth and striving to live up to our potential.”

And a friend sent to me this reflection from an unnamed source. "Tonight we remember that we were strangers in the land of Egypt—and that too many are still not free. As we tell the story of liberation, we hold in our hearts migrants and refugees crossing borders and seas, searching for safety and those who are held in bondage. We remember workers whose bodies and time are exploited to sustain an unjust economy. We remember Black, brown, Indigenous, Jewish, Muslim, and other marginalized communities targeted by racism, antisemitism, and hatred. We remember those living under occupation and in the shadow of war, whose homes and hopes are shattered. The plagues of our time are climate catastrophe, state and economic violence, and the hardening of hearts to one another’s suffering. Let this night be a promise that we will not look away. As our ancestors walked together out of Mitzrayim, the narrow place, so we commit to walking together toward a world where all can live in safety, dignity, and self-determination. None of us is free until all of us are free."
Amen. And Happy Passover, my friends.

Sabbath Moments

Hebrews 12:1-2 In Christ we overcome every obstacle!

Hebrews 10:36

For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

I cling willingly into His rest. That Sabbath rest that all who believe can rely on in the good times and in the bad. We will never totally, on this side of heaven, understand what God allows us to go through. but the truth…we are on a need to know basis. His ways are not ours and we know, but we know, that He turns things around for our good and the good of His Body of believers, the Church. God promises us that we will be able to overcome every obstacle meant to destroy our faith if we give it willingly to Him,  the keeper of our souls. Carla

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. NKJV)

The cloud of witnesses refers to the people of faith mentioned in chapter 11. They are not actually spectators watching us; they are witnesses testifying to the truth of the faith (11:2, 4–6).

Looking here means “fixing one’s eyes trustingly.” We need to consistently focus on Christ instead of our own circumstances. 

Christ has done everything necessary for us to endure in our faith. He is our example and model, for He focused on the joy that was set before Him. His attention was not on the agonies of the Cross, but on the crown; not on the suffering, but the reward. The NKJV Study Bible

Although Hebrews 11 included a long list of worthy exemplars, Jesus is ultimately the focus. In light of the footrace metaphor, the idea here might be that Jesus, who pioneered the course of the faith, awaits believers at the finish line. Prizes often were set before athletes to provide motivation (according to first-century Jewish historian Josephus, Antiquities 8:302). Jesus’ endurance of the cross provides the paradigm for believers (verses 1–7), who also will endure suffering and shame (10:32; 12:3). Faithlife Study Bible

Philippians 2:8–9

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 

1 Corinthians 9:24

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 

Luke 24:26

Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 

Hebrews 2:9–10

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through suffering

Reading accounts of war shake me. Everything we count on feels upside down.

And what happens when our own world is out of control? I can tell you from my experience that when I feel at the mercy of, I allow exhaustion or frustration or emotions on “tilt” to be the final word in my perception of reality. 

But this is for real: when we perceive the world as dark, and yes, in places savage, we will believe (or take to heart) that selfishness and callousness and ruthlessness are required to survive in it.

And when that happens, we never see the good. Or the hope.

People stop trusting each other, and every stranger (or immigrant) becomes an enemy. Even people who know you become extremely careful about how they relate or speak. And amen to places (and persons) of sanctuary and dignity and compassion and healing in a world that feels dark.

Let us be those places for one another my friends.

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. Sabbath Moments

My body, My blood

 My body, my blood

On the eve of a boldly political action,

an act of nonviolent resistance,

in a boldly political religious ceremony,

the Passover celebration of liberation,

a family meal and a public act

that defy power structures,

intensely political—

Jesus does something profoundly personal:

he offers himself.

He doesn't say “This is my rallying cry!”

or “This is my belief.”

He says, “This is my body and my blood.”

In the place of honor, dipping bread together,

he welcomes the one who will betray him.

Because only something this personal

will overcome the world.

Only love, and nothing outside the human heart,

will defeat evil.

Our political actions require personal presence.

Our personal acts have political power.

Our salvation is not ransom paid

but presence offered.

Steve Garnaas-Holmes

Matthew 20:25-28 We were made for times such as these!

Philippians   2:6–7 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men NKJ

The first we will be last and the last first. We are blessed to be born in the time of the Gentiles. All people are created equal in the eyes of God. He shows no partiality. We are united in the reconciliation provided by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  In His eyes their in neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female, slave nor free. He sees the perfect shed Blood of the Lamb in us and not our sins. We were born in such a time as this to balance the evil that seeks to destroy mankind in the blessed assurance of the good inherent in us...and now we see! Out of the abundance of God’s heart we speak. Carla

Matthew 20:25-28

25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” NKJV

The measure of greatness is not position, power, or prestige; it is service.

Only Matthew mentions two blind men; Mark and Luke refer to one, probably the one who spoke. The fact that Matthew records that there were actually two men especially suits his Gospel, which was written primarily for Jews who would have desired two witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6). Son of David, a messianic title (2 Samuel 7:12–16), identifies Jesus as the heir to David’s throne. This cry, repeated in verse 31, shows the spiritual insight of these blind men. The NKJV Study Bible

Another paradoxical statement of role-reversal (Matthew 19:30; 20:16). Rather than exercising authority, a godly leader willingly becomes a servant of others. Jesus does not merely instruct His disciples about what they should do; He models it for them. Faithlife Study Bible

Mark 9:35

And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 

Matthew 23:11

But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 

John 13:13–38

You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet…

Philippinians  2:6–7

who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

Napoleon reminded us, "Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to choose." 

And because of that, freedom always works better in speeches, than it does in practice. Because if I choose—to commit, to invest, to give—I offer my heart freely. I’m all in.

I offer this little light of mine. If I’m honest, it boils down to this: For whatever reason, I too easily live afraid.

If I open my heart to care, I risk vulnerability.

If I speak out for compassion and justice for the least of these, it is considered too “political”.

To give without regard for reward, is to risk misunderstanding.

To expose feelings (openness and vulnerability), is to risk exposing your true self.

To love, is to risk not being loved in return.

To hope, is to risk despair.

I’ll cut to the chase. When I am afraid, I react (allow the narrative of my life and world to be owned by the shouting and anger, where labels rule), or I shut down (Lord knows I don’t need the drama and headache).

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.

And here’s the good news; every single one of us have been endowed and equipped to be a light in a dark world.

The light is alive and well, for every single one of use. No exclusions. Yes, including the poor, the powerless, the desperate, the outsiders, the forsaken, and the forgotten.

Too good to be true? I can relate.

And I settle for less. Because, “That can’t be me,” I tell myself. I confess that I don’t always see the light in myself.

So. Where do I begin? The advice of a mentor, “Do what’s in your heart.” Sabbath Moments

John 1:29-34 The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

1 Peter 1:19 

but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 

God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world could be saved in His birth, death and resurrection. No greater love exists than Jesus who would give up His life for a sinner like me. For God loved the world that He created and out His unconditional love He gave us a way where there was none to be reconciled to Him in the sacrifice of the holy Lamb of God. Jesus the Christ, all God all man. (John 3:16-17)  Carla

John 1:29-34

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ 31 I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.”

32 And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” NKJV)

The Lamb of God… in the Old Testament, the Israelites sacrificed lambs at the Passover feast (Exodus 12:21) and as offerings (Leviticus 14:10–25). Jesus Christ is the Lamb that God would give as a sacrifice for the sins not only of Israel, but of the whole world (Isaiah 52:13–53:12).

John and Jesus were cousins, so they probably knew each other. But John apparently did not know that Jesus was the Messiah. All John knew was that he was to baptize with water and that the Messiah would be made known to Israel through him. God had given John a sign by which he would know the Messiah, namely, the descending of the Holy Spirit as a dove. The NKJV Study Bible

The purpose of John’s ministry was preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah. The Gospel of John tends to use “Israel” as a positive label for God’s chosen people, identified ultimately by their beliefs, not ancestry.

The Spirit descending like a dove from heaven was the sign given to John the Baptist. Here, John  simply testifies as a witness to the event. The event itself is spoken of in the past tense. John did not know Jesus was the Messiah until God revealed it to him. John the Baptist is functioning as a formal legal witness to Jesus’ identity. Faithlife Study Bible

Matthew 3:11

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 

Mark 1:8

I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

John 1:15

John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ”

…this quote from Haruki Murakami comes to mind. “I had a choice: I could either let the darkness of the world swallow me, or I could do what I could to help make the world a little bit brighter.”
And a part of me says, “Really? But right now, that darkness in our world is really, really good at swallowing. How do I avoid it?”
We begin here: “You are the light of the world,” Jesus reminded us. “A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bushel. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

Yesterday, I joined the rally here with people in the Port Ludlow area. It was a wonderful reminder about collective efforts allow us to embrace the gifts of hope, and diversity, and empathy, and compassion, in order to say no to cruelty and hatred.
This I’ve always known: Words do matter. Rhetoric does matter. And a cruel worldview diminishes us. It diminishes me. And yes, it covers the light, and all that spills from that light. And I will tell you that I don’t want to lose the joy, passion, resilience, faith, compassion, kindness, courage or generosity.
My confession is that there has always been a part of me—which I sadly often used in my role as clergy—which was to “say nothing, and hope or pray for the best.” I cannot do that anymore. I’m so grateful to embrace any invitation to step up, and play my part in any movement for healing, and steadfastness, and reconciliation, and transformation. 

This is from Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, "So; chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength and discipline. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it." 

Let us take heart in Robert Alden’s affirmation, “There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle.”

So. Sign me up. This little light of mine. Sabbath Moments