August 23, 2024

I am still smiling from last Sunday's beautiful baptism of sweet little Lucia. The way we all see and celebrate the light of Christ in even the tiniest among us. The way we all promised, as we do with each baptism, to help her grow, in whatever ways that looks like for her, into the full stature of Christ. Plus - did you see her tiny bare feet, and her excited siblings gathered around?! 

As the political climate in our country continues to heat up, the beautiful baptismal promises we make to and for one another in our church continue swirling in my heart and mind.

• Will you continue in the fellowship... ?
   We will, with God's help.  

• Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons...?
   We will, with God's help.

• Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?  
  We will, with God's help.

It is not always easy to live in community with those who have different values and thought-processes than we do. It gets downright difficult when we feel those "others" are forcing their views on us, or don't care if we or others experience harm. And when humans feel threatened, we tend to lash back, perpetuating the cycle. Trying to navigate those difficulties makes me extra-glad to be an Episcopalian. Sure, one who fails mightily, every day, but an Episcopalian nonetheless, with the wisdom of our baptismal promises offering a lens for engaging with others that is life-giving rather than combative and destructive. (I just need the aforementioned help from God more on some days than others!)

This fall we at Saint Anne's are going to be exploring ways to help us remain in community with those around us during this election season. Remaining grounded in our baptismal promises, even as the political temperatures rise, is one way. And don't worry, this is not a watering down of your values, or stepping down from the work of justice. It is possible to be passionate about the issues you care most about, and still respect "the other's" dignity. The truth is, there is fear that comes out as anger on all "sides". If we can all set that aside for even a short time, we may be surprised at what transpires. 

This isn't easy work, but I'm pretty sure our greatest teacher has it all laid out and has been waiting for us to join him on this path. So my prayer for us this week - for you, and me, and for our communities in general - is to have the courage to follow.