November 8, 2020
Romans 14:19, 15:5-9, 13
Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual up building. For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy.
Four years ago, a divided nation made a very big decision. It’s neighbors around the world were shocked by it, well at least thought it was a bold move. It meant a departure from the norms of the country in an attempt to go in a new direction, or maybe even return to an earlier time in the nation’s history. No longer would the country be part of a larger alliance, instead it would move in a direction of being more autonomous. These four years have been filled with increased violence, negotiations, deadlines and even changes in leadership.
Given the fact we have awaiting the results of our elections in America, it is Thursday morning when I write this, you might think I am talking about us. But I am really speaking about Brexit, about Britain’s decision to leave the EU. A referendum to leave the European Union and to stand alone on the world stage. This is something they have yet to fully realize and something that several nations are seeking resolve. It reminds us that democracies change, they grow, and they evolve. The question is are we still invested and committed to the continuation of the great experiment of democracy and all the challenges that brings.
This week has been an emotional rollercoaster; anxiety, fear, hope, disbelief, frustration, anger, denial, sleeplessness. We try to wait patiently for the result of our presidential election, but we are used to knowing by now and a lot is riding on this decision. I hope we have all found ways to pace ourselves in this endeavor- taking breaks from the news, spending more time with God, talking with people, sharing our emotions. I was so grateful to attend a Zoom Taize service on Tuesday night – right as the anxiety of the returns were getting to me. I paused and gathered with fellow Christians, singing meditative songs, and offering prayers to our God. So helpful during all this uncertainty.
No matter who you voted for, or which side you call your tribe, at the end of the day we are all Americans and we will need to pull together to get through this time. I knew that the theme for today must be unity- because we need God’s unity so very much right now. It reminds me of these words from the Psalms, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). Unity as Americans, as people of hope, as people who want what is best for our children, who have made our way within this nation of immigrants.
Paul is speaking about unity and peace in this letter to the Roman church. Now to be clear he is seeking unity within the Christian faith, between those of Jewish heritage who are circumcised and everyone else who we refer to as Gentiles. As you know the Jews and the Gentiles could have an “us and them” mentality, much like our red and blue politics. Yet Paul is urging the Christians to find the common ground, their faith in God and Jesus Christ. Earlier in the chapter he refers to those who are weak in faith, and I think we have fallen into a similar place. We have lost our compassion for those who believe differently from us. But the only way to find unity is to take the time to listen and hear the other side. I heard of a woman who is reaching out to her family to try to understand how they think about the political views different from her own. I know that is a risky task, but I think we will need to share more information, open our hearts and minds to the stories being told on the other side of the isle. Much like we talked about last week and the good news being God re-telling our story in light of Jesus’ love for us. We need to hear the story of the other side in a loving way in order to come together to be one nation. Don’t do this around the Thanksgiving table, but one on one, in relaxed and safe ways, inviting God to re-tell your story to them and opening your ears to hear their story in a loving, re-telling way. This political discussion can be a welcoming of one another just like Paul invites us to do. Invite Jesus to be with you in that conversation. Be clear that either side can stop if they are not feeling safe. My prayer is that these conversations will help us “pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding” (19) as Paul encourages. We may need to wait a bit once the election results are known to have these discussions, letting everyone process the ramification of it all.
Our nation longs for unity and peace, for a rededication to our democracy, to a re-telling of our political differences in light of the good news of the gospel. This will not happen overnight, but it will happen with God’s help. While we are waiting, hoping, and praying for this renewed sense of unity, I invite you to do some self-reflection. Because when all is said and done, the only way for our nation to change is for each one of us to change a little, to more towards those we do not see eye to eye with, and to welcome them as Christ has invited us to do. But as Jesus taught in Matthew about the log and the speck, we need to address the log in our own political eye before we try to take the speck from another’s eye (7:1-5). The greatest threat to unity within our nation is our own judgments about the other side. Jesus warns, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” So what are your pre- judgments about the other side? What keeps you from seeing the wisdom in their ideas. How can we find more things in common rather than looking only at what divides us? Let’s take the log out of our own eye as a way of working towards unity within our nation.
We have been waiting on the national results of our election, but everything really comes down to what is local. What is happening right here in Santa Cruz County, because this is the place God has planted us to be disciples of Christ. I was saddened to hear from a friend that her son-in law of Mexican decent has been asked several times where he is from and challenged about when he will be going back all while he checking groceries as an essential worker. Our judgements, our fear, our prejudges are barriers to the unity God has called us to create. The love of neighbor we are commanded to show. That is why I chose this anthem from right here in Santa Cruz County. To remind us that peace and unity is the higher calling to which we aspire. That peace and understanding is possible, even asked for from our God.
The Jews did not want Jesus to be the Savior of the Gentile, because he was the savior of God’s chosen people. And yet Paul spent his life declaring that even when you think you are special, you are the favored ones of God, God’s love is bigger than anything we can imagine. So including the Gentiles does not take anything away from the Jews, rather it makes all of humanity more fully loved by God. That is how we move into this divine unity, by resting in God’s love that is abundant, radical, freeing and yours. God’s love helps to alleviate our fears, helps us to see beyond scarcity, helps us to live into hope. Paul after giving examples of Gentiles inclusion in God’s plan, ends with this prayer: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (13).
We are going to need the Holy Spirit as we work for unity within our country. So do not try to do this on your own. Lean into the power greater than yourself to help us all move into a new unity, finding hope and peace along the way. Amen.
