This is the first in a series of written reflections by Christ & St. Luke’s parishioners and staff, reflecting on how their faith makes a tangible impact in their lives. Rachel Welch is a lifelong Christ & St. Luke’s parishioner, an attorney with an interest in immigration law, and she now serves on the staff of our church as Director of Parish Life. Thanks to Rachel for writing this piece.
Have you witnessed an injustice and stood silently or even walked away? It’s likely we can all access some event in our memory. Thinking back to childhood: A fight among siblings or a bully picking on the quiet kid in school; or a domestic dispute in a parking lot, where it felt too risky to step in. These are situations that cause a visceral response in our body. That feeling sticks with us, at least for a while.
Recent injustices described in news stories and even captured on video for us all to watch in horror have caused me to reflect on what my role is in this current state of unrest in our country. I’ve wondered, at times, if I even have a role to play. I’m in the middle years of my life, with a routine of raising children, balancing work and home, paying bills, but finding joy in the blessings of this life, and trying to hear God along the way.
Last summer, on my street here in Norfolk, a Latino neighbor, a child maybe nine years old, was accosted by another neighbor, an adult. This man approached the child who was riding his bike on our street. He yelled at him, called him horrible, racist names, and demanded he and his family go back to “where you’re from.” Another neighbor ran to the child’s defense, escorting him home and trying to explain to his mother what had happened. This incident shocked me and many of my other neighbors. We all agreed that this man was out of line and couldn’t be trusted. Months went by, life continued on. The man and his family gave out candy on Halloween, just as we all did. The man and his family decorated their house for the holidays, just as we all did. I’ve noticed the man and the neighbor who helped the child are friendly again. We haven’t seen the boy riding his bike since.
“In these fearful and anxious times, I find comfort when I am able to remember a few certain truths.”
What is it that allows us to push down that feeling of pain in our gut, our innate understanding that what we’re witnessing is wrong? How are we able to turn our backs to the suffering of our brothers and sisters?
Fear? If it is fear, then what are we afraid of? Are we scared of what could happen if we insert ourselves? Could we be physically injured or even killed? Could we make things worse? Perhaps we don’t know enough about the situation. Maybe we’re not educated enough on the facts? What if we stand up, and we’re wrong?
In these fearful and anxious times, I find comfort when I am able to remember a few certain truths. God loves me, God loves you, and God loves them. We are all blessed with the knowledge of these because we’ve been called to follow Jesus Christ. This calling, as Fr. Noah reminded us in a recent homily, is “not necessarily a rational calculation,” but, “an energy that is looking for an outlet, a force that needs some focus.” God loves me, God loves you, and God loves them. When we walk in love we can’t turn our backs. We walk with intention, clarity, and focus. We are able to recognize those who need empathy and advocacy. We don’t have to worry that we may be wrong. For how can it be wrong to love?
Almighty God, who created us in your own image: Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
—Collect for Social Justice in the Book of Common Prayer p. 260
Did reading this reflection prompt you to reflect on the impact of your faith? If you’re a parishioner interested in contribution your own reflection to our evolving conversation about religious faith, then please, get in touch.
