Weekly Clergy Letter from Mother Anne Turner

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

Two national holidays coincide this year.  Monday, January 20, marks both Martin Luther King, Jr’s Birthday and Inauguration Day.  This co-incidence forces our attention to our civic engagement.  We have to look at this day not only as Americans, but also as Christians.

 

What does it mean to stand for justice?  What does it mean to lead?

 

Our answers to these questions come primarily from the example of Jesus Christ.  He is, as the hymn puts it, “our lifelong pattern”—the model in this world.  To be like Christ means that we learn from and seek to emulate his example of compassion and sacrifice—not only as individuals, but as communities.

 

We find answers to these questions in scripture, as well.  Both Testaments instruct us from their unique perspectives.  The New Testament was written in the context of the Roman Empire, and it shows a keen understanding of the costs and dangers of empire.  It seeks to form its readers as people who endure in the face of evil and who resist injustice.  The Old Testament was written more from the perspective of those in power, and it shows a keen interest in the way we build a righteous society that makes room for all people.

 

The example of Christ and the concerns of scripture matter right now.  They need to be a part of our conversations because they are a part of our faith.  They are the best tools we have as we think about the history of our country and the politics of our moment.  They are the standard against which we measure our leaders.

 

It is hard to talk about politics, especially in this fraught time.  It is hard to talk about them in church, and it is hard to talk about them with people in our lives.  We need guidance. Jesus Christ and the scriptures that confess his gospel are the compass we seek.

 

I invite you to think not only about our leaders’ actions, but your own.  What am I doing to pursue justice?  What am I doing to make a more compassionate world?

 

This twin day falls during Epiphany season, when we think about Christ and his church being a light to the world.  So we might think of our question in a different way: Are we a light?  How can we become one?

 

Yours in Christ,

Anne+

 

P.S.  One way to light a small fire: Grace Church is holding prayers for Inauguration Day on Monday at 9:00 a.m. in the nave.  Come pray.