Loading...It is rare that I stop at McDonald’s to pick up food. Even rarer that I purchase a soda. But I did both this week, and had a delightful reminder imprinted on the cover of my soda pop.
Molded into the plastic, it said, “Jump for Joy.”
In these days leading up to the election, when people are on edge, discerning how much to say about their beliefs about almost everything, it’s nice to be reminded that frivolity, jocularity, and joy are worth acknowledging and allowing in our complex lives.
As Jesus Followers, we trust in hope; we crave peace; we seek and share love; and we strive to have reasons to jump for joy.
As Americans, we are called to participate in civic life. To exercise our rights through voting for all levels of government. To speak out and up for those most vulnerable.
As Episcopalians who follow the Way of Jesus, living with his examples of inclusion and human rights for all God’s beloved creation, we must call on those examples and strive to live like Jesus: embracing, welcoming, healing, loving all our neighbors.
You can hear this expectation when you listen to the words Jesus says to the disciples in Mark 12:30-31 (NRSV): ‘“…you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’
We proclaim in our Baptismal Covenant (BCP pp.303-304) that we will do the following things “with God’s help:”
+Persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord.
+Proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.
+Seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself.
+Strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.
We look to our leaders in The Episcopal Church, to provide us insight and guidance in times of decision, like we find in these words from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry: “The principle on which Christians must vote is the principle: ‘Does this look like love of neighbor?’”
I pray we will vote, because it is our civic responsibility. I pray we will cast our ballots with discernment that comes from our faith. I invite us to enter our polling places and pray that whatever the outcome, God’s will be done.
Listening to Jesus while exercising my civic responsibility,
Rev. Debbie
