I trust that you are all staying safe and well. I am sending love and blessings to each of you in this trying and uncertain time. I take hope in knowing and believing in the Christian story. Knowing that God experienced and experiences human suffering. That uncertainty and waiting is a part of the human condition and part of the Gospel accounts. And that the message and commitment remain the same. We are to always look out for the poor, the most vulnerable, and those in need of help. We are to look out for and love one another. And while it is hard in times of scarcity, we must remain as loving and generous as possible. Blessings to you all in the wake of resurrection.
I know it’s a couple days late, but I wanted to post some links and resources from last week that – if you’re still in the reflective mood from last week’s liturgical holidays, I hope you take some time to listen/read/reflect/watch as you are able.
Rework Podcast: Phone A Friend
In this episode, we sit down with Quaker theologian and small business owner Wess Daniels, the author of the book Resisting Empire: The Book of Revelation as Resistance. He talks about the value of silence; reshaping systems of money and power; and building community during a time of struggle.
The Stations of the Cross: Crucifixion and COVID-19
Here is a virtual stations of the cross that I put together with a couple of other collaborates connected to the Kairos Center and the Poor People’s Campaign. Take some time and work you way through it, I think you will find it to be a powerful reflection.
This virtual “Way of Sorrows” we have prepared for you this year is meant to deepen this reflection of Jesus as a poor person, leading poor people, guided by the love of God in the face of the many ways empire manifests itself today: poverty and inequality, systemic racism, militarism, environmental devastation, and an imperial religion exemplified by a faulty moral narrative that serves the few at the expense of everyone else. This Holy Week we join Jesus’ suffering in the form of a global pandemic known as COVID-19. Plagues like this are nothing new for empires throughout the biblical account, and yet again, in the face of great crises, and the consolidating of power, it is the most vulnerable who will suffer.
The Stations of the Cross: Crucifixion and COVID-19
Uncertain Times: Waiting in the Unknown – A thoughtful Good Friday message from my friend, Greg Woods
> Tonight is a night filled with sorrow and despair. I want to acknowledge that we are living amid something that the world has not seen in over a century. Not far from where we each sit; doctors and nurses are fighting a deadly pandemic with a lack of resources. Our neighbors are sitting alone, some of who haven’t had any physical human touch in weeks. We all do not know what is next. We are living in uncertain times. As a parent, I was not prepared to explain to my 3-year-old what a pandemic is or why we can’t take her to her preschool to see her friends.
Here is a video sermon I was asked to prepare and record for College Park Baptist Church for Holy Saturday. And a summary of the core message posted to twitter:
Finally, Here’s a favorite photo from the week:
Ways to Connect with Wess:
If you like this post and/or have feedback you’d like to share you can connect with me on Mastadon: @wess@writing.exchange or through the Contact