Simeon and Anna spend their days in the temple in Jerusalem waiting for the coming of the Messiah. They had hope that they would see the coming Messiah because the Holy Spirit had revealed to them they would. Despite all those who had given up hope, feared the coming apocalypse that would come at the hands of the oppressive Roman government, and despaired at the lack of real spiritual leadership, Simeon and Anna did not give up hope.
Today, we face many of the same fears the people in Judea did in the first century. In less than two weeks, our country has gone from a constitutional republic to an authoritarian fascist state. People are being fired for the color of their skin, their gender, and their political leanings. Concentration camps are being set up to house those who the dictator wishes to be imprisoned. People are being denied the ability to leave the country because they cannot get passports because their gender is considered illegal.
It is tempting to give up hope. And trust me, it has been a very difficult week for me. I have struggled to get out of bed, dreading the next news alert, scared every time there is a knock on the door, fearing the invasion of federal agents into our worship space because we preach the “wrong Gospel”.
Your fear, concern, and feelings of hopelessness are valid.
I was reminded today of Jewish saying by Rabbi Tarfon, “It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it.”
We are called to stand up to injustice, violence, abuse, marginalization, misogyny, and bigotry in our world. Even if that requires that we call out those we consider friends for their bad behavior.
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25 that we will only enter heaven if we care for all people and love all people. Not just those who look like us. Not just those who think like us. Not just those who are “pure Americans”.
We are called to love everyone. We are called to help those most in need. We are commanded to welcome the stranger and to treat them with dignity and respect. To do otherwise, is a grave sin.
Come stand with us this Sunday at Saint Francis Parish as we continue to preach the Gospel of Jesus.
Pax et Bonum,
Bishop Greer