Independence Eve

As we head towards this July 4th holiday, we have any number of reasons to feel despair. We have a variety of ways to be worried about the future of both this country, the U.S., and the larger world. We know that we live in an ever increasing interdependent web of countries. If things aren't going well for one country, it seems only a matter of time before ripples affect us all.

We may look back to past days and think that it was easier then. But even a quick glance at history shows us that life has always had a fair amount of struggle. Recently I've looked at the movements of Jesus as he preached and taught and attracted followers and always moved on to the new place, the next place. In my younger years, I thought it was about finding new disciples and bringing the good news to people who wouldn't have a chance to hear it if Jesus didn't head to the next place and deliver it himself. The more I have learned about life in Roman times, particularly during the time of Jesus, the more I wonder if he was on the move as part of his resistance strategy in the face of empire.

We don't have to follow this model in the face of hard times. We can look to the example of monastic people, throughout the centuries. In their abbeys and monasteries, monastics saw the hardness of life and responded by creating an oasis of hospitality, with a commitment to learning and to preserving what knowledge had come down from the past. Monasteries and abbeys were often open to all sorts of people, especially those who were marginalized and outcast. And these places of deep hospitality have often reinvigorated the larger community and reshaped it into something better.

Jesus showed us what can be done by finding a core group of people who share a commitment. The history of the church also shows us that hard times offer opportunities for transformation, both personal and societal.

When the founders signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776 they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor, so great was their belief in what they were doing. It's a good day to think about our commitments, our values, what we hold most true.

Here's an interesting thing to ponder: for what would you be willing to pledge your life, your fortune, and your sacred honor?

Today let us say prayers of thanks for those who have done the hard work of fighting for liberties of all sorts. Let us pray for those who are still oppressed. Let us pledge allegiance to our God who sets us free.