I
was privileged to hear Rev. James Lawson speak recently. He is a retired
United Methodist pastor, now in his 80‘s, and living in California. He
was a close friend and colleague of Rev. Martin Luther King and served as one
of the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. His talk was inspiring in
that he focused on the spiritual aspect of their work together for freedom and
rights for all people.
He said that
they understood themselves as followers of Jesus Christ first. They
recognized that forces of violence and prejudice were strong and could not be
addressed simply by means of social and political action. As a result,
they spent a lot of time in prayer and Bible Study. Prayer kept them
strong and focused on the dream rather than on retribution for the enmity that
came at them.
Rev. Lawson
went on to say that the need for prayer and Bible study, in order to be
renewed, challenged and strengthened by God’s presence and Word, is even more
critical today even than it was back then. This is a time in which we are
in danger of becoming complacent and to discount the power inherent in our
faith. Prayer offered individually and collectively is the greatest resource
there is for our own freedom and redemption as well as for others.
As we recall and
give thanks for our saints on this All Saints Day, let us also remember what it
was that made them saints. For the leaders of the Civil Rights movement,
flawed as they were, they did what they needed to do in order to stay in close
partnership with Jesus. Saints are not perfect people. They simply
know from whence their help comes - their help comes from the Lord who is the
maker of everything.
We give thanks for
our saints today, those who are living and passed, who continue to point us
toward you, O God. May we find in our time, the courage and fortitude to
keep moving towards you even when we feel lost and confused. For you are
the light and hope not only for us but for all people. We pray in Jesus’
name. Amen.
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