FRIDAY OF ADVENT 3

Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another; do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another. 

Zechariah 7:9-10

It is obvious from the verses above that God has a special concern for the most needy and vulnerable among us.

As people of faith, we are challenged, both individually and collectively, to share God’s concern for those who are in trouble, for those who suffer injustice, for the sick and for the poor.

In September of 2015, I was part of a delegation of bishops and other Lutheran leaders and community advocates who visited our nation’s capital to meet with members of congress to discuss those social and economic issues that affect the people we serve. We voiced our views on these matters in hopes they would be sympathetic to our causes.

The Rev. Stephen Bouman, then a member of the ELCA Churchwide staff, described it as, “putting our voice and hope, on behalf of the people of God, in the public arena.”

As a church, we are called to speak and act for those who are struggling with hunger, homelessness, poverty and injustice; as well as raise awareness on issues that affect the earth and its environment.

Our visits occurred on the same day Pope Francis spoke to Congress. I was struck by how this seemingly kind, gentle man was able to admonish our nation’s legislators while at the same time affirming the work they do. I was so impressed that, when I returned home, I scrambled to find a transcript of his memorable speech.

From the outset of his remarks, he advised them that the work they did was their mission, their personal and social responsibility as sons and daughters of this country:

Your own responsibility as members of Congress is to enable this country, by your legislative activity, to grow as a nation. You are the face of its people, their representatives. You are called to defend and preserve the dignity of your fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good, for this is the chief aim of all politics. A political society endures when it seeks, as a vocation, to satisfy common needs by stimulating the growth of all its members, especially those in situations of greater vulnerability or risk. Legislative activity is always based on care for the people. To this you have been invited, called and convened by those who elected you.

Pope Francis, September 24, 2015

Obviously, if his goal was to transform the hearts of our nation’s legislators, he failed miserably.  The highly polarized, paralyzing and partisan bickering that we’ve grown weary of is at an all-time high.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon the church to step into the breach.

Our real strength, as a church, as a nation, and as God’s people, comes from our spiritual nature in showing compassion, tolerance, and a deeper understanding of our humanity. 

Ultimately, if we are to have a lasting peace in our world, we must include all God’s creatures in our vision of mercy and compassion.

It may be inconvenient, it may cost us time, effort and money, but love demands that this be done.

This Advent, as we prepare to receive God among us, may we be open to receive the Spirit of compassion which leads to the light of divine love.

And, as a significant part of our response to God’s love, and the blessings, spiritual and material that are showered upon us, may we share God’s concern for those that are vulnerable in our midst. 

Let us pray:
Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Amen.
(Source: Book of Common Prayer, p. 826)