Opportunities Missed - February 16

Today’s Readings -  Psalm 25; Prov. 27:1-6,10-12; Phil. 2:1-13; John 18:15-18,25-27

My newest favorite read is Skylark by Paula McClain. Skylark is a historical novel that combines two stories set in Paris: one set in 1664 and another set during the Nazi occupation in the years following 1939. In the early days in Paris when the Germans first required the Jewish people to wear the yellow stars to signify their faith, friends of children who were Jewish began separating themselves from their long-time class mates – they no longer included their Jewish friends in play groups or at lunch. Christian neighbors no longer associated with their long-time friends who were Jewish. The Christian community feared that their association with Jewish friends would implicate them in the hatred that was being generated by the Germans who had invaded their city. For those who bravely assisted their Jewish friends their punishment was swift and severe.

Just recently the Beth Israel Temple in Jackson, MS, where my family attended services with my stepfather was the target of an arsonist. The 19-year-old man who confessed to the crime laughed about setting fire to what he described as the “synagogue of Satan.” The temple had been destroyed many years earlier, bombed by the KKK and had been rebuilt only to be destroyed once again by hate. 

 In 1967, three days after Beth Israel was bombed, an interracial group of ministers marched down Old Canton Road to the temple as a show of sorrow and support. They called it the “Walk of Penance” to apologize for the hatred that had resulted in so many acts of violence during the civil rights era, most of which targeted Black churches and the Jewish people. These ministers knew they were taking their lives into their hands, but they also knew this was the right thing to do. 

 It's understandable when the repercussions can be devastating that one might be afraid to do the right thing. “Devastating" can come in many forms. It can be loss of work, loss of housing, loss of status or even loss of life. In today’s gospel, Peter denied knowing Jesus. Afterwards he was overcome with shame and heartbreak. For Peter failing to speak up cost him the person he loved most in the world.

 I’ve been told that it’s the opportunities we miss not our sins that we will pay most dearly for at the end of the day. Did Peter miss an opportunity? In Matthew, Jesus told the disciples, “Do not be afraid.” Do not be afraid to step out into the unknown. Do not be afraid to speak up for truth and justice because I will be with you. The community in Jackson is once again rallying around the members of Beth Israel. They are choosing to speak up for their friends, to act in a way that reflects a life that respects truth and justice. Their acts of kindness are opportunities taken not missed.

Faithfully,

Sally+

Questions for Reflection and Challenge - What opportunities do we miss on a daily basis? How would our lives be different if we weren’t afraid to speak up against life’s injustices? What would we do different?