Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 61, 62; PM Psalm 68
Ecclus. 43:1-22; Rev. 14:14-15:8; Luke 13:1-9
Saint Stephen’s recently held a Sunday morning panel discussion about Braver Angels, a national organization that “develops educational tools to build bridges between people divided over politics”. Panelists shared insights about the program’s skill-building workshops, considering the polarizing notions in American culture that splinter and wound relationships. One named the pain and big feelings that come from our divisions – and observed there is lots of work to be done to move toward God’s love. Another pointed to the fears that drive us away from engaging in honest conversation about politics – and by understanding ourselves and one another, we can be “softer” (read: more loving) with one another. This is hard and holy work; it is a work of the reconciling love of Christ, healing the bonds of love amid the tensions of our time.
Retired Episcopal bishop Mark Beckwith (of the Diocese of Newark) remarks that Episcopalians are no strangers to weathering tension. Indeed, our church has been shaped by addressing pressures from the inception of the Anglican tradition nearly 500 years ago. Today marks the observance of Richard Hooker, one of the greatest English theologians and an immense gift to the Church. As a priest and deep thinker, Richard Hooker (1554-1600) helped navigate a time of reform in the Church, advocating for the via media – the middle way between the strongly held positions of the Puritans on one side (reformed) and the Roman Catholics (traditional) on the other. Hooker is not easy reading, and yet his works are important to appreciate the dynamics and divisions at play in a tumultuous time in the Church.
To hold the middle, one must know the foundation. Psalm 62 speaks wisdom into this space, turning away from transitory conditions and re-centering our hearts and minds as faithful followers of the Lord:
In God is my safety and my honor;
God is my strong rock and my refuge.
Put your trust in him always, O people,
pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge. (v. 8-9)
Today is the Election Day. As people of faith, casting our own votes for the next class of candidates to represent the interests and needs of our communities, let us give thanks for the Christian witness of Richard Hooker. As a community following Jesus, join me as we strive to hold the via media, “not as a compromise for the sake of peace, but as a comprehension for the sake of truth”.
With God’s help,
Katherine+
Connections in Your Life
Reflect on what stirs your spirit today. Listen for what moves or concerns you.
Journal and pray about the ways God’s reconciling love is at work in your life and the world.
As you prepare to vote, offer the following prayer to God (Prayer for an Election) from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer (pg. 822):
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.