There were over 100 people in the New Holland Memorial Park last Sunday, for the ELANCO Ministerium Prayer Vigil against racism.
I was pleased to see so many come out and lend their support to healing the racial wounds among us. Joining hearts to pray that God’s will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
I don’t know what I expected exactly. I’m not sure the prayer vigil organizers did either. Doing events like this always feels a little like stepping into a dark room. You sort of feel your way along, hoping you don’t whack your shin on a coffee table or something.
That so many came to pray together was encouraging. A sign of hope. A sure sign that the Spirit is moving. That God’s dream for our world is drawing nearer.
I believe that is true. Which is why I was happy to take part. I am not ready to give up in despair. Though we still have a long way to go. Though there are many difficult conversations that must still take place, followed by concrete policy actions.
Repentance is to turn toward a new future. A future of grace we had no right to expect.
Repenting is not about trudging down the same tired path we were on before while saying, “sorry.”
Sorry or not, that path doesn’t lead to God.
I know for certain, that the racial inequities and assumptions buried deep within our cultural and political systems do not reflect the eternal reality of God’s will for us. And, I know that that which does not reflect the will of God does not endure.
But changing paths is never easy. The things that oppose the will of God seldom go quietly in this world. I know that too. That’s what the cross is all about.
But the cross is not the last word. Jesus shows us that we live THROUGH the cross TO Easter and our new life in God.
So, I will continue to pray for justice. I will continue to act in ways that promote healing and understanding. I will welcome my brothers and sisters and celebrate the wonder of God’s diverse creation. And, I will ask forgiveness when I fall short.
But mostly, I will not give in to fear. I will continue to trust God in all things and pray, “Thy Kingdom come.” And, I hope you will too.
Charles Oberkehr 