Relying on the Spirit in Trying Times

June reflections on scripture from the Revised Common Lectionary, Cycle C.
Illustration of a city skyline with an image of birds flying over a church steeple reflected on the glass of a building..
Illustration by Jocelyn O'Leary

THE POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT in this country has caused great concern among many of us, Christian and otherwise. This month’s scripture passages spark various theological and socio-political hauntings that shed insight for us on how to respond.

For instance, we need to understand that God does not seek the destruction of creation to manifest God’s plan. No calamity can be justified as somehow being “God’s intention.” In addition, we need prophetic peace with all of God’s creation. This peace demands justice and reparations. I continue to pray for Palestine, Israel, and other nations where violence abounds. Third, we stand with all the queer people who are experiencing tremendous hardships because of intentional policy choices. Fourth, we will not be fooled by hate speeches that pretend to be freedom speeches. Words matter. We are responsible for what we say on any platform or in any capacity.

Our circumstances require us to respond, in whatever ways we can and on the issues that speak particularly to us. As we do so, even while we create room for self-critique, we are invited to be generous and patient with ourselves as we seek to navigate as wisely as possible these challenging times.

Read the Full Article

Illustration of people in a line working together to take apart a huge boulder and carry pieces up a mountain.
​You've reached the end of our free magazine preview. For full digital access to Sojourners articles for as little as $3.95, please subscribe now. Your subscription allows us to pay authors fairly for their terrific work!
Subscribe Now!
for more info