DAY 152: Together

DAY 152

Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic

A series of daily reflections for people of faith, by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor

Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Maryland – pastorrobert@paxpres.org

Week Twenty-two Thursday 13 August 2020

Together

Two weeks ago today one of the most needful voices of our time was laid to rest. John Robert Lewis, 1940-2020, arranged for his final words to us as a nation to be printed as an OP-ED in a major newspaper. From that ‘pulpit in the paper’ John Lewis, a Christian, a minister of the Gospel, and a politician, has appealed one more time to who we are and who we can become as a nation. Here are salient excerpts: “…he still speaks, even though he is dead.” Hebrews 11:4.  

Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation

       “While my time here has now come to an end, I want you to know that in the last days and hours of my life you inspired me. You filled me with hope about the next chapter of the American story…

      “You must do something. Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation has to do its part to help build what we call the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.

      “Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting into what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.

      “You must also study and learn the lessons of history because humanity has been involved in this soul-wrenching, existential struggle for a very long time. People in every continent have stood in your shoes, though decades and centuries before you. The truth does not change, and that is why the answers worked out long ago can help you find solutions to the challenges of our time.

      “Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.” (Emphasis mine.)

Reflective question: What words of John Lewis inform your prayer time today?

Reflective Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 – “And now I will show you the most excellent way.”

Reflective hymn:

“Once to Every Man and Nation” – James Lowell (1819-1891)

Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide,

In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side;

Some great cause, some great decision, offering each the bloom or blight,

And the choice goes by forever ‘twixt that darkness and the light.