When it comes to the state of income inequality in our country, and all other systems of oppression, it feels like we need a miracle. I think miracles could happen, just like our story from Matthew, if we’re willing to organize ourselves like Jesus did.

Those of us who follow Christ in this moment face a choice. The truth, of course, is that we face choices on a daily basis. Christian life is a series of small decisions about how and who we are in the world, from the dramatic to the trivial.The choice right now is dramatic.

Parables don’t give us clear answers. Jesus says he uses parables to intentionally confuse and elude people who hear but do not understand, and he only starts using them after his explicit teaching is met with hostility.

Over time, we have become more and more aware that symbols and memorials which may be heroic for some are often heinous for others.  I am astonished at how long it took me to become even marginally aware of the true story of the founding and establishment of what we now know as America.

In the face of all that has been unfolding in our country and throughout the world—not just for the past weeks or months—but seemingly for the entire history of Christianity, maintaining a sense of faith in the inherent goodness of all of creation can seem naïve and dangerous.

One of the things I tend to do when feeling scared and overwhelmed is...hide. Just get somewhere safe and hope that whatever is terrifying me goes away. The adult version of putting my fingers in my ears, closing my eyes tightly, and yelling “stop.” When that doesn’t work I try to take comfort in God or in the Church-rest in healing, forgiveness, restoration, peace, resurrection- all the “good stuff” God gives and all the sense of safety the church offers.

The Trinity is one of the messiest and most elusive tenets of our faith: One substance, three persons. Three in one. Different and undivided. Alive, moving—yet always unified. Constant. Faithful. Yes. But static? Never. The Trinity leaves us with more questions than answers. (Sermon includes a video slideshow which may be viewed here: https://youtu.be/TZz6O3WOs_w?t=2266)

I can’t help but wonder if the Spirit is working up to a hurricane right about now. If she is honking to get our attention, trying to lead us in a different direction. I cannot help but believe that, now, with each of us locked by the pandemic in a sort of upper room, she is on the move again—swirling through our homes, our heads, our hearts.

In crisis, we tend to shut down, not open up. To close ranks, fend for ourselves. But does this hold up to our image of God? Not just God’s love, but how God lives.

Stephen was the first person recorded to have died for following Jesus. On the face of it, he is an odd choice to die first. He was not one of the original 12 nor was he chosen to replace Judas. He was a solid, good, faithful person who was all about serving others."he knew how to run a soup kitchen like it was his job. He was the first person the church named as a deacon—“a term that means "through the dust." So, one who serves others through the dust.