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Daily Scripture

+ Ascension Thursday

There is no proof; there are only witnesses.

Readings: Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:14-23 Luke 24:46-53

You are witnesses of all these things. And now I am sending down to you what the Father has promised. Stay in the city then, until you are clothed with the power from on high. [Luke 24:50-51]

In an age of technology and scientific progress, we have an explanation for everything or at least the promise of the same. Yet, there are still truly human experiences – both positive and negative—that defy human explanation. Death is one such experience. Doctors know the medical reasons for death but an autopsy doesn’t tell the whole story. Conversely, who can explain the field of energy that binds lovers for life?

During his life on earth Jesus created a field of energy that changed the course of history and it did not cease at his death or even at his resurrection. It continues to this day – locally and globally. Or else how explain the heroism of the saints of yesterday and the saints of today? Women and men, energetic witnesses who have said ‘yes’ to unconditional love under any and all circumstances continue to change the course of history in the face of those who attempt to chain the Word of God. No, most of them are not formal preachers or even religious teachers per se, but people who live the message of the Gospel of Jesus day in and day out.

The gospel today is typical of the departure of a hero. We might even consider it the conclusion of a hero story. Jesus assures his disciples that he is not abandoning them. Not only that but he will send an advocate who will empower them to continue his mission. “You will be clothed with power from on high.” They will be clothed with the mantle of Christ just as the ancient Elijah was clothed in the mantle of Elias before Elias departed in his chariot to the heavens. It’s metaphor and allegory, of course but the underlying truth of Jesus mission will continue to be proclaimed as Good News for all.

But hang in there until Pentecost when the gifts of the Spirit will be renewed and we will be empowered once more to preach the Good News—using words only when necessary.

Still another view on 'It's politics... isn't it?'

Tuesday May 13, 2008

A slippery slope!

I listened to Rev. Wright’s full homily (not the network’s You Tube snippet), the interview with Bill Moyer and the C-Span broadcast of his speech at the Press Club. It reminded of a Holy Name meeting years ago when the speaker (African-American) addressed the issue of social justice, rejecting the role of violence and destruction employed by union movements. In response to the audience irritation at the comparison, he said, “I speak so loud, you may not hear my words”. Sounds like Rev. Wright!

Had he been polite and courteous at the Press Club, the outcome may have been different. But as you know, and this writer demonstrates, we have our own prisms. We hear things through the filter of our apperceptive mass including the accumulated prejudices and biases we don’t care to acknowledge. His key words demonstrate this:

Translation: We are people of good faith but this is not our problem. We have tried to help, but they have wasted the opportunity. Move on!

The writer prefers that the wronged adopt forgiveness and fails to acknowledge responsibility for the continuing injustices demonstrated by African-American’s poverty, joblessness, infant mortality and the crime and incarceration rates. Here in Philadelphia, a predominantly Black city, more than 40% of the people live below the poverty line.

Yes it does make a difference too many Americans, especially the younger generation, who understand bias and prejudice whether it be race, gender, religion, sexual disposition, in the Church or on the public stage.

“Experience” is the new code word!

The NY Times column called the Clinton use of the race card shameless (I was a supporter), but it is ‘win at any cost’. Yesterday, WV exit polls showed that more than 20% of the white voters considered race in deciding to vote for her. And they had the guts to admit it. 51% said Rev Wright affected their decision. He just made it easier on them.

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