This week, BPC’s own Larry Cowen was wearing at least two hats: Hat 1) planning for tonight’s sold-out show of the Wolff Sisters in BPC’s Fellowship Hall and, Hat 2) asking anyone and everyone involved with our Neighborhood Support Team to write a letter of support for Malalai Safi as she prepares for her Immigration Hearing in the coming weeks.
It might seem odd to wear two such disparate “hats” – take on two such disparate responsibilities – but there was Larry, helping to set up the stage and some new black curtains in the Fellowship Hall and then going to check his e-mail and phone for messages about Malalai.
For my part, I had the privilege of helping with both – both unboxing and putting up the curtains in the Fellowship Hall that will get some good use over the years, schlepping some panels for the stage, and setting up some lights for the concert, as well as sitting down to write a letter on behalf of Malalai.
Setting up for the concert was exciting because I love live music and very few things build community like in-person live music. Writing the letter for Malalai was emotional because the outcome could be life-changing for her and her family.
Writing the letter for Malalai also reminded me that there might be some who wonder why we are still supporting her and her family and/or whether or not our support for Malalai – and for immigrants and refugees, in general – somehow crosses the line between the “moral” and/or “scriptural” and the “political.”
When I read the Bible, I see Jesus – along with Peter, and Paul, and many of the Old Testament Prophets – making statements about morality (righteousness, justice, etc.) that often rubs up against the politics of their day. The systems and structures put in place by human beings to govern themselves have always been beset by imperfection, selfishness, and downright injustice – no matter which party is in power. From the people who loved Ahab and Jezebel (and a whole lot of rulers who “did what was evil in the sight of the Lord”) to the Pharisees and Sadducees and the Herodians (who tried to hold onto power that was granted them by someone else), from the Assyrians to the Babylonians to the Persians to the Greeks to the Romans, God’s people have lived through the rise and fall of every kind of ruler, and political party, and empire. And – no matter who has been in power – God’s people have always been called to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. Is today any different?
I wrote a letter on behalf of Malalai and her family because I believe that supporting them through this incredibly tenuous season in their lives is the just, and kind, and humbly faithful thing to do. There might be those who disagree, and I’d love to respectfully discuss this with any one of them (yes, even with you. . .).
You know, over the years, I have met plenty of people who have been so taken aback by the injustices of the world that it makes them quite serious. Why have any fun when there is so much wrong with the world that needs to be righted? While I love these folks and respect their passion, I can’t live like them. This is one reason why I’m excited by our Meetinghouse Concert Series – an opportunity to open our doors to the community (maybe to people who haven’t ever darkened the door of a church) to enjoy the joys of some authentic and in-person music. I recently heard someone describe live music as a form of magic that you can see and hear happening before your very eyes and ears. I don’t know if I’d describe it as magic, but there is definitely a lot of grace to be found when we can have a communal experience together.
So, I hope you have tickets for tonight’s show. And, if – in the midst of enjoying some music – you’d like to think about a letter for Malalai, I know that Larry Cowen and other members of our Neighborhood Support Team (and I) would be more than happy to talk with you about it.
I will be away this coming Sunday and during the week next week, but will be back in church on Sunday, October 25 – Reformation Sunday.
Grace and Peace,
John
Prepare for Worship
This Week: “How, Then, Shall We Live Together” from Guest Preacher, Blair Moffett
Read Psalm 96
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Read Matthew 22:15-22
Read or sing Hymn # 273 – “He is King of Kings”