As I write this reflection there is a civic memorial in Gander, NFLD, for the victims of 9’11 bombing of the Trade Center in New York. 3000 people lost their lives in tis attack.
The command was issued from the government in Washington that all American airports were to be closed.
This is wartime emergency commands. What do you do with all the planes that are actually flying at the very moment the command was given?
This is where the small airport of Gander, NFLD, (small by the standards of other very large airports) took in 38 planes. And he people of NFLD rose to the emergency and took all these people (7000) into their homes, halls and shelters. We still are amazed how quickly the people of Gander got organized, opened their homes and took in all these ‘airplane’ orphans.
Now, twenty -ive years later there is a civic memorial to remember and to share pride in the generousity of the people of Gander and district.
But, there is serious protests that the American ambassador to Canada (Pete Hoekstra) will be present and speak at the event. Many people do not want the American presence. This is a protest.
This is democracy on its feet – carrying signs and making the dissatisfaction very public – and very loud!
Now, apply the dynamic of protest to the religion that Jesus called us to live. And what we protesting against?
Jesus worked deliberately to get rid of a religion that did all the right moves but did not have gthe correct heart. He criticized all the people who said all these long prayers but hceated the poor and the widows out their money/property.
He deliberately went against the grain and ate with the poor and excluded (who you ate with in that culture was always a statement of status and wealth. And Jesus associated with the unwanted ones!
Jesus included women in his disciples and coworkers. It is also very significant that the first witness to the resurrection of Jesus was a woman!
Jesus was always very critical of the wealthy who did not care about and share their good fortune with the poor and the lower working class of people.
Now, use the lens of protest and study the life and gospel of Jesus Christ.
What will you discover?
