Matthew 4:1-11
As I write, I have just returned from the Call for Clergy in Minneapolis to witness and resist their extrajudicial authoritarian occupation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Instead of facing our demons in a desert, religious leaders from across the nation faced them on the prairie, wrapped up in ski pants and foot warmers, thermal underwear and stoles safety-pinned to parkas. With negative thirty-four degree wind chill temperatures, Mother Earth herself screamed, “If you really want ICE, I will give you some ICE!!”
Jesus in our midst, among the least of these members of his family — strangers unwelcomed by our federal government but companioned by all who see in them the face of Christ — faced down those demons with us, in a story of reverse temptation:
Mutual Aid societies proving the miracle of loaves and fishes for families left behind after the abduction of their loved ones, including the delivery of breast milk to a three month old left unattended after ICE broke down her door without a judicial warrant and kidnapped her mother.
Movement chaplains, including a colleague from seminary, rushing to the scenes where Renee Good and Alex Pretti were murdered, offering prayer and comfort while being pummeled by pepper spray and sound cannon.
And civic leaders refusing to cave to external demands that would protect them from judicial probes at the expense of their citizens.
Over and over again, with every reason to give up, these Beloved of God, baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus, show up for one another and for God in this crisis. This same level of urgency, demon-confronting, and long haul commitment can be ours for earth care. Let us begin!
Prayer: Holy One who overcomes horror with inspiration, grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the facing of this hour.
Rev. Gusti Linnea Newquist, Pastor
Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church, West Virginia
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