Psalm 146:5-10

“(The Lord) upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.  The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.  The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.”  (Psalm 146:7-9, NRSV)

One of the tasks of Christians is to model, the best they, can, what God’s rule looks like in our own place and time. Championing the cause of those considered trash by society, the alien in our midst, and those who are powerless and vulnerable has often caused the Church and Christians to be accused of “meddling in politics,” as if the Biblical faith is something confined to our private lives. It doesn’t take much perusal of the Bible to realize that God is vitally interested in our life together, as Christians and as citizens.  Political strategies are a way to be true to God’s intentions for the world He created and the people in it. However, we must always remember that God’s concerns transcend all political platforms and economic systems. Any of them can serve God’s ends. We are charged with asking ourselves if they do, and if not, how can they?

God, our Ruler and King, put into our bones the same concern that you have for all of the people we share our country and our planet with. We offer our lives and our passions to you, so that you will come through us to make a difference in the lives of those who need a champion. In your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

– Father Larry Parrish, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Falls City