The Advocate Cometh

While I am not one to rush the seasons, we have an opportunity this weekend to consider how to offer the work of the Holy Spirit (the gift of which we celebrate on Pentecost 3 ½ weeks from now). Specifically, I am referring to the work of advocacy.  When Jesus tells his follows about the gift of the Holy Spirt in John’s Gospel (14:16; 14:26), he talks about the Spirit as the “Advocate.”  It is a helpful moniker that defines in part what the Holy Spirit does, supporting and encouraging us, as well as interceding on our behalf (when we are following God’s will).

This Sunday we will welcome The Rev. Sara Lilja as our guest preacher at St. Barnabas.  Sara is the Director of LEAMNJ – the Lutheran Episcopal Advocacy Ministry of New Jersey.  This is a cooperative ministry between the Episcopal Dioceses of New Jersey and Newark, and the Lutheran Synod of New Jersey to advocate for peace and justice within our political system.  This is a non-partisan effort, using our biblical foundation and faith-informed reason to respond to how our society functions and where it needs to change in order to live into the “Realm of God.” That is a daunting task, but much can be done by being focused on certain areas where reform can change unjust systems. 

Several of us have read Michelle Alexander’s book “The New Jim Crow” and were appalled at the inequality there is in the judicial system in regard to drugs.  We can help advocate for reform.  There is also racism rampant in the judicial system that needs to be addressed.  Sara can help us understand how to do that.  It will require us to be more informed about our state legislature and in communication with our representatives and some may not be comfortable with that.  That is your choice.  No one will be asked to do something they do not want to do, but we need to start somewhere.

Advocacy is about supporting those without a voice, not about setting criminals free.  Justice must include consequences, as long as they are fair and unbiased in their enforcement.  We can discern how best to offer our voice to do the work God has given us to do.
The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is a gift beyond measure and we have the opportunity to share that gift in a meaningful way by offering ourselves in advocacy.  After hearing from Sara, I hope we can discern how best to do just that at St. Barnabas.

With Easter Joy,

Rev. Valerie+

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