I am political because I am a Christian and the God in every one of my cells calls me to love myself and my siblings – all of them. I am called to love into fullness of being and resist any structural violence that thwarts the development and thriving of any person. I cannot be non-political because Jesus was political and I want to be like him, especially during his three years of public ministry where he was a community organizer who sought the interests of people asking, “what do you want me to do for you?” He did not say, “I know what you want. I know what’s best for you.” He asked a question and then listened for the answer.
As the Sankofa Bird looked backward while flying forward, I am called to remember my ancestors, that great cloud of witnesses who have gone before me. They taught me how to love the earth, neighbor, sibling, always recognizing the Triune God and remembering both my baptism and the Last Meal that we eat in remembrance of Jesus, the political activist and community organizer.
This message is excerpted from “Unapologetically political” by Linda Thomas in the November 2, 2023, blog of the Women of the ELCA. Today we commemorate Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, martyr, 156.
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