What does that “clean slate” of Eastertide mean for us? Our sins are forgiven, and for 50 days from Easter Sunday, we don’t even say the corporate confession during worship!
How can that be in a time such as this? In just a few days, the Chauvin trial was interrupted by the killing of Daunte Wright, another African American man from Minnesota. The reportage of Daunte Wright’s killing has been interrupted by the mass shooting at a Tennessee high school. Were this not enough, a uniformed Army Lieutenant (who happens to be a black man) was pepper-sprayed by a verbally abusive white cop. His infraction? He had temporary plates on a new car, as far as I can tell. I guess the presumption was he must have stolen it. Stereotype much?
We really have no explanation for receiving the grace of a confession-free Eastertide. We are all in some way complicit, especially if we sit on our hands as we loudly complain about the way of our country. And while many Christians believe there is nothing we can do to earn grace, I respectfully disagree. At a minimum, we can acknowledge that divine grace by working to make God’s world a more just and loving society.
Let’s look to the example of Jesus himself. He could have summoned the army of heaven to solve all of the human foibles, sins, and atrocities. He had the power to avert the torture that is crucifixion, yet he did not.
What Jesus chose to do was teach by example via his human self. Heal and help wherever possible as the need found him. That’s what he did — on a case by case basis, taking in the totality of those circumstances. He knew systemic change had to happen, but he also knew that teaching and sending more disciples into the world had to happen to usher in the Reign of God.
Jesus has called us to do the same thing. It takes time, but it works to heal the world’s wounds. This is the price for us to pay back, to redeem our own redemption, if you will. To give thanks for this heavenly grace, we must use all of our skills and resources to help those who suffer, and to call out evil and injustice.
How will you be a healing balm and a justice warrior this week?
Blessings on your Eastertide journey.+
