In our Calendar of Saints yesterday we remembered Anna Ellison Butler Alexander, the first African American female Deacon in the Episcopal Church. Anna was born to former slaves in 1865. She was the youngest of eleven children and spent her life and ministry in Georgia....
The weather was so beautiful last weekend! Charlie and I decided to take advantage of the sun and the lower temperatures by enjoying a leisurely stroll along the Hudson River. We were deep in conversation as we looped around Pier 62, so we did not notice a small group of people clustered together near one of the guardrails. When we got closer, we saw that they were looking at a rare sight in the city: a Red Tailed Hawk, who was on the ground because it had caught a pigeon in its talons. That poor pigeon. It didn’t have much life left in it, and the hawk was standing, unintimidated and staring at all of us, waiting for the captured prey to breathe it’s last. It was a startling sight, especially in such an urban context. A few people tried to startle the hawk, hoping it would release the pigeon, but to no avail. Everyone watching was silent. Finally, one observer said out loud, “I really can’t stand pigeons, but I don’t hate them that much!” Whether we talk about compassion, kindness, connection, or empathy, Scripture is clear that love is a non-negotiable value of our faith. Of many faiths, actually, and in Christianity we know that “love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:10). And if active love seems far removed in a given circumstance, perhaps a first step is to refrain from allowing negativity to fester and cloud our reactions to those with whom we disagree. Maybe a foundational aspect of the love Jesus commands is the commitment not to wish any living creature harm; to recognize any disagreements and divisions around us, while also holding all creatures we encounter in the light of life and love....
Recently I had the pleasure of spending some of my vacation in Massachusetts. The experience was lovely overall, but the first few days of my time away were focused on Tropical Storm Isaias. My brother, my sister and I were checking radar and weather reports regularly. Each time we looked, the forecast was different: hurricane force winds one day, the next “only” tropical storm gusts, flooding probable, until a few check-ins later when the rainfall predictions were drastically reduced. The changing predictions were all due to the variations in tracking the path of the storm. Some models did not bode well for us. Other possibilities were less punishing....
As you read this, I am away in a place where nature is close at hand and accessible. I know it can be difficult to connect with the natural world in the city, but it is not impossible! In that spirit, I am turning this meditation over to guest poet Nickole Brown. I hope you enjoy her poem Prayer to be Still and Know, as well as her commentary following....
Last Sunday, a good number of parishioners stayed on Zoom for a discussion of our SummerReads book How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. Professor Kendi has been a high profile—and compelling—presence in the media lately, discussing this most recent work as well as his other books Stamped from the Beginning and Antiracist Baby. His commitment to unveiling what he calls the “Stage 4 cancer of racism” in our nation is thoroughly researched and deeply felt. How to be an Antiracist is a work that challenges and inspires. Reading and discussing it together was a gift....
I rode a city bus this week for the first time since the beginning of quarantine/shutdown in March. I had an appointment across town and was running late, when I saw the M34 pull right up to where I found myself on the sidewalk. In I jumped, through the back doors, and was greeted by lots of open seats and see through plastic curtains with chains separating the driver from the passengers on board. I was also greeted by a greeting! As the doors closed and the bus pulled away from the curb, the bus driver got on the microphone. “Welcome, all essential workers!” he said....
It has always surprised me that the assigned Gospel reading for July 4 is Matthew 5:43-48, which includes Jesus saying this: You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. This commission doesn’t seem to fit with fireworks and triumphant march music. On a day when we commemorate victorious nationalism, it seems odd that the church wants us to focus on love and prayer.
Today [June 19th] is Juneteenth, the day we commemorate the formal abolition of slavery in the U.S. This is a day of celebration. It is also a day when we are asked to consider promises of freedom not fully realized.
As I write this, protests continue throughout our city and our nation. Last night was mostly peaceful, and we are starting to hear about civic leaders who are coming together to address the issues that have sparked such justified anger and resistance. As I write this, Covid-19 continues to be a threat all over the world. We know New York has done mighty battle with this foe and has seen some success. We are poised to begin opening on Monday—these next days will tell whether we are still on track for that to happen. And in the midst of all this, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen continues its work to meet the desperate need all around....
This weekend includes Memorial Day, always the last Monday in May, when we commemorate those who have served and died in our nation’s military conflicts. It is also the commonly regarded “official” beginning of summer. After Memorial Day weekend we usually start to move into a more relaxed framework. Days are longer and warmer. Schedules become more relaxed. Schools get out, and vacation plans are made. But not this Memorial Day—or at least not fully. Much is being redefined as we move through this season, imprinted as it is with Covid-19....
