December 12, 2021
Day 15: Pilgrimages for Social Justice
I have never been on a pilgrimage to a far-away place. I have wanted to go, for a long time! But, it never seems to happen. I never have had the opportunity.
However – I have made short pilgrimages. I have stood up for people who were oppressed or endangered because of the religion they practice.
I can immediately think of two situations. Both were in support of two neighboring houses of worship. Both were mosques. One in the community where my church is located, and the other, the next suburb to the west. I have a number of friends and acquaintances at the mosque in my church’s suburb. I consider myself blessed to count several as dear friends.
Several years ago, the nearby mosque had a situation where they needed to heighten alerts while services were going on inside the mosque. I joined about thirteen or fourteen others to stand alongside the curb, to stand in silent witness and solidarity and support. We stood there all during the service, just in case anyone should stop by to hassle any members of that house of worship.
Yes, I wore my clerical collar as I stood with a candle, as a visual witness to all those who drove by the mosque. And yes, I was very grateful when one of my acquaintances from the mosque invited us in afterwards, to share a meal with all the congregation after the service. Such a blessing, all the way around. For me, taking a stand and standing in witness, and for my friends and acquaintances, realizing that they were supported and cared for by others in the community.
When I attended seminary, I was in a spiritual formation group my first year, meeting weekly. It was not only a formation group, but also an accountability group. One of the chapters we read, talked about and prayed over was “Practicing the Compassionate Life: The Social Justice Tradition.” We were responsible for not only reading and praying, but also doing. That was an integral part of the whole.
A quote from this workbook: “The best way to start your task this week is to begin with this simple prayer: “Lord Jesus, show me someone whom I can serve.” God loves to answer this prayer.” [1] Oh, my. Yes. I feel so strongly about Matthew 25, where Jesus details compassionate service for the least, the downtrodden, the poor and forgotten. God does indeed desire all followers to “give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.” (Psalm 82:3).
I feel this so deeply in my heart. Yes, please God, I will. Dear God, thank You for Your love for each of us. Help us to show Your love to others. Help us to reach out in service for others, no matter what color, ethnicity, social standing, and – yes – religion or faith tradition. Thank You for giving me such wonderful opportunities , to live this social justice tradition regularly. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Thanks to the website www.contemplativemind.org for their excellent image the Tree of Contemplative Practices.
(Suggestion: visit me at my other blogs: www.pastorpreacherprayer.com, matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. and A Year of Being Kind . Thanks! )
[1] Smith, James Bryan and Graybeal, Lynda, A Spiritual Formation Workbook (A Renovaré Resource for Spiritual Renewal), (HarperSanFransisco: United States of America, 1993), 54.
Pastor, Preacher, Pray-er Journal 