Greetings, Diocese of Olympia.
We’re in the midst of Pride Month, a time when we give thanks for our LGBTQ siblings and all the diversity that they bring to us in helping us to build the Beloved Community. We’ve just celebrated the Feast of Pentecost, and on that day we’re reminded of the Holy Spirit coming down and giving the disciples, the apostles the ability to speak in a variety of different languages, so that everyone could hear the good news of Jesus, of how God loves us and came to bring us a life of fullness and joy, the chance to be exactly who we were created to be. And to engage in the world and to share that love with others.
I know this has been an especially difficult time, especially for our trans and non-binary siblings who have faced laws, and actions, executive orders specifically targeted against them. I want you to know that during not only this month of Pride, but throughout the year going forward, you have in us both pilgrims and allies. People to walk with you, to stand with you, to continue to have you bring your gifts to our communities so that we might fully be the body of Christ.
Paul reminds us in Galatians 6 that we’re to bear each other’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. It’s an interesting phrase to fulfill the law of Christ. That’s because Christ’s law is a law of love. And it is only when we gather around each other, when we lift each other up, that we can truly experience that love of Jesus. Paul goes on to say that we’re not to lose heart. That we’re to continue on in sowing the goodness of God and that we’ll bear and reap this huge harvest if we don’t give up.
So, let all of us be reminded that during this time that we are not to give up. That we’re to continue on in the way of Jesus, and especially in welcoming those who have far too often been shunned by people who claim to be followers of Jesus. Who’ve been pushed out simply for being who they are. We are proud of who you are, so don’t give up. And let’s all of us continue to remember that it is only when all come into the fellowship of God’s grace that we can truly build the Beloved Community.
May this month of Pride remind us that there’s a vast array of people who serve and follow Jesus and that we are strengthened when we hear each other’s stories.
Amen.
