[Pastor Jason’s Blog from November 14th]
On Sunday, I said that “throughout history, God’s people have known what it is to walk in times like these—times of loss, times of injustice, times of oppression, moments when the promise of peace feels like a far-off dream.”
Indeed, we do not walk alone.
The Rev. H. Scott Matheney, in his sermon at my installation, referred to the “storied history of Cornell and St. Luke.” Friends, I think that we are about to enter one of those times that will be recorded by those that succeed us as “storied history.”
And yet, we do not walk alone. For God’s people have trod these paths before us.
If you happen into the Campus Ministry lounge this week, have a look at the new art piece acquired from Cornell United Religious Work (CURW) and Cornell. It’s a whale made out of shutters. This was a gift to Father Dan Berrigan, a former director of CURW and noted activist in our community and the United States. Father Dan was a leader and voice for peace and justice in his uncertain times both on the Cornell campus and across the nation. He was vehemently anti-war, anti-violence, and someone that will be watching (from the Great Cloud of Witnesses) as we navigate the uncertainty of our own times.
As we begin to assemble the history and significance of the art piece, please let it stand as a symbol of our own commitment to peace and justice in the world today. Gazing upon this should never tun into an idol of worship but a reminder that we are not walking these times alone. We have the saints around us, both seen and unseen.
I suppose we now take a step into what will be our own storied history. Writing it one page at a time. One act of justice at a time. One hand a voice of love at a time.
Beloved, let’s rise up together.
Pr. Jason
