Jun 24, 2022 |
Rector's Blog Throwback Series: We're Taking a Break
| The Rev. Philip DeVaulRector's Blog Throwback Series: We're Taking a Break
Editor's note: As part of our When Love Shows Up Throwback Series we are re-posting this blog post which was originally posted on November 18, 2020.
Since Biblical times, when we find ourselves in a culture that seeks for us anything other than the Love for which we were made, resistance to that is an act of faithful obedience to God. Tempted as we are in our current paradigm to demonize those with whom we disagree, seeking to love our enemies is an act of resistance. Entrenched as we are in a zero-sum mindset that celebrates winners and mocks so-called losers, the decision to seek and serve Christ in all persons is an act of resistance. Saturated as we are by a climate of racial and economic inequality, the decision to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly is an act of resistance.
Likewise, we take an honest look at our culture and realize that we are conditioned to believe that rest is something to be earned. This is counter to the commandment of God. God literally commands that we build regular rest into our lives, not as a reward for work well done, but as a source of strength and centering on God’s presence. And “earned” rest is counter to the Gospel that our belovedness and belonging are a gift from God, given with grace and adoration. Our decision to rest is an act of faithful resistance against the temptation to believe our worth is found in our work.