Saturday, April 6
Readings: JER 11:18-20; JN 7:40-53
The theme continues today of the persecuted one. As we enter into these last few weeks of Lent, this theme starts to come forward a little more.
I am especially thinking today of people who are persecuted just for being who they are. The dominant systems of the world make it so hard for some people just to be.
I think of people in the queer and trans communities.
I think of native peoples.
I think of people of color.
I think of people with disabilities of all kinds.
I think of people who process information and learn differently.
I think of people with certain diseases and conditions.
The first reading today from Jeremiah speaks of how the persecuted one entrusts their cause and their life to God because there is no one else to entrust it to and because the world does not value it. So many people who are reading this know what this is like – whether in one aspect of their life or in many facets of life.
Then in the gospel, we hear of Nicodemus who was a secret follower of Jesus. He is aware of the plots against Jesus, but advocates for another course. He tries to do something about the persecution. This makes me think of all the people who show up in unexpected places who offer us support somehow so that we can be who we are.
For today, I just want to give thanks for and acknowledge all those who take risks just to be who they are and I hold up all those who – in big and small ways – make it easier for people to be who they are.