Beloveds,
The Oxford Languages Online Dictionary defines liberation as the act of setting someone free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression; release; and freedom from limits on thought or behavior.
Speaking of freedom: Word on the street is that 2026 is poised to be a watershed year in American history. Not only will we celebrate 250 years of the experiment we call democracy, but debates over social justice, civil rights, and the role of religion in public life are in the forefront. 2026 is both a celebration of founding ideals (which were ideals for some but not others) and a contested arena for addressing unfinished work regarding equality and authoritarian trends. Unfortunately, much of the authoritarian rhetoric and trends are being veiled as religious freedom, a freedom for a narrow category of people that suppresses and oppresses others. For the love of God….
Marcia McFee of Worship Design Studio offers this reflection on John 11:1-45 (The Raising of Lazarus):
“Sometimes the things we think offer love to bind us, preventing us from being full and whole and offering our best love to the world. The story of Lazarus, whose funeral shrouds trail him out of the tomb, offers us a metaphor of new life as we recognize that true love is that which unbinds us, that wants for us more, not less, freedom and life. Jesus says to us, “Come out!” Walk! Live! Love! Shed your funeral clothes and offer your deepest self, your deepest love, for the world. Of course this kind of love can be dangerous, as we will see as the events of Holy Week loom closer. But the price of continuing to look for love in the wrong places is higher than the blessing of life lived boldly.”
What liberation do you need to become and live boldly as your best authentic self?
I look forward to seeing you at 10 am Sunday on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream as we “Look for the Liberator” reflecting upon the John 11:1-45 and Psalm 130 texts, with a little Ezekiel 37 & Romans 8 influence.
Cultivate Liberation!
Rev. Michael