Affirmative actions

Luke 6:20-26

          I returned from a retreat on Affirmative Action only to have my sense of inequality heightened. The reading today speaks to the differences we have in our world. The rich and the poor, the hungry and the (too) well fed; those that have much to weep about and those that seem as if life is their oyster and nothing bad ever happens. Such disparities are a part of life and as Jesus points out, we will always have the poor.

            Quite unfortunately, the disparities of rich and poor are often equated with black and white.  It still shows that even with a President of African American heritage, much needs to be accomplished in the way of equality and stereotypes. Today we remember Harry Thacker Burliegh, an African American classical composer, arranger, and professional singer who was soloist at St. George's Episcopal Church in New York City (1894 ). By all accounts he was well ahead of his time and so was the church in accepting him as soloist. It was not an easy choice apparently and it was not unanimous. The deciding vote was cast by one J.P. Morgan. To me this is an indication that we must challenge our stereotypes in every direction. The disparities of rich and poor, well fed and hungry speaks to the obvious I suppose but what of poverty of spirit? What of thirst for knowledge and hunger for equality?

             If we have learned anything, God has created us all in his image. That does not mean Jesus was a beautiful blue eyed blond who had ripped abs hanging on the cross. Au contrere, he was most likely ruddy, dirty, short, olive skinned and looked more like a terrorist that we might envision. The image of God is not something we can really comprehend though we like to see him/her in human terms simply to give a point of reference. His image and likeness though are the best attributes humanity can aspire to and that Jesus preached, pure love, letting the light of your creation shine forth. It is also the ability to forgive and share equally all the gifts we have to offer with the same passion and freedom God graces us with His love.

           Sometimes we think we are poor and they are rich or that we have deep troubles and the other chap has it made. I think it behooves us to be more concerned about examining ourselves and giving freely in Gods name than worrying about how others are. There will always be better off and worse off than we are. That is no excuse to judge or not participate in the life of love and charity that is God's image.

Then he looked up at his disciples and said:
‘Blessed are you who are poor,
   for yours is the kingdom of God.
‘Blessed are you who are hungry now,
   for you will be filled.
‘Blessed are you who weep now,
   for you will laugh.

‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you^* on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
‘But woe to you who are rich,
   for you have received your consolation. 

‘Woe to you who are full now,
   for you will be hungry.
‘Woe to you who are laughing now,
   for you will mourn and weep.

‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.