As many of us begin to celebrate Gay Pride month, we still need to remember that in parts of the United States, including New Jersey, there are those who continue to oppose equality and respect for persons in the various LGBTQ+ communities. Some claim they do so because of their readings of Scripture; however, many simply feel their own sexuality threatened.
There’s no question that the refusal to not just tolerate but accept people as they were formed by God has resulted in intolerance and hatred, even to the point of murder. Who can forget the terrible image of Matthew Shepherd as he hung on a barbed wire fence?
Certain politicians have seized on the deep residual fears of a vocal minority to push an agenda of hate. We should not be so sanguine as to believe that a few rainbow flags and pride parades indicate that there does not continue to be that residue that would destroy the opportunities and rights LGBTQ+ persons have been able to secure. We must strive to protect the rights of all of God’s creation.
Prayer for the Day
We are humbled, Wellspring of Being, by your call to do good,
And easily do we cry for your mercy and goodness;
But we do not want to be held account for the stewardship of our lives,
And we tremble with difficulty when facing your judgment.
Chasten and correct us so that we may be healed,
Opening us to your love for all people you have created.
In the name of the One who expands our vision of your creation,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Love him and let him love you. Do you think under heaven anything else really matters?
- James Baldwin, American writer (1924-1987)
If I wait for someone else to validate my existence, it means I am shortchanging myself.
- Zanele Muholi, South African activist and artist
Give ear to my words, O Lord; give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you I pray.
O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
In the morning I plead my case to you and watch.
Psalm 5: 1-3