God So Loved the World

Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” John 3:16-21 

Today we go to Washington DC for the Native Nations March on Washington in honor of the Water Protectors and others. Tonight we will gather in the National Cathedral with Native leaders and supporters to pray for those who march and those who across our land protect the sacred, the holy and the future of our children. I have been asked, along with several bishops, to go, on the Presiding Bishop's behalf, to pledge the church's support for this holy work. The Creator so loved the world, and the Creator still loves the world so much, that this work is mission work, to protect the innocent, the vulnerable and the beautiful waters and earth that has been given into our care.

Jesus talks very clearly about why he was sent into the world. He did not come to condemn, nor did he come for one specific group of people, chosen or otherwise, but for the whole world - human and all our relatives, the seas, the mountains, the four-legged and two-legged as well as those who swim, slither and fly. This love is not bound by our human rulers, or by human greed. Love breaks down greed in every generation and brings light into the dark and selfish deeds around us. God invites us to see the Creator's love for all of Creation, and to honor all with the love we have for our families and our people.

Today, I ask God for an extra measure of Divine love to face the darkness that overshadows our lives and times. May the work we do today be honorable and holy, so that all might see the Creator's imprint in each and every moment of this day.