Juneteenth 2022

Then little children were being brought to Jesus in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” And he laid his hands on them and went on his way. Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many  possessions. Matthew 19:13-22

Statue by Wesley Wofford

We are spending time in the place I consider home, Cape May, NJ. The house I grew up in, an 1820's federal style farmhouse on Cape May Point was razed a few years back after it was sold. It was a hard loss. Last year, I got to visit the Harriet Tubman Museum in Cape May with my family. Our home had been on the underground railroad, and kind folks rescued floorboards from our house for the museum. We took off our shoes and stood barefoot on the ancient flooring, knowing there were still echoes of those who sought their freedom, not so long ago. We were standing on holy ground. We expect that Harriet herself came though our home. Americans, particularly white Americans, have no concept of how precious freedom is, and what this holiday truly means. Most only care about possessions and big houses. Yet the whispers and the cries of those who hid, carried children, and gave their lives so others might be free, still ring through my heart. Let us not, ever, hinder anyone.

Loving God, you call us all to compassion and care

asking us to bring release to the captive and freedom

for all people, no matter their nation or their color.

We have done great damage and cruelty as a nation

we talk of freedoms and liberties for ourselves

yet we daily take it away from those we fear.

Help us, on this Juneteenth to live as you call us

sharing the blessings of your love with everyone

and never hindering others from receiving your full blessings. Amen.