How Far Are We Willing to Go?

There are several words that get thrown around in our Christian tradition...so often, in fact that we sometimes lose sight of what they truly mean.

Discipleship
Church
Community
Faith

And for those of you who know me well...(my favorite)...JOURNEY

Well, we are starting another one...another journey.  This time it is an intentional journey through the season of Lent.  Now for those who may think similarly to my (Catholic) father...yes, Lent is something that we observe in the United Church of Christ as well...because we too, are Christian.

So back to this journey.  What does it mean to journey through a season in the church?  Will we be going somewhere physically?  Will we need to be mindful of those of us for whom physical movement is limited?  Where will we begin?  And the ultimate question... how far are we willing to go?

Journey, in this context, is more of a process than a physical trip.  Our journey this Lent will take us on a spiritual path alongside this man Jesus.  We will listen and watch closely as he goes about his ministry, teaching his Disciples, healing the crowds and ticking off the religious elite.  We are invited to become a part of the story... to "walk" with Jesus and eavesdrop on his conversation, witness his work and try to figure out what it all means to us.

Oh, and I forgot to tell you that this journey is not going to be an easy one.  The roads that Jesus travels are long, dark and dusty.  And although he eludes to his destination a few times...ultimately, the journey will come to an end...at the cross.

How far are we willing to go?  Will we decide to test out the journey in the beginning as if we are simply putting our toes in the water before taking the plunge?  Will we engage with Jesus for a while but then lose interest as his ministry continues?  Or will we be dedicated to him, committing ourselves to his work and teachings and stay with him to the end? 

Today is the beginning of the Lenten journey.  Today is the day that we take time to reflect on our lives... perhaps within the framework of the journey ahead... and wonder how far we will actually be able to go. 

What do we need to do in order to prepare for such a long journey?  40 days (plus the Sundays) between now and Easter... are we ready for that?

Will we need to make some changes, some adjustments to the way we live in order to endure?  Will we need to leave some things (or some ones) behind in order to make it through?  And although many of us have read/heard the story before... this year it will be different.. because we are different.  Are we ready?

So regardless of how you have observed this Lenten season in the past... regardless if you begin with ashes on your forehead or if you eat Filet o' Fish on Fridays... or if you've never walked this path before... you are in for a treat.  Because this long, hard journey begins for you... and for the rest of us... together. 

Take some time today to make your preparations and then let the journey begin.

I think you will be surprised at how far you will be able to go... with Jesus as your guide... your community as your companions... and God giving you the strength to endure.  Let's begin.

My Trip to Springfield

It was a scary moment...the minute I realized that I had said “yes” to something I have never done before.  I said “yes.” 

The question?  Would I be willing to be a part of a small group of clergy to descend upon our state capital and lobby our elected officials in regard to SB10 – the marriage bill?  I said “yes.”

I’ve never done anything like this before.  I’ve always tried to do what I can to be supportive of various legislation but it has always been from fingertip length... communicating through my laptop, signing petitions, emailing Representatives.  But this time...this time I was going to be face-to-face with some pretty powerful people... and I was going to be asking them to do something. 

Now let me just put it out there that I am a supporter of Marriage Equality.  Actually, I should say that I am a supporter of Equal Rights and therefore in support of Marriage... for everyone.  So a trip to Springfield to let others know where I stand just makes perfect sense.

Upon arriving in Springfield (and finally finding a place to park) I attended a Press Conference where several religious leaders spoke in support of Marriage Equality.  The bill has already passed through the Senate Executive Committee and is now on its way to the Senate.  Our work in Springfield this day was to speak with our Senators and Representatives to let them know that there are clergy and religious communities in their Districts who are in full support of this legislation.

Following the Press Conference, our group of clergy gathered for lunch and some instruction from the extremely knowledgeable and very-well organized folks from Equality Illinois.  www.eqil.org  During this time we were encouraged to work in small groups to locate and dialogue with those representing our various Districts.

Unfortunately, because sessions were cancelled for today (Thursday), many of our Representatives sprinted to their cars following the Governor’s State of the State Address and headed back home. 

Our group was able to connect with Representative Darlene Senger. www.senger.ilhousegop.org  Five clergy sat in her office and had a wonderful conversation.  She shared with us that she is yet to make a decision on this issue and talked of the ongoing struggle that this issue continues to raise... how does it fit within one’s faith?

As she spoke with our group I felt honored that she would take the time to listen to what we had to say and thanked us when we offered to provide answers for questions she may have in her decision-making process.

The reality is... I think the most difficult piece of this discussion does often fall along faith lines.  For those of us who have been raised in more conservative communities... of course this is going to be a tough decision.  For those of us who have yet to see how our lives have been impacted by our LGBTQ sisters and brothers... of course it is difficult to put a personal perspective on it.  And for those of us who simply lack the appropriate information on a tough issue such as this... of course it is more comfortable to dig our heels in.

All-in-all, the issue of Marriage Equality is one that obviously is important to me... as a gay man.  And yesterday, while navigating the process of lobbying in Springfield (which did involved passing through the security checkpoints at least 7 or 8 times... being “wanded” all but one time) I was again reminded of how important this issue is for so many others. 

I spoke with a couple who have been together for many years and who have recently had their Civil Union ceremony.  The one thing I kept hearing in their words was the reality that Civil Union is still not equal to Marriage. 

And don’t even get me going on the “Gay Marriage” piece.  If I didn’t get up this morning and “Gay Brush” my teeth... then my LGBTQ sisters and brothers don’t need to be fighting for the right to be “Gay Married.”

It’s MARRIAGE, people!  That’s it!  Nothing more!  Nothing less!

I believe my time in Springfield was beneficial within this process.  I believe that our group’s collective voice was heard... by many.  But the work is not complete.

I urge those of you who also feel that this issue is important to not wait as I have to become more active in the process.  Please... PLEASE... take a few minutes out of your day and contact your elected officials.  Let them know that you too are in support of the Marriage Bill. 

If you are nervous about calling them... call me first.  I’ll be happy to walk you through it.  It’s actually much easier and less anxiety-provoking than I thought it would be. 

Don’t know who your Senator or Representatives are?  Don’t worry.  I can help you with that too. 

So come on!  Join with so many others to encourage our leaders to do what is right... to bring about fairness and security for LGBTQ couples in our state.  It will only be possible if we all pitch in. 

Let your voice be heard.  Mine was... and it will be again!