MLK Holiday. Inauguration Day: the Second Day After
My thoughts continue: Both parties from the White House have issued Executive Orders. I do not know if any received unanimous or even majority bipartisan affirmation. I still am posing the question, “What is happening in America?” On the MLK Holiday, the Inauguration, and the days following, Civil Rights took a big hit. Genders were defined only as male and female. The Justice Department has been tasked with investigating and enforcing particular Executive Orders. And don’t forget there was a seemingly authentic Hitlerian gesture by Elon Musk, a dismissal of the first female Admiral, a mass pardoning of criminals by our President, a convicted criminal himself, an apparent complete marginalization of “the other,” an Order for mass deportation of immigrants, and one ending the constitutional birthright citizenship. I continue to pray that the Lord have mercy on the intended and unintended consequences of the November election, the inauguration, and the numerous Executive Orders. And Lord have mercy on me, us, and the American electorate! Lord have mercy on America!
Yes, 2025 is here and with a big entrance. There is nothing wrong with President Trump doing what he promised to do. Yes, he received 0.15 more votes than Vice-President Harris. Now, the big question, can we examine any President’s Administration and see the fruit of the Sermon on the Mount and Matthew 25? I am not an advocate of Christian Nationalism. I am an advocate of how the four major world religions, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, all lift up facets of the aforementioned as a demonstration of the common good, which I would hope any US Presidential Administration would work to accomplish through the Executive Branch, Congress, and the Judiciary.
For me, in this pursuit, I am particularly drawn to Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” The path that I am on with the Lord Jesus Christ is my journey of faith, and it is one for which I seek to be continually prepared. I want to make an impact for the common good, not just one or two demographic groups. That impact has spiritual and political implications. Yes, tough decisions have to be made, but with compassion, kindness, love, and justice. My journey of faith as an individual and the journey of faith I am on with you as a community are integrally entwined. We need each other.
I cannot forget that Jesus told his disciples to pick up their cross, give everything away to the poor, and make disciples of all peoples. What will you doing the things above look like?
On the journey of Christian discipleship and spiritual formation with you, I remain faithfully yours,
Steve
The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh
Interim Pastor
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