What It Means to Be a Christian Right Now

It may be that when we no longer know what to do
we have come to our real work,
and that when we no longer know which way to go
we have come to our real journey.
The mind that is not baffled is not employed.
The impeded stream is the one that sings.
— Wendell Berry

Dear Trinity Family,

Some of you have asked me what it means to be a Christian in this moment. What can we do to not only avoid despair but cultivate hope in a time that can feel hopeless? The answer is simple, but it’s not easy.

We must live lives of faithfulness to God, wherever we are, no matter our circumstances: As God loves us, we must love one another. Those aren’t just nice words. Loving one another is how we lessen the power of evil in our community and in our world.

Being faithful means it’s our role to keep feeding the hungry and welcoming the stranger. It’s our role to keep advocating for the powerless. It’s our role to keep caring for, and savoring, God’s good creation. It’s our role to relentlessly insist that we honor the dignity of every person — in our neighborhood, in our city, and across the globe — knowing each of us is deserving of love.

It’s our role to relentlessly insist we honor the dignity of every person — in our neighborhood, in our city, and across the globe — knowing each of us is deserving of love.”

When we focus on loving one another the way Jesus taught us, God’s kingdom comes to earth through our actions. With God and one another, we build a lasting future, rooted in justice. And we become a new people, known by that very love.

As our program year ends, I want you to remember this is you. This is your story. You walk forward, despite your fears. You love, even when it costs you something. You are part of a community that transforms hope from a feeling into the courage to face whatever lies ahead. Come, cast your burdens on the Lord — God will carry them — and remember to get some rest this summer.

Blessings,

Phil

The Rev. Phillip A. Jackson
Rector, Trinity Church