An Easter Action?
Finally some people are risking their political careers for the common good. Finally, people may not get re-elected because they took a stand for those who have less influence.
I don’t know if this health care bill is a good one or completely troubled one--time will tell. But I am grateful that this effort of legislation is finally opening up some new conversation about the common good. Could we in fact be stronger if everyone were healthier, had better access to health care?
It may be that through risking and asking “what’s best for everyone?”, not just our self-interests, that we may discover a longer-term sustainable vision that “market-driven” approaches alone cannot provide, that re-election habits and cycles cannot give.
Will we overcome our addiction to “Me first?” and find a new world of a good common life?
Easter is ultimately a vision for common life. Never just a private experience, of private faith alone, the vision of Shalom, the peace that God gives, is a peace that comes from a deep longing as Theresa of Avila put it, that “…all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well.” Shalom is the peace of acceptance and call to be a people of God, together.
Shalom is the first word Jesus spoke upon his rising. Shalom, Peace, is a word that breaks through the chains we wear daily. These chains are our fears.
“God never gives up on us” is the triumphal and humbling message of Easter. When we dare believe--that is, trust, this hope, we get out of our beds of slumber and rise to face new life in community, together, as a body of beloved people.
By his life of seeking those who were pushed aside, by his life of welcoming the sinner, by his actions of servanthood, Jesus broke open a new Exodus, a new life of freedom for those seeking a good “way”. Neither wounds, nor death stopped this new common life. This was a breakthrough!
Easter hope happens when we share our resources, when we take a lower seat at the table, when we care for the poor, when we forgive those who have offended us. Easter hope is the triumph of love over hate, purposeful action over fear. Join with the vision of Shalom Jesus gives of wellness for all.
What is your vision of Shalom? Which is not the absence of conflict but a completeness, wholeness for everyone. What is the hope that Jesus proclaims to you and to all of us?
Prayers for a Joyous Easter Shalom,
Jon+