remembering with sadness and thanksgiving

i come with a quote from archbishop oscar romero today. it is with sadness that we remember 30 years ago that this roman catholic leader in san salvador was assassinated during his celebration of mass, for his liberation theological views and his commitment to speak out against poverty, torture, and his government commitment against the poor. it is an awful memory; it is the year i entered seminary.

on this thanksgiving, i wish to offer thanks to those who have gone before us to stand in solidarity with those who are without voice and power. may we remember that we are all called by god to speak the words of love, and act in ways that seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly in step with jesus our living christ.

as we are in the midst of the 'already here and not yet' of god's realm, this is a timely reminder to us all:

"it helps, now and then, to step back and take the long view. the kingdom is not only beyond our effort, it is beyond our vision. we accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is god's work. nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us.

"no statement says all that could be said. no prayer fully expresses our faith. no confession brings perfection. no pastoral visit brings wholeness. no program accomplishes the church's mission. no set of goals and objectives includes everything.

"this is what we are about: we plant seeds that one day will grow. we water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. we lay foundations that will need further development. we provide yeast that produces effects beyond our capabilities.

"we cannot do everything and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. this enables us to do something, and to do it very well. it may be incomplete, but it is a beginning; a step along the way; an opportunity for god's grace to enter and do the rest.

"we may never see the results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. we are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs. we are prophets of a future not our own".

wow! i find these words honest, inspiring, and a prayer of hope. may this be our reminder that with thanksgiving, god is with us; we are never alone; and the work of christ is not finished. what will be your next step on behalf of god for others?