We know that the whole creation has been groaning together as it suffers together the pains of labor, and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
This week's shooting at Club Q, and numerous mass shootings since, brings a different lens to this scripture. Aren’t we still waiting for adoption and bodily redemption?
How many of us seek the unconditional love of a parent? How many of us seek redemption of our bodies from capitalism, militarism, white supremacy, patriarchy, heteronormativity, gender binaries, ablism, and gun violence?
We groan together, like a person in labor, breathing through the waves of pain, committing our bodies and spirits to peace, and yet torn apart by the violence of birthing a new world together in which we are free.
Pay attention to the margins today, the people who are kept out of power.
What commitment can you make to listening and responding to the inward groans do you hear?
(During Advent we'll be doing things a little differently. Our frames will be provided by five members of the leadership team at Juniper Formation. Learn more here.)
--Jenny Whitcher
Want to make a commitment to doing things differently stick? Share it with someone.