Rev. Dr. Donna Cavedon, Interim Pastor, First Christian Church (DOC & UCC). November 18, 2018
…and justice for all My name is Donna Cavedon and I currently am serving as Interim Minister at First Christian Church on El Paseo across from Las Cruces High School. This is a Disciples of Christ denomination and United Church of Christ congregation. I have been ordained for over 32 years in the United Church of Christ so my background has deep roots in the Judeo-Christian tradition with undergirding in both the Hebrew and New Testament texts and it is through this lens that I view, comprehend and act on my understanding of justice, with an unwavering belief that justice, indeed, is for all.
Unlike most people who mete out justice, God’s justice can’t be bought or bribed. God sees things justly and fairly, while as God’s children, we often don’t. A harsh reality.
Well, we know that Jesus grew up in a devout Jewish home with faithful parents. This verse from Leviticus (19:18) “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against your kinsfolk. Love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” were words Jesus may have often heard in his home as well as in the temple. So also the words from Hillel the Elder: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow: this is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn.”
So it is no surprise that within the Christian tradition we received two commandments from Jesus: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Sound familiar? (Matthew 22:37-40 New Revised Standard Version).
We can, of course, get caught up in trying to define neighbor – the people next door, or those in my neighborhood, or city. But in the broad and inclusive scheme of things, neighbors are everyone. This is one world, after all. You are my neighbor as I am yours especially when we embrace the reality that we are all God’s children – we are the beloved.
Clergy often get criticized for preaching what may be considered a sermon that seems to be too liberal or too political. But as people of faith it is scripture – not politics – that motivates us to action when we see something wrong. As people of faith it is scripture – not politics – that motivates our prayers for justice. As people of faith it is scripture – not politics- that compels us to do what we can when we witness how immigrants are treated. As people of faith it is scripture – not politics – that moves us to send letters to our representatives to right wrongs. As people of faith, it is scripture – not politics – that informs our daily living. As people of faith it is scripture – not politics – that informs our daily response to the injustices we witness around us. As people of faith, it is scripture – not politics – that forms our belief that justice is only justice when it’s justice for all.
Throughout history and among all the diverse religious and spiritual threads in the world, is the concept of the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It is a simple statement: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It is a complex statement: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. it is a dangerous statement as we are commanded to stand with the marginalized, the poor, those who hunger and thirst, we are to clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned, welcome the stranger and release the oppressed and captive. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. There are copies of the Golden Rule from various faith traditions on the tables.
I thank you Rabbi Larry for the invitation to share some thoughts on justice today and for expanding the dialogue within our communities of faith in this way. I thank you as well for the opportunity to stand with this community and to be a part of this community at the October 28 Memorial and Vigil. I close with words shared that day written by Doug Cotler in a song entitled Justice, Justice.
We know what it’s like to be without a home – we know what it’s like to wander years alone. And I must break the chains that bind the slave and make oppression disappear. And I must help the stranger find a bed, and I will share my bread. Justice, justice, I will pursue you. I will never cease to do what’s right. The more there’s justice, the more there will be peace. In the beggar’s eye, sparks of heaven shine. In the captive’s cry, the voice of the divine. And I must break the chains that bind the slave and make oppression disappear. And I must help the stranger find a bed, and I will share my bread. Everyone must work to move a single stone. Mountains cruel and cold can’t be crossed alone. So we must break the chains that bind the slave and make oppression disappear. And I must help the stranger find a bed, and I will share my bread. (And justice, justice for all.) Amen.
