Pray and Fight

I was in Harrisburg the last couple of days….bad news, the budget impasse continues; good news, Representative Frankel (D – Squirrel Hill) introduced legislation to expand Pennsylvania’s non-discrimination laws to include gay, lesbian and transgender persons.

As I was strolling the capital, I couldn’t help but notice the “prime real estate” occupied by several congregations. Walking past, I hoped and sent “be of good courage” vibes to the congregations to rise voice, bear witness and stand up and with those in the labor for what is just.

On one of the benches hewn into the cement walls in front of the capital, I noticed chiseled into the cement this quote by Muhlenberg: “There is a time to pray and there is a time to fight.”

To live faithfully we need to do both.

I came into my adulthood after the great justice movements that were central to the decade of the 60’s. Yet, with the issues of my time (inclusion for LGBTQIAA persons, the rights of persons with disabilities, and the many facets of poverty) I have joined in the long line of the cause for justice and seek to move the reality a little bit closer in the world we share.

During the various marches, rallies, and witnessing in which I’ve participated, there seems to be a noticeable lack of faith leaders joined in the cause. This both saddens me and angers me for I cannot separate the prophetic sensibilities from my calling…nor should I.

I am a firm believer in prayer. It works and it does “get ‘er done.” Yet, as the Whoopi Goldberg character in the film, SISTER ACT states, “We can do more for the people than just pray for them.” Yes, we can donate and go to towns and cities and build, re-build, lift and love.

However, there must be a time when we start to ask the important questions of:
In a nation with such wealth and resources, how can 1 in 5 children go to bed hungry every night?
In our great democratic experiment, how can we not labor for equal rights to be extended to all?
Does not my faith in a God of liberation and justice compel me to pray and to act and to labor and fight for what is just?

There are a lot more questions to be asked, that’s for certain. Yet, there is also a gnawing need for answers…and actions…..prayers and battles.

sj;