Pastor’s Corner – June 15, 2025
God’s Love Poured Into Our Hearts – Romans 5:1-5
“We have obtained to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God”
I woke up to news that Trump has sent the National Guard to Los Angeles, a city I lived in for years and neighborhoods where my friends live. I am concerned because of the escalation of violence that started with ICE arresting undocumented migrants and family members who are important in the lives of so many people in the community. They are terrorizing people and in response thousands of protesters are out in the street. From censoring free speech to how universities should run and revoking international student’s visas, all are ways in which the current administration is taking hostage and consolidating power to control the government. The passage of the current budget bill by the senate, if passed, will harm the poor and make the rich even richer.The only thing this current administration is interested in is to gain power and money, fueled by racism targeting people of color and immigrants.
All this to say, this is not what the season of Pentecost will teach us through the summer. It is diametrically opposed to the very idea of power abuse, control and fear as tactic to oppress and subjugate people Rather the Spirit of God is life itself for human flourishing, to live in dignity and respect, where there are no borders, legal or illegal but all are children of God.
This coming Sunday I want to reflect with you Paul’s fundamental theology that fueled reformation, upending the dominant narrative of the few who believed they had access to truth, when in truth all people are loved by God and have equal access to God. The Spirit of God cannot be contained, domesticated or weaponized. The Spirit of God is empowering, graceful, and loving. She is far from power men crave for and abuse. She gives life and wisdom.
May the Spirit of God be with you during this time in which we live, to speak truth to power and give voice to the voiceless and center the marginalized and with lovingkindness treat all people with grace and love we have received through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Pastor Dae