How impressive it is to read of the witness of Harriet Tubman. Though her acts of courage through the underground railroad are well known, I was particularly inspired by the rationale given in today's reading.
I was FREE; but there was no one there to welcome me to the land of freedom.
It seems almost as if freedom alone was not enough; not when there were countless others still living under the yoke of slavery. Thus, she dedicated herself fully to the pursuit of liberation for all. And who would be there to welcome them into this new life? She would. She would make sure of it.
I am humbled to consider the times when I have been all too content to relish in the gifts of my own freedom, without much concern for the oppression of others. Especially when I consider the freedom that is mine in Christ, I wonder what I am willing to risk so that others might be received and welcomed into 'the promised land.'
The gift of welcome is perhaps just as important as the gift of freedom. "For whoever welcomes one of these children,"said Jesus, "welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me" (Mk. 9:37).
Lord, forgive us the times in which we acted or assumed that freedom was a human achievement rather than a divine right. Let us be prepared to welcome our neighbor, no matter what the cost, just as Christ has welcomed us.
Darren
Welcome to the conversation! For as long as our own discipline will allow, I hope to use this resource as a forum for prayer and reflection for the community of Perdido Bay United Methodist Church. We'll be working through Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals as our daily devotional guide. Since we're beginning the journey on Ash Wednesday, the hope is that this will be an additional venue for us to pray together throughout this holy season.
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