“Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.” Luke 18: 1 NRSVUE
PSWR Disciples,
May the peace of God be with you.
This past week, Mother’s day was celebrated in the U.S. and Mexico. It can be a joy filled, bittersweet, and difficult or challenging time for some of us. While my mother has been at rest from this life for more than a decade. I still celebrate and honor all Mothers, biological, spiritual, and the many figures who may hold this significant role. In the rotunda of the US Capitol sits a monument that honors the founders of the women’s suffrage movement. It allows us not to forget the many struggles and sacrifices of those generations of women before us in order that we might enjoy a better life. Among many efforts, there were actions of civil disobedience to accomplish and realize radical change to the Constitution. We draw strength from these women, the many who have followed, and have held this kind of meaning for our daily lives.
Last month, we learned of the arrest of Bishop William J. Barber, II for praying in the rotunda of the US Capitol in front of that same monument that honors the founders of the women’s suffrage movement. Two weeks ago, the same has occurred to Rev. Dr. Alvin Jackson (he preached our PSWR MLK, Jr. Celebration, January 31, 2021) and others in that same space. An email penned on April 29, 2025, by Bishop William J. Barber, II and Jonathan Wilson – Hartgrove called for all people of good will to “…arrest the attention of the nation.” These Disciples’ notable leaders and ministers are offering prayers. In my humble opinion, they were commemorating and drawing attention to the strength of our past, the resolve, and our democracy. They are standing in the gap and raising lawmakers’ consciousness for the poor in our nation’s budgeting process. While they were standing before a monument over 2,600 miles away. It resonates and is in solidarity with the same challenges we are facing here at our very doorsteps.
We are reminded of the parable of the Widow and Unjust Judge, the Disciples learned from Jesus “to pray always and not lose heart” and concluded with a question “will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18: 1 – 8 NRSV) Let us embody our faith and be unafraid of these difficult times and circumstances. Our work and ministry with neighbors and people of all good will is important, and paramount. Let us continue living as significant communities, and figures for all people that deserve nurture, guidance, and support.
You can learn more about their work and how we can help on https://breachrepairers.org and sign up for their newsletter. Too, just announced is a churchwide study on the book the Faith We Affirm by Ronald Osborn find more information and a place register at disciples.org/office-of-the-general-minister-and-president/the-faith-we-affirm-churchwide-study/
Pray Always and Don’t Lose Heart!
Blessings,
Richie