Who Does Jesus Judge? Who Do You? with Kristofer

Who Does Jesus Judge? Who Do You?

In today’s reflection, Kristofer speaks of an act of hatred and vandalism he recently encountered in the neighborhood where he lives. As he ponders the potential for sin and bigotry that exists in every human heart, Kristofer invites us to honest conversation about how systems of oppression infect our thinking and behavior. He challenges us to live into the promises made in our baptismal covenant, and to not only turn from our own sin but to strive for justice and peace in our communities. While hate takes many forms, so too can love. In this instance, the violence is against transgender people. How are we called to respond when hatred rears its ugly head?

• Here is the Resolution adopted by the House of Bishops on March 19, 2022 that is referenced in the video:
  “In light of the baptismal covenant’s promise to see Christ in all persons, and the recent and any actions by elected officials in Texas, Alabama, Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Michigan, Missouri, Florida, Arkansas, Ohio, North Dakota, Mississippi, South Dakota, Nebraska, Indiana, South Carolina and any other states, municipalities, and school districts targeting transgender children and their families, we, the Bishops of The Episcopal Church gathered at Camp Allen, Texas, in March 2022, voice our love and continued support for all persons who identify as transgender or non-binary and their families. We decry legislative initiatives and governmental actions targeting trans children and their families. We urge all in our Church to create safe spaces and shield all people from harassment based on gender identity.”
  

• Here is a website that tells you more about the House of Bishops meeting and the resolutions they created: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/publicaffairs/at-spring-meeting-house-of-bishops-speaks-on-ukraine-anti-trans-bills/
  

• Here is a blurb about the mural and history of vandalism and defacement: https://crtt.org/vandals-damage-8-streetcar-path-mural/
  

• Here is the Gospel passage he references:
  John 8:1–11
  Early in the morning Jesus came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, they said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, sir.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.”
  https://www.lectionarypage.net/WeekdaysOfLent/MondayFifthWeek.html