Jesus Wants Us to Participate in the Miracle
Submitted by Ann Castiglione
In this column, I always try to accent positive events or attitudes that affect the LGBTQ+ community. Lately, however, with our current situation and the removal of programs of inclusion, I have had to dig deeper to find such news. Once again, Fr. James Martin to the rescue.
While his comments in the reflection on the raising of Lazarus are general, I find them very applicable to my concern for LGBTQ+ folks. Fr. Martin reflected on two comments Jesus made when raising Lazarus. First, he told the crowd to “remove the stone.” Then “untie him and set him free.” Jesus certainly had the power to do both of those things himself.
Why do you suppose Jesus made those two particular statements? Fr. Martin believes that Jesus wanted the people – US – to participate in the miracle. WE are the positive part of the current situation for LGBTQ+ people. We can speak up when derogatory comments are made and write letters to our congress people. We can use our vote. We are the ones who can be the hands and feet of Jesus who will remove the stones and set our family free!
Kudos to the Good Shepherd and GaSiC members who spoke up at the social justice event here at Good Shepherd on March 15th!