Standing together

Galatians 6:2 (NRSV)

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 

I saw this in my email this morning and didn’t even look at the other readings for today.  Yesterday’s walkout by NBA players, and then WNBA players, and then baseball and soccer and tennis players, in support of social justice protests against racism and police brutality was surprising and encouraging.  

I remember when many professional athletes complained bitterly when told they should be held accountable for their very public misbehavior because they were role models to the young.  They positively did not want to take responsibility for anyone else’s actions.    That attitude really angered me because they were role models to the youth, and young (mostly) men could easily get the idea from the things they saw on the news that it was perfectly ok to take advantage of women and abuse their families and use drugs and alcohol without consequence . . . if they were famous enough.

And today basketball players are walking out of the playoffs in support of the social justice movement!  In this way they are fulfilling the law of Christ by loving others through standing against oppression, even though it may jeopardize their work and their future, as it did for Colin Kaepernick.   When the famous and influential stand for justice, then justice may indeed roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever flowing stream. (Amos 5:24). 

Even when a situation does not have anything to do with us, or affect us in any way we are aware of, it is our responsibility as Christians to lift up those who are brought low - feeding the hungry just because they are hungry.  Visiting the prisoner even though they may be guilty.  Comforting the comfortless, bringing hope to the hopeless.  Speaking out for those who have no voice.  Even though their issues are not our issues, if any suffer all suffer.  

Lord, give us courage and strength sufficient to shoulder the burdens of those who cannot carry them alone.  Show us where we are needed so that we may do your work in the world and fulfill your law.  Amen.