“Originating or occurring naturally, in a particular place.”

Native. The indigenous people of what is now known as “America” have been in the news more recently. Unfortunately, they are still, after nearly half a millennia, suffering abuses, vis-a-vis the proposed pipeline through their tribal territories. It is the scourge of our nation that we planted our stars and stripes while trampling on the backs of Indians.

An interesting development: there is a slowly growing movement in our country to re-designate Columbus Day as “National Indigenous Peoples Day.” This might backfire among the proud Italian immigrants among us, but nevertheless it illustrates how perceptions can change.

It was also half a millennia ago that perceptions of the church were radically altered. Reform came, and it is always coming. (Ecclesia semper reformanda, was coined by theologian Karl Barth, not Luther.) Mr. Barth might also suggest that it occurs naturally.

We are the “indigenous” residents, even if we feel alien sometimes. Lutherans are an oft-lampooned lot. Garrison Keillor and his “Lake Wobegon” days; our self-effacing embrace of our mostly Northern European heritage. I feel a confluence of being native while also being alien Lutherans in places like Joy in Ocala; of remembering Christopher Columbus while also trying to make amends with Native Americans; of being patriotic while realizing that our kingdom is in, but not of this world.

Joy is indigenous! It occurs naturally in this particular place. It originated here nearly thirty years ago; a comparative historical “blip”. In this month when we commemorate explorers of lands and religious ideas, may we realize that we are claimed, called and sent by a God who loves us unconditionally.

Pastor Art

Check out Philippians 3:20, by the way . . . “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the LORD Jesus Christ,”