I believe the title of this blog is what the civil rights movement engaged in. None of them were perfect. Neither are those who started the Black Lives Matter movement. Subversive comes from subvert, meaning to “get into good trouble” (thank you to the late Congressman John Lewis). It means pushing back against the powers that divide and hate with peaceful, non-violent resistance. This week marks the sixth anniversary of the mass murder at Emmanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston. I knew one of the victims, Clementa Pinckney, from my days at seminary. The name of that church means “God with us”. And He was, as they were martyred for their faith, their subversive hope. They reached out in hospitality and Christian love to the young white man (tragically, Lutheran), not knowing what evil had perpetrated his soul.

Hope threatens established power. Systems get shaken. Walls (Berlin and Jericho) collapse. Christ is King; therefore, Caesar and Der Fuhrer are not. Jews, Arabs, lepers, and immigrants deserve God’s love and are of equal value. Our subversive hope begins with a posture of repentance and a willingness to reform our souls and transform our minds. We live because of the promise and hope of resurrection. We are enabled to weave together the seen and the unseen. My call as an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament is to serve and lead hospitably, peaceably, with justice and stewardship of time, talent, and treasure. Timothy was urged by St. Paul to model this, teach it, and demonstrate it. But it is always hope that is the true North Star. Like faith, hope is never inert, static. Hope subverts the status quo, with the daring, audacious notion that worship, fellowship, and service are inclusive parts of our mission statement at Joy. We share that with all who are bold to check us out. How do those without faith have true hope? It is a sad, tragic thing to ponder. It does no good. We need to put our prayers into action, asking God to provide opportunities and put us in positions to engage our discipleship.

Black Lives Matter has its flaws, and its leaders have been exposed for their hidden agendas. Peter, Judas, and Thomas all had their well-documented moments of infamy. But their hope spurred them on to acts of subversion. They knew the powers that wanted to thwart their efforts and passion. We live in the truth, and the world cannot take that away from us. No earthly realm can shake our inmost calm because we cling to the cross of Jesus. It was there that God’s unconditional love poured out for us.

Pastor Art