Good On You

Each week our Lenten resource, Tell Me Something Good from A Sanctified Art, has given us a theme for what the good news is. These are the themes that we’ve encountered so far, the good news is: all are invited, so good it catches us by surprise, great love for God and neighbor, together the impossible is possible, and protection and care for the vulnerable. This week’s theme is that the good news is rooted in justice, mercy and faithfulness.

If I were to add anything to this list of things we know as the good news, I would say that the good news is one another. I see the world that we live in. I know that things in the world are far from ideal. I regularly struggle with the ways in which the world seems to punish the most vulnerable among us. I see the reality of our political leaders existing along an axis of selfishness and boorishness that leads to all of us to see the worst in our neighbor. It isn’t much of a stretch to suggest that we could perhaps find a better, more just way of living our lives. So when these realities intrude on the comfortable worlds that we’ve built up for ourselves it can be easy to isolate ourselves and ensconce ourselves in our protective bubbles. It can be easy to hide away in our loneliness and feel like pain can’t intrude if there is no one to inflict it.

That is the tempting escape hatch that helps us to feel safe when nothing else does. But that’s a false peace. That’s a sense of security that only leads to isolation and loneliness. It is a self-defense that is rooted in the fear of others rather than the good news that is rooted in the love of others. Through Lent, we have been talking about the good news, sharing our good news, pondering what the good news means for us, and exploring how we might be able to exemplify the good news in our living. Without the opportunity to explore the good news together, I know that this season would have been a season of loneliness. I have enjoyed the chance to share laughter in worship as we have pondered how to love our neighbor. I have enjoyed the chance to share cake and treats at the table with folks who have come together with a sense of delight and curiosity. I’ve loved the opportunity to meet with individuals who have been partners in good news and have received the good news of God’s love as they’ve shared that love with me.

Good news is not something that exists in isolation. It is meant to be shared. It is something that is meant to be lived together. The good news is never complete without the good news that we have been made in community with each other. The good news is so many things, but for me the best news will always be that we are the good news to one another.

Peace,

Rev. Jeff Fox-Kline

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If this reflection speaks to you, we invite you to come experience that good news in community. Join us at Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church in Brighton, NY; whether in worship, around the table, or in simple conversation. There is a place for you here, and we would love to walk alongside you as we share in God’s love together. Our church is located at 1200 S. Winton Road in Rochester, NY. If you have any questions or would like to learn more first, we invite you to call our office at 585-244-8585 or send an email through our secure contact form.