John 18:1–19:42 (NRSV)
Devotion
In today’s meditation I continue to follow this week’s theme of “remembering.” In Luke 23:39–43 we read that one of the thieves crucified with Jesus said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Because of Luke’s story, this plea has been remembered.
We all want to be remembered—to matter in this life to those we love and serve. So every winter solstice we gather on the front porch of St. Paul Lutheran Church—in cold, or wind, or rain—and remember those sisters and brothers who died unmourned or unsung on the streets of Vancouver, Washington, in the past year, commending them to God’s loving arms.
We gather with people like Judy and David, who serve warm meals out of their car trunk every weekend, folks from other congregations who provide shelter for homeless families and women, with the homeless men from our shelter, and with the homeless folks who join us in worship Sunday after Sunday. To remember. To honor. To name those who have died. And, to say goodbye—”God be with ye.”
Prayer
Jesus, remember me, throughout my earthly pilgrimage and onwards into death. But more so, remember your wandering children who don’t have access to housing. May our prayers lead to action. In Jesus’ name. Amen.