It has been a tense month here in the Twin Cities, with the eyes of the world upon us.
But the tension hasn’t belonged just to those of us in Minnesota. Everywhere you look, we’ve had a grueling, traumatic pandemic year, without time to process or grieve. We’ve witnessed violence against our BIPOC siblings in Christ. Neighbor has turned against neighbor in the wake of polarization, despair, and fear.
Where do we go from here?
Perhaps the only path from fear to beloved community is relationship. Relationship with Jesus, who invites us to lay our burdens before him at the foot of the cross. Relationship with our neighbors, particularly those who are victims of violence. Relationship with the global community as we cry out to God for peace, courage, justice, changed hearts, reformed systems, compassion, and understanding for ourselves and for one another.
Jesus’ invitation is for each of us:
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
That is a promise we can all count on in these difficult days.
Peace and strength,
Robin J. Steinke, President
Luther Seminary