“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
• Matthew 5: 14-16

“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”
• Rev. Martin Luther King JR.

Why Jesus Teaches Us About Justice

Recently, I remembered hearing about this very interesting phrase from my college days. The phrase is the “wounded healer” which was coined by Carl Jung to describe the reason why most analysts help people. The idea states that “an analyst is compelled to treat patients because the analyst himself is “wounded.” Now, I did not think much of this idea other than its mere acceptance until recently. Until this week in fact when the leak happened in the Supreme Court about the possible overturning of Roe vs. Wade. More to the point, after seeing the pain and reactions of so many people and realizing that I was not as committed to protesting this conflict.

It was in those moments when I realized my own privilege. I have no ‘skin in the game.’ My rights are not being oppressed. I am not someone who is going to have to drive two hundred miles across state lines to have an abortion because I am beyond that stage of my life. Therefore, I felt less compelled to put myself out there on this issue. So perhaps, this idea of the ‘wounded healer’ is not just about analysts but about anyone who feels called to a ministry or God’s Mission. I began wondering if Jung was even more right than we knew. Are we, as humans, only compelled to help when we are wounded by the same issue? Are you only compelled to help – to put yourself out there – to fight lovingly for equality if it affects you? I pray your answer is no.

I pray you say no even when you have the same feelings, I do of being less compelled. But even if you are less compelled, it does not mean that I or any of us should remain silent when the issue does not affect us personally? Of course not, for, Christ teaches us that we are the light of the world and when we share the good works; we will bring glory to God. When we share the light and the equality of the kin-dom with all people; we are revealing the Good News. When the world is full of darkness – even our one little starlight will light up the night for each other.

This truth, beloved, is why being a community of faith, each with our own wounds and compelling reasons, is so important; for, we stand for one another and for the healing each of us needs to see happen. It means that even though we may not be compelled to protest in a march or even unsure of the morality around a topic from time to time, we stand for and with the people – all beloved people – who are or will be hurt. We stand for the underprivileged who cannot stand by themselves. It means we cry out lovingly for those who cannot speak for themselves. It means we do what Jesus did for us when he took on our sins and stood for each of us even though they were not his wounds. This outpouring of God’s love is what we are called to do every day; so, we may all be healed in the kin-dom to come.

What wounds are you compelled or less compelled to heal – what ministry do you feel God calling you to today – who do you stand for, beloved? Personally, I stand for all of you and your discerning choice – now and always.

May God guide us to be brave for one another even when we are less compelled

your pastor and teach, Brian

Please consider and share your “calling” is in this Eastertide season. I pray Lent helped you find your calling – let us consider what this means as we build and rebuild our fellowship through the sharing of our voices. If you would like, text, call, or email me always to talk and discover ideas to help you live into your calling. As I am here to support you and your relationship with God wherever you are on the journey. My number is (207-350-9561) if you need anything or simply want to talk. Next week, my pastoral care hours are Mon. 9-4, Tues. 12-5, Wed. 9-4, Thurs. 10-2 to provide some time for visiting. Many blessings and Love to you all.