Below is the weekly chaplain's newsletter called 'Table Talk' that I write for the Lower School division of Holy Innocents' Episcopal School.
(Portrait of MLK by 1st Grader)
Dear Golden Bears and Parents,
Contrary to popular belief, prophets in the Jewish and Christian traditions aren’t fortune-tellers who predict the future. Instead, a prophet is a spokesperson for God who addresses people when they forget how to listen to God and fail lead holy lives of justice and peace.
Prophets often express God’s dismay over broken relationships between humans and they point humanity on the path towards healing.
This week in chapel we remembered how one prophet named John prepared the way for the healing work of Jesus. Before Jesus began his ministry he insisted that John baptize him. As soon as this took place, the Holy Spirit came down upon Jesus like a dove. A key point in the story is that the arrival of God’s peace in the world first demands active participation on our behalf.
God partners with humanity to fulfill the kingdom of God, and the story of Jesus and John the Baptist asks us: What are you doing to partner with God and help bring peace into the world?
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a prophet of peace who helped teach the world that if we’re to be partners with God we must actively work to mend the relationships that have been broken by slavery, segregation, and racism. Much healing has taken place since the Civil Right Movement—much still needs to be done.
This weekend I encourage you make the time to reflect and talk with your family about two things:
1. How have the actions of Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement affected your life and your relationships?
2. How can your family become better partners with God and help continue the healing work that Martin Luther King did so well.
2. How can your family become better partners with God and help continue the healing work that Martin Luther King did so well.
With Love and Prayers,
Chaplain Timothy
