Easter 6 A + 5.10.26 + The Paraclete and Sacred Resistance
M. Campbell-Langdell All Saints, Oxnard ( Acts 17:22-31 ; Psalm 66:7-18 ; 1 Peter 3:13-22 ; John 14:15-21 ) Today, our reading from the first epistle of Peter, Chapter 3, begins thus: “Now, who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord.” Well, this is a doozy of a passage. Of course, it has a good message, but it has also done harm. Over the years, too many folks have interpreted it as advocating for putting up with suffering because that means you are on the right track, which can be correct at times. But that has also led to telling folks that she should and will suffer in ways that we deem unjust. And folks who are vulnerable are most likely to suffer. This week at our clergy conference, we had a powerful presentation on Sacred Resistance in a time of rampant injustice, and our fearle...