Here’s my latest column for The Tahlequah Christian, for the week of March 28 – April 3.

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Regardless of where you stand on the passage of health care reform, I think we can all agree that it has created quite the … media frenzy. Leading up to the vote, the TV news was dominated by voices pro and con. Since then we’ve heard the angry cry of opposition and the jubilant celebration of the supportive base. To put it plainly: it’s a mess. And if you’re attuned to any of the other major issues that are floating around Washington, D.C., you’ll know that they have been all but drowned out by the health care squabble. I’m particularly fond of the rallying cry of Repower America, an organization working to promote green energy and improved infrastructure for the nation. They are simply stating: “We got next.”

In many ways Holy Week, and more especially Easter, have become the highlights of the Christian calendar – and with good reason. Hundreds of years of theological tradition have made the resurrection of Easter morning (or the crucifixion of Good Friday – remember our discussions of debt/blood atonement?) the crux of the faith, so our celebration of this is undoubtedly warranted. Yet in the buildup toward Easter morning, I can’t help but wonder if the activity and business of Holy Week in a way doesn’t also become something of a distraction. While we focus on the resurrection (or the cross) as the pivotal point of our salvation, what important faith issues are left to meekly cry out, “We got next”?

I’m very proud to be a part of a congregation that hasn’t allowed justice issues to simply slide by as we walked the journey of Lent. The generosity that has been shown in raising money for the H20 project is a fine example of that. But even with our focus on raising money to bring water to those who thirst, I’m still wondering which issues are still calling, “We got next.” With our decision to join the Disciple Farmworker Ministry last year, maybe it will be advocacy for migrant workers? Or with agencies like Bread for the World constantly working to change federal laws concerning the taxation and provision of food to the hungriest families in our country, maybe it will be a letter writing campaign? You know, Pentecost is coming. Perhaps it’s time to start thinking of new ways to continue being a congregation working for God’s justice and peace.

Walking the journey of Lent,

Clint