In Exile

For the last three and a half months I have turned often to the story of the exile. The Babylonians came and took Jerusalem - burning the walls to the city and the temple down. Many of the people were taken from their beloved home and place of worship, leaving most of their belongings behind. The journey was long and hard. They were exhausted on entering into Babylon. They would face Jerusalem when they said their prayers. The familiar prayers, songs and one another helped to keep them grounded. All of the other usual touchstones were gone. Maybe the virus can be compared to this siege on some level. So much of our familiar way of life and trappings have been burned down. Where is God in this foreign place? It is almost like a giant heavy chain is blocking us from returning to the way things were. Bernie and I have been cleaning out old boxes, closets, nooks and crannies. We have tossed and given away many books, clothes and kitchen ware. We have also found treasures that we had long forgotten or had not even known they were there. While our outer world is cleansing, a simultaneous inner world cleanse is going on. There are a lot more openings in the day to reflect and awaken to God's presence. The Black Lives Matter movement has also turned our focus inward. I know that I am privileged by the mere fact of being white. What habits and unconscious beliefs need to awaken and die in me? This period of exile has been a deep searching of my soul. How must I die in order to live God's call to solidarity with all of my brothers and sisters? We are always called to change and grow. We must ask for courage. Like the exiles of old - I am realizing that god is in this new place too as I learn different ways. We will go back but it will not be the same. We will rebuild our lives together in new ways. I am humbled and honored to be on this journey with all of you.