When it comes to being witnesses to our faith, the Rev. Tim Schenck writes, most Episcopalians are "basically members of the Witness Protection Program." Then comes a remarkable public statement from the mother of a murdered young man that speaks about forgiveness and the power of not staying silent. The full reflection follows.
In this Sunday's Gospel passage--an account of one of Jesus' final post-resurrection appearances--Jesus tells the disciples, "You are witnesses to these things." He was talking about the literal events surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection but also about the cosmic interaction between God and humanity as seen through his own life. And he left them, and all of us, with the challenge to be witnesses of our faith, not just innocent bystanders.
I think it's safe to say that most Episcopalians are witness-challenged. When it comes to using "witness" as a verb, we often fail to do our faith justice.
Yes, we're basically members of the Witness Protection Program. We'd rather have plastic surgery, change our names and move out of state than stand up and boldly share our faith.
The thing about being a witness though--whether in the legal system or as a testimony of faith--is that you can't keep silent. It doesn't work that way. Because a witness is powerful only when he or she speaks truthfully and powerfully of that which was seen and heard.
On April 15, as the verdict of "guilty" was handed down in the Aaron Hernandez murder trial, we encountered a true witness. In the immediate aftermath of the jury decision, Ursala Ward, the mother of Odin Lloyd, was given the opportunity to speak. She spoke openly, honestly and faithfully. And we could all learn from her example of what it means to witness to our faith.
She didn't try to hide her pain, tearfully expressing that "The day I laid my son Odin to rest, I felt my heart stop beating for a moment. I felt like I wanted to go into that hole with my son, Odin."
And then, standing in the same room as the former star football player who never expressed any remorse for the murder of her child, Ursula Ward spoke some courageous and powerful words:
"I forgive the hands of the people who had a hand in my son's murder...and I pray and hope that someday everyone out there will forgive them also."
And then she sat down.
That is how you witness to your faith, friends.
P.S.: After I wrote this, I learned that Ursula is actually...an Episcopalian, a member of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Mattapan. See, we CAN do this.
-- The Rev. Tim Schenck, Rector, Parish of St. John the Evangelist, Hingham. This reflection was originally posted on the blog "Clergy Confidential" on April 16, 2015, and is republished here with permission.
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