Parish Minister Rev. Mary Katherine Morn

He saw the burning bush. He heard the voice of God. But when God told him to go and set the Hebrew people free, Moses still argued. They won't believe me. I'm not eloquent. Send someone else. Moses' words angered God, but like a parent at the end of a long day, God gave in and negotiated. Okay, here, take your staff, I'll make it do magical things. Okay, call your brother, Aaron, he can do the talking. Just go. And Moses went.

This is the kind of miracle that happens in religious community. If we persist in sharing the journey, we will find the miraculous strength to take the first step toward freedom. This is what the observance of Passover celebrates. The courage of those steps toward freedom, hard as they are to take.

The story of the Exodus, as told during the Passover Seder, calls participants to take their own steps toward freedom. And to lead the way for all who are oppressed. The Rev. Rebecca Parker suggests that anyone who has tasted freedom or experienced beauty is called to the work of freedom and justice.

"Beauty confronts us with the requirement that we place ourselves among the saviors, the redeemers, the leaders in the protection of life. Once you have seen the bush on fire, you are not going to get out of the assignment unless you close your eyes to the beauty. But if you have seen, if you have taken off your shoes, tasted the blackberries and felt the tenderness of love, if you have seen how the full force of soul is in each child that comes into this world, you either have to close your eyes or go back to Egypt and set the people free."

Have you seen the burning bush? Have you heard God's voice? Have you walked in companionship with someone who is dying? Have you laughed in joy with good friends? Have you experienced the beauty of giving love? Have you felt the embrace of the universe at sunset? Have you seen the light in a newborn's eyes? Have you watched, as new life graces the earth with color and fragrance and hope?

May the gift of beauty embolden us for the work of freedom.

Yours,

(Please join us for our family-friendly Seder service Sat., Apr. 19, 4:30 p.m., followed by a celebratory dinner. Bring a dish to share; vegetarian options especially welcome. Please RSVP to Eve Stevens.)