Recently at Bible Study, we learned about a woman who was judged for being a Jew. At a very early age, her little friends told her that she had killed Jesus. She had killed God. Yet, this woman grew up to be compassionate and spends her life teaching others about the bigness of God’s love. She was able to do this because in her home and in her church she had been “inoculated against hate.” Growing up in her home and in her church, this Jewish girl had witnessed love rather than hate, acceptance rather than judgment, and hope rather than hopelessness.

First Congregational was in the inoculation business last weekend. A God-filled marriage ceremony ending with the presentation of the couple – wife and wife. There were many children at that wedding – and like at all weddings – they were squirming and the parents brought out the cheerios and books and iPads. Those children were being inoculated against hate and judgment, so that as they grow older sexual orientation will not be an issue. All are equal. For in their homes and in their church they witnessed love rather than hate, acceptance rather than judgment and hope rather than hopelessness.

 

Pastor Shari Mason,

First Congregational, Austin