One of the things that the patriarch Jacob learns on his journeys that we begin reading about this week is that he cannot sit on the sidelines waiting for change to happen by itself. From his encounter with the shepherds who will not open the well for Rachel to his struggles to receive fair treatment from his uncle Laban, Jacob comes to realize that only his active involvement in the world can reshape it to conform more closely to his vision for it. Realizing values like support for the weak and equity for all requires Jacob to put himself forward, even when that is difficult for him.
We are living through a moment in this country of great division and anxiety about where we are headed and which values will be upheld in our shared future. Like Jacob, we cannot hope to see our vision of the world come into being without involving ourselves directly in shaping and advocating for that vision. This is not about parties or politics; it is about our sacred obligation to try to push the world toward the divine. Whatever way we choose, this is the time to get involved.
Next week, there will be one such opportunity through POWER, the interfaith advocacy organization of which GJC is a part. POWER is holding a community meeting to discuss how to support the vulnerable on Monday, December 12th, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Mother Bethel AME Church, 419 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147. For more information and to register for the meeting, please click here.
May we all find ways to work together for the betterment of our world.