This We Have in Common

Back in the late 1800s, Julia Gilbert, a single woman crippled by a childhood disease, challenged a common communion practice. In those days, in what was then a very patriarchal church, the German Baptist Brethren would only allow men to break bread with each other while insisting sisters have the bread broken for them by an elder. Time and again she tried to get her church to appeal to the annual denominational meeting. But for 50 years she was ignored. Finally, in 1910, she spoke on the floor of their annual meeting and explained why she wanted the practice changed. She said: “We want to be in touch with Jesus.” Of course, Julia won the day.

We’ve come a long way in our culture and in our churches. Most of us have come to realize that all of us, men and women, young and old, people of different backgrounds and races all have this in common: we have a deep desire to be in touch with the Holy. We long for the same healing, the same grace.

Nearly 2000 years ago, in his letter to the church in Galatia, the apostle Paul made this claim: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”

Today, where there are still divisions, where there is still inequality, let us pray for God’s healing. And, may our prayers become our actions, as we each do our part to work towards that wholeness.

Let us pray: All-Loving, Merciful God we join countless women and men from across this globe over the millennia who have sought your peace, your presence. We long for the day when you will heal all brokenness; all broken relationships, all broken promises, all broken people. We surrender ourselves to your grace again this day – wash over us with your love, mercy, and hope. Now use us, we humbly ask, to be instruments of your reconciliation; through Jesus Christ. Amen.