Faces on Faith: Transitions
My Biblical ancestors are often known, in English, as “Hebrews.” The Hebrew word is ivri. The meaning of that Hebrew word is to “traverse” or “cross over.” Likely those ancient ancestors were called Hebrews because of their crossing over the Jordan River from a starting place on the other side. But it’s a good name in so many other ways, for those wandering ancients are ever transitioning from one place to another and even, often, from one set of beliefs and theological grounding to another.
Our first patriarch is called Avram (before he becomes Abraham) HaIvri. Most Bibles translate that as Avram the Hebrew. But it might, more accurately, be rendered “Avram the Transitioner.” Indeed, Avram may provide our very earliest paradigm for moving on. In Genesis 12.1, God tells Avram to leave his native homeland, his family, and all he knows. Avram heeds that command; and in doing so, he doesn’t just move physically. He transitions, as well, to a radically new chapter in his life. That transition doesn’t always proceed flawlessly. There are missteps, to be sure, along the way. But Avram moves on when he has to. He does so as best he can. And, most importantly, he does so with the conviction of faith and the comfort of hope.
We all know about transitions, certainly in our personal lives. And now, after a contentious presidential election, our nation is in transition too. As we proceed much like Avram to an unknown political destination, it’s time for us to come together for the peaceful change of power for which our nation is known. It’s time to heal the wounds of this past ghastly political season and to join in the kind of transition that fairly supports our next president. That support doesn’t mean easy agreement. We will not abandon our values and ideals. But we need to return to civility and grace when we disagree. And we need to heal the huge divides that this election so glaringly revealed.
In that spirit, I offer this prayer:
Elohai kol ha-olam.
God of all nations,
Creator of the human family,
We give you thanks for the freedom we exercise
and the many blessings of democracy we enjoy
in these United States.
We ask for your protection and guidance
for all who devote themselves to the common good,
working for justice and peace at home and around the world.
We lift up all our duly elected leaders and public servants,
those will serve us as president, as legislators and judges,
those in the military and law enforcement.
Heal us from our differences and unite us, O God,
with a common purpose, dedication and commitment to achieve
liberty and justice in the years ahead
for all people, and especially those who are most vulnerable in our midst.
Amen.