A Walking Companion

Scripture: Philippians 3:17-20

Song: “Lord Search My Heart” by Mahalia Jackson

Meditation: In the black prophetic tradition, Jesus isn’t a doctrine to be believed. Jesus is a daily companion. To walk with Christ is to pattern our lives after the long lineage of ancestors who have practiced his teachings and lifestyle. The writer of Philippians describes this pattern as being “citizens of heaven.” This is coded and subversive language, reminding an oppressed community that their identity is not objects of the oppressor. Their identity is subjects, agents, citizens of the reign and realm of Jesus. One of the greatest lies of empire religion is that heaven is something for the afterlife. Meanwhile, empire religion is silent about and actively contributes to the hell in this life for the masses. Jesus’ heavenly vision is quite different. It is a vision of abundance, where everyone has what they need, and no one is afraid. Jesus’ consistent invitation in the Gospels is to practice this vision now. Realizing this vision entails sacrifice and struggle, a cross. And all lasting external change finds its origin from a change within, within the heart, within relationships. Lent provides an opportunity for us to search for the changes needed in ourselves and in the world to practice Jesus’ vision.

Reflection:

1. What does it mean for you to walk with Christ?

2. To what ancestors can/do you turn to remind you of a Christ-like life?

3. What is happening in your heart that needs to be acknowledged in order to more fully live like Christ?

About the Author:

Rev. Brandon Wrencher (he/him) is a senior strategist and organizer, trainer, and consultant at the intersections of decolonizing church, contemplative activism, and community-building. Brandon is the author of: Liberating Church: A 21st Century Hush Harbor Manifesto (Wipf & Stock and The Voices Publishing, 2022), Buried Seeds: Learning from the Vibrant Resilience of Marginalized Christian Communities (Baker Academic, 2022), and “Our Cries for Equity” in The Other Journal: Authority (Cascade Books, 2021).

Stay connected to Brandon:

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These Black Lent devotionals were originally curated by IG: goodneighbormovement.