It has only been a few short weeks since we recounted the events of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem… the crowd assembled, littering the road with their outer garments and breaking off tree branches to wave like banners in the air. Their shouts for change rang loudly in the ears of the oppressors. And Jesus remarked that if the disciples and the crowd were told to watch their tone… the stones themselves would cry out. 

The cries heard that day from those lining Jesus’ route have echoed down throughout the years from the mouths of those who consistently have found their very breath stifled by systems of oppression in this nation. And today’s decision in regard to the death of George Floyd provides a very brief moment for that breath to be freely taken, though cautiously so.

Brief because as we have seen before and since the death of George Floyd, the existence of those who are Black, Indigenous and people of color is under significant threat. And a guilty verdict is not a depiction of change.

For the moment, we recognize that justice prevailed. Yet seeking justice is a constant process. We have not arrived at this moment to find that everything has changed. It has not. We have yet more work to do. 

And we at Newman UCC are committed to this work. 

Tonight we hold the family of George Floyd in prayer, asking God to allow them a night of peaceful rest. Tonight we pray for the breath of God to flow through all of our BIPOC neighbors filling their lungs to capacity once again. And tomorrow we begin again… this time as the crowd gathered with shouts of acclimation for justice has been served.