Identity

Focus: The story of Jesus has been told to us in many different ways. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ,Superstar! gives us a story line from the vantage point of Judas; Godspell (Schwartz & Telebak) gives us a vision of life with the disciples. The Gospel writer Mark begins the story with an adult Jesus. Matthew, writing for a Jewish audience, tells us of a child who is of royal descent (David), born to a virgin, worshiped by Wise Men (Magi, Kings) and comes out of Egypt (Moses) where he was forced to flee by Herod because of persecution. Luke, writing for Gentiles, tells us the story of two women who become pregnant via extraordinary means, of angels proclaiming the good news and a newborn being visited by commoners. John literally begins in the Beginning, having Jesus and God as part and parcel of the same entity.

In tonight’s clip, we hear Bryan Stevenson (Equal Justice Initiative, Just Mercy) discuss the importance of identity in the life of a person, a community, and a society.

Gathering Prayer: Holy One who is known to us by many names and in many ways, we give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives. You know the thoughts of our hearts; hear our prayers. Be present now as we enter a time of thought and discussion.

Watch the video clip: My Grandmother Story

Sentences on the Subject:I was born by myself but carry the spirit and blood of my father, mother and my ancestors. So I am really never alone. My identity is through that line.ZiggyMarly

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke

Whenever two people meet, there are really six people present. There is each man as he sees himself, each man as the other person sees him, and each man as he really is. William James

Where do you find the parts to make yourself into some other kind of person? Can it be something you read in a book, a gesture you see on the street? Half-smile of a teacher, the walk of a girl on the beach. Amy Hempel

Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1. Bryan Stevenson talks about the impact of his grandmother on the shaping of who he is, his identity. Marly says that we carry the spirit of others in us. Do you have a story that you wish to share about someone who shaped you or whose spirit you carry?

Probe 2. Consider an organization to which you belong, contribute or strongly admire. What is their identity? To what are they committed?

Probe 3.  Luke tells us that Jesus’ first teaching was a reading from Isaiah (coincidence or Divine providence, as one does not turn to a passage in a scroll as one would in a book). What are some ways that HE lived into this proclamation of His identity? As a disciple, how do you?

Probe 4. Anything the Sentences on the Subject strike a chord with you?

Listen to the meditation on Stevenson’s talk by clicking on Injustice

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be gentle, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.