Jonathan Daniels Day 2007

I can't believe another year has passed, and we've already celebrated the feast day of Jonathan Myrick Daniels. My how time flies by when were having fun.

This year as I have reflected on the life and ministry of Jonathan Daniels, I a, reminded of two very important things: (1) the vows of our baptismal covenant; and, (2) my own call to serve. For Jonathan and I think for most of us these two things are extremely difficult to separate.

The last three questions of The Baptismal Covenant have to do directly with work and ministry. The first, "Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?" We are required and challenged to live out the values and beliefs of the Gospels - the life of Christ - to create this idea of the kingdom here on earth.

"Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?" During Jonathan's life African American people were not treated equally. They were truly second class citizens. Yet, Jonathan was able to recognize the face of Christ in each one of them. During his time in the south he lived, worked, and worshiped side by side with people many different people that society wouldn't have him associate with. But, Jonathan understood what Jesus meant when he said "love you neighbor."

"Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?" This is my favorite promise made during The Baptismal Covenant. This is how Jonathan lived out the final years of his life. He saw injustice in the country. He knew that it was not right that African Americans were being denied the basic Consitutional right to vote. He worked, rather, he strived for justice. He went to the south he marched and demanded for fair voting laws. Through working for justice he also worked for peace. He did this because Jonathan respected the dignity of every human being.

Jonathan answered two very important calls in his life (1) to enter into the priesthood, and (2) the call to march on Selma to gain voting rights for a peoples. His willingness to give up his life for others both literally and figuratively challenges us all. How are we, as people of faith, called to give up our lives in service of Christ and our fellow human being. How are we called to work for justice, freedom, and peace? How will we respect the dignity of every person? How will seek and serve Christ in those we meet? Jonathan made the ultimate sacrifice. He gave his life for his friend.

I'm still not to sure what to think having celebrated another Jonathan Daniels Day, but I find myself challenged now to think how I might serve others. May we all find the courage that filled Jonathan, and be willing to sacrifice our lives - hopefully figuratively - for others.