Living Resurrection

This past Sunday, Father Isaiah brought the Jol Wo Lieec gathering to St. Bart’s for a joyful dance in the sanctuary. You may know by now that this is a fellowship of South Sudanese young adults in the United States. The group itself is global, but they gathered for the first time in the US at St. Luke’s last weekend!

After the dance, an usher turned to me and said, “It’s alive!” I was later able to confirm with him that he was referring to the sanctuary, the service, the congregation, our guests—all of us. The Holy Spirit was so clearly present in our guests’ high-energy dance. Why are they so joyful? I think it’s because they are living the Resurrection. For many of these immigrants and refugees, it’s Easter morning every day.

You see, if you think of Holy Week, you can find a direct rhythm with the history of South Sudan. In 2011, South Sudan gained independence from Sudan and became the world’s youngest country. So much to celebrate, as on the joyful morning of Palm Sunday. But then things turned, as they did in Holy Week for Jesus. Political instability led to a civil war, and of a population of around 12 million, over 400,000 people have died. The country is in a deep humanitarian crisis, with over 80% of the population below the poverty line. Google will tell you that South Sudan has the highest misery index in the world right now. (And we all know it has some serious competition.) This is Good Friday.

But, like Christ on Easter morning, the diaspora rises—although in a different place than on Good Friday. Here in the United States, and in other Western countries, groups like Jol Wo Lieec rejoice that they are alive. They are thriving as they celebrate their culture, language, and faith, all while writing a new story in this world. A story “Rooted in Christ, Growing in Grace” (the words emblazoned on their uniforms).

Alleluia, he is risen—again! What a gift for us to witness in our own sanctuary here in Poway. “It’s alive!” Indeed.

Blessings,

Mother Nina+