One passages which seems to come up an awful lot in my life is a part of Jesus’ Sermon in the Mount. Specifically, the passage in which Jesus encourages the listener to consider lilies of the field and the birds of the air. He saws that’s these features of God’s creation seem small and insignificant. However, they are beautiful and dear to the creator’s heart.
The first full sermon I ever preach was on this passage. I had a plaque in my old office featuring a quotes from the passage and a bouquet of flowers. Just this past Lent, I spoke at our weekly church lunch about the lilies and birds.
Today, while we were visiting home and speaking with residents, we encountered people of varying levels of poverty and suffering. The whole process seemed a little ridiculous, to be honest, and I felt rather empty offering prayer and encouragement to people from such a place of privilege.
While others in our group asked about ailments and source of income, I attempted to direct the coversation to something positive, something that might build up the person and help us connect as fellow human beings.
Also, perhaps more honestly, asking about happy things made the whole experience less awkward.
At one house I praised the beautiful flower garden, and asked how she kept them so beautiful. I purchased some roses from her gardens and at the next house gave them to the residents there.
The next house had a pet parakeet in a small wicker cage. I inquired as to the birds name, but there was none. Jokingly, one of our translators said they should name it after me.
I enjoyed these brief conversations and moments of connection. To be sure, not all of our encounters where lively. Many were full of tears, fear, and confusion. While here, we have had people welcome us with smiles and hugs. But we have also had a few people curse us and our country’s immigration policies.
I have felt shame, and I have seen shame. I have felt joy, and I have seen joy. I have seen glorious blooming flowers and chirping birds. Yet still, I have felt the anxious worries of mothers, fathers, families, and communities.
God bless El Salvador.
Kena Hawkins Newkirk 