We Believe
"He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 'Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me." (Mark 9:36-37)
Thirty-four years ago on June 16, 1976, South Africa erupted into violence. A peaceful demonstration in Soweto resulted in the tragic loss of life. The lives of as many as 500 young people were destroyed as reported by Reuter's News at the time of the crisis; man's inhumanity to man. June 16th is marked in South Africa by what is called "Youth Day" honoring the fallen children of the 1976 tragedy.
Today, June 16, 2010, I was exercising at the YMCA. The second round games of the World Cup soccer matches were on overhead televisions. South Africa is hosting the tournament. It is perhaps the largest sporting event in history. South Africa was matched against Uruguay.
Prior to their match both South Africa and Uruguay took the field. The teams walked side by side as they entered the massive stadium. Every player on both teams was holding the hand of a child, a South African child. The players paused at mid-field. Each country's national anthem was played. When South Africa's song was played, the white and black players of South Africa, as well as the black and white children, all sang a common song. It was truly quite moving. Great strides of racial equality have been made in South Africa. God knows not the color of skin.
Last Sunday, here at Grace Lutheran, God in his mercy embraced the hands, hearts and lives of four young people who were each baptized. It was again truly quite moving. Mary-Pat, TJ, Austin, and Brittney all were covered and clothed in God's grace. Forgiveness, life, and salvation were wonderfully present. The image of the four children at the font was an picture of healing and hope, for them, for our congregation and for each of us.
The world is not perfect. South Africa has a difficult history. Our country has a difficult history. I bet Uruguay has a difficult history. People injure people. To see children, hand in hand with world class soccer players, making their way into a South African stadium holding 100,000+ people, with the world watching was an image of healing and hope.
Jesus welcomed the little children. He took them in his arms and blessed them. Jesus has taken you and me into his arms. We are held eternally by the wonderful grace of God.
Holding hands, Pr. C.
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