With his body - reflection from june 16 2025 email
Throughout Scripture, over and over again, the Bible talks about unity. It can sometimes seem like this emphasis on unity is all about blending, smoothing over differences, ignoring identities. Instead, when we read these passages, we should be reminded that it’s not about the flattening of identities, it’s about a justice orientation that works to overcome the systems that make some identities “worth more” than others. The idea of peace is central to the Scriptures, but it’s always centered in justice. Chants of “No justice, no peace” could have come from the Psalms. In this message to the Ephesians, Paul talks about how Jesus brought about peace “with his body.” With his body, he broke down the barriers of hatred. He put his body on the line to speak truth to power. He put his body on the line to center the marginalized. He put his body on the line to bring about justice.
If we want to follow in the way of Jesus, it’s not about our assent to creeds, it’s not fluffy unity at all costs, it’s about where our bodies are. It’s about working for justice with our actions. That’s how we both honor a diversity of identities and carry on the mission Jesus started.
take action
What does working for justice with your body mean to you?
Whom do you need to stand in solidarity with?