In John’s Gospel, the signs of Jesus are not merely displays of divine power, but invitations into relationship, conversation, and transformation. As I reflected on the raising of Lazarus, I tried to make an argument that suffering is not justified in the text (or the world. Responsibility is redirected—away from those who suffer and toward the systems and hearts that perpetuate exclusion and injustice. The glory of God is revealed not in human pain, but in the liberation of those who have forgotten how to love, and in the awakening of conscience among those with power. In this reflection I hope to challenge us all to move beyond asking why suffering happens, and instead to ask what must change in me, in us, and in our world. In that question, I encounter the invitation of Jesus: to live Presence, Belief, and Faith.

This was a sermon originally shared with the Presbyterian United Church of Christ.

This article grows out of reflections first shared during 2026 Ecumenical Advocacy Days of the New York State Council of Churches, a gathering where people of faith gathered to consider how the values of our traditions shape our engagement in public life.

Such gatherings matter because faith communities are not called only to reflect on moral teachings in the abstract. They are also called to bring those values into the public square, where policies and decisions affect the daily lives of our neighbors. This year’s advocacy agenda reflects that calling in a very tangible way. Participants are engaging issues that touch nearly every dimension of common life: criminal legal reform, economic fairness, environmental stewardship, housing access and affordability, and the welcoming of immigrants in our communities.

The policy document guiding this work alone spans twelve pages.

And for many of us, looking at the breadth of these concerns can feel overwhelming. It is natural to pause and think what many of us quietly admit to ourselves:

This is a lot.

A sermon on the Prophet Miriam shared with the Presbyterian United Church of Christ in the occasion of the beginning of Women History Month 2026.
Link to video at the bottom of the blog.

Religious tensions are being forced about a presentation that was history and music. What is challenging many, especially in Christian conservative and fundamentalist circles, is that a trap artist was able to clearly message the power of love in a way that a star-spangled banner cross could not. I just wonder why is this love thing so complicated.

This was originally shared with the Presbyterian United Church of Christ as a newsletter reflection.