Racism, militarism, capitalism, colonialism, heteropatriarchy, and environmental exploitation all stem from the same root - White Supremacy. These are demons we are called to cast out every fiber of US life and of Global engagement. The reference to “sheep” in the lesson of Matthew 9.35-10.8 is a political and sociological reading of the circumstances of the crowds that surrounded Jesus. Jesus had compassion and healed crowds of “troubled and helpless” people. Their troubles and helplessness - systematic, intentional. Oppression and marginalization are built to support White Supremacy. The lesson calls the Church, in the midst of oppression and marginalization, to heal, raise the dead, clean bodies and to throw out demons that perpetrate and perpetuate oppression and discrimination.

Based on a sermon I preached at the First Presbyterian Church in Albany and the Iglesia Presbiteriana en Hato Rey.