Late is better than never.
Proper 7A (Track 1) - Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39
People used to accuse others of being “politically correct” on matters of race because they thought everyone was a racist deep down and just afraid to admit it.
Some people are racists. But having worked with people struggling to deal with the structural racism which affects and influences us all, I don’t believe that most people are. What white people often are afraid to say out loud is that the pestilence of structural racism doesn’t hurt everyone. A racist system which keeps its foot on the neck of people of color makes it easier for white people to get ahead.
It’s hard for white people to say that part out loud. Not because we are racists or afraid of those who are, but because it wrecks the foundations on which our confidence and self-regard is built.
Jesus did not hide his understanding of the truth. Whatever he said to the disciples in private moments he invited them to proclaim from the housetops. That is refreshing and encouraging.
Saying the quiet part out loud about what we believe, about who we are or how we think the world really works may give rise to disagreements and conflict. There are many lies being told which claim the mantle of truth. Those lies — like the racist lie of white superiority — need to be called out for what they are.
In the first reading, Sarah had Hagar and Ishmael cast out – deported – so that only her son, Isaac, would inherit from Abraham. But Abraham loved both of his sons: Ishmael and Isaac.
It appeared to be “an angel of God” who called to Hagar in her desperation and told her not to fear. I have always suspected that Abraham was that angel and that out of love, he followed Hagar and Ishmael out into the wilderness so that if they met with trouble, he could help.
One could wish Abraham had spoken his quiet part – his love for Ishmael – earlier and more clearly. But late is better than never.
In our country, as racist laws proliferate at the behest of a few, perhaps we can lay aside what regrets we might have for not having spoken up earlier and more clearly about what we believe and know to be the truth. And take heart, because late is better than never.
Peace.