JASON EVANS

Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that--heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them.
- Hebrews 11.13-16

Yesterday, thousands of San Diegans marched from Balboa Park to the County Administration Building in support of immigration reform (more here and here).

Today, many San Diegans will join in the National Day of Action by fasting, praying and reflecting. Some are planting "464 crosses in memory of the 464 people that died last year crossing the US/Mexico border. Community members, religious leaders and others will gather at Chicano Park @ 12:00 noon, to take part in a 24hour fast and moment of silence."

I appreciate that the local organizers see reflection and contemplation as appropriate action. I wish they had planned the day of fasting and praying and reflecting before the day of action though. Although yesterday was mostly a peaceful, productive event, it may have been more if room for the Spirit to work in the lives of those participating was created before hand. Some have said, why fast and pray on a day of "action"? From my perspective, this is quite a historical, theologically accurate "action" for christians. The early church fathers seemed to think that prayer was an appropriate action for the followers of the way of Jesus. Violence was not advocated but powerlessness and passive-ism wasn't either. Prayer is activating, animating...