In Matthew 23, Jesus condemns those who claim to be religious and pious but fail to care for their neighbor. He says “they tie together heavy packs that are impossible to carry. They put them on the shoulders of others, but are unwilling to lift a finger to move them.”
This week, we find ourselves collectively processing the news that the United States Supreme Court appears poised to roll back a legal precedent of almost 50 years – a legal precedent that acknowledges the right to an abortion as a small but essential part of comprehensive women’s healthcare.
Scripture is very clear that placing impossible moral burdens on our fellow humans, and then turning a blind eye to their struggles is the work of “hypocrites” and those who Jesus likens to “whitewashed tombs.” We see this scenario playing out today as political leaders attempt to deny access to necessary reproductive healthcare, while simultaneously failing to champion public policy in support of universal affordable healthcare, comprehensive sex education, paid family and medical leave, pre- and postpartum support for parents, affordable childcare, and universal pre-k.
This is a particularly heavy burden for those without privilege: for women and girls who are part of historically marginalized groups, for members of the LGBTQ+ community, for those living in poverty, those who do not have access to comprehensive healthcare, those who do not have access to paid medical or parental leave, or those facing heartbreaking choices because of devastating health complications. For individuals and families of all kinds, we believe it is their sacred responsibility alone to plan when and how many children to have, if any.
It is vital that voices of faith are heard in this conversation. As your pastor, I am available for conversation if these topics hit close to your heart. And as your pastor, I stand on the side of women, girls, and those for whom this is a personal matter. As a church, may we continue to seek opportunities to provide relief and advocate for universal access to medical care, including reproductive choice, as a reflection of God’s love for each one that bears one another’s burdens, not increases them by zealous fiat.
Blessings and see you Sunday, ~Pastor Jeremy