January 23, 2026
Beloved Community
This past Sunday in worship, we reflected on Acts 10 and Peter’s powerful realization: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality.” In this story, Peter is led by God beyond the boundaries he had known all his life and into the home of Cornelius, a Gentile. What changes in this moment is not God, but Peter. His eyes are opened to see that God had already been at work, welcoming and claiming those he once believed were outside. The division is broken, and new life is offered as Cornelius and his entire household are baptized.
This Scripture felt especially timely on a weekend when we remember the life and witness of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose faith shaped his deep belief in beloved community, human dignity, and justice rooted in love. Dr. King understood that faith is never only personal; it carries public responsibility. He marched, organized, and spoke out because silence in the face of injustice was not an option. His witness reminds us that meaningful change has always required courage, sacrifice, and collective action.
On Monday, I had the opportunity, along with many members of our community, to participate in the local Taylor MLK Celebration. The day began with a march and continued with a meaningful program at the library. The space was full, standing room only, and it warmed my heart to see people from all walks of life, races, and nations gathered together. In that moment, we caught a glimpse of what beloved community can look like: neighbors standing side by side, united in hope, remembrance, and shared purpose.
I was also deeply encouraged to see reports and images from Minnesota, where tens of thousands gathered and marched in bitterly cold temperatures reaching well below zero, to stand for justice and human dignity. I was especially moved to see so many courageous clergy colleagues and faith leaders present, serving as witnesses. Their presence reminded me that things do not change if we simply stay home and hope or pray for them to change. Faith is active. Faith shows up.
As people of faith, we are called to care deeply about how others are treated. Every human person, regardless of status, background, or circumstance, deserves to be treated with dignity and humanity. When people are treated in ways that strip them of that dignity, faith requires more than quiet concern. It requires that we speak up, stand together, and refuse to be silent. There are moments when holy anger is not only appropriate but necessary because love demands justice.
Even in a divided world, these moments remind me that God is still at work. The Spirit continues to move among ordinary people who believe that beloved community is possible and who are willing to show up, bear witness, and act in hope for the future.
Grace and peace,
Sela
a journey in existence 