For starters, I am struck by the coincidence of timing of Martin Luther King Jr's anniversary and the innauguration of the first African American president of the United States... how marvelous that in this very auspicious timing, we realize how much a country's culture can shift within a short period of time. So that even if we are far from seeing an end to racism in America, we nonetheless are aware of a new and powerful possibility... for the overturning of ancient biases.
MLK was a Christian prophet who understood that Jesus himself lived as an outsider, and that he had to work from the margins to bring about transformation at the center. MLK may also have anticipated that unconventional means would be needed to galvanize a people to change, just as Jesus understood this. May his sacrifice continue to bear fruit in greater equality, not only in the US, but in all nations. And may Obama, his family, and his leadership team be kept from harm as they attempt to serve the country during these difficult times.
On a less lofty note, I manage to get six hours of sleep this first night, but woke up to wild cockatoos sqwauking raucously in the Eucalyptus trees out back... roosters don't hold a handle to these birds when it comes to a pre-dawn ruckus!
And finally, I am still trying to make sense of being 15 hours ahead, and the fact that I will be watching the innauguration tomorrow in the middle of the night. Will head into Sydney today for a little look-see and hopefully have some picture for posting!
Scenes from the first day in Sydney
D, the Opera House, and the Bridge
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One of my many concerns of the moment is the near-deification of Obama by far too many -- both in the United States and around the world.
ReplyDeleteIf you didn't hear Bishop Gene Robinson's invocation to yeserday's We Are One concert, or would like to hear it as delivered, here is a link. (Unfortunately, is was not broadcast as part of the show, as it was supposed to be.)
I am sure that David means something in particular when labels someone a prophet or a Christian prophet, and I would quite interested to hear/read a bit more about what that is, and how he thinks the term might or might not apply to President Obama.
Yes, this near deification you speak of is problematic, though he does manage to keep turning people back to the collective responsibilities we face. When I used the term "Christian prophet," I was referring to Martin Luther King Jr, not Obama. Perhaps I was not clear.
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