John 17:6-11

“And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.” vs. 11

For the people of Norway this is Syttende Mai or Constitution Day, their national day of celebration. It’s a big day, the Norwegian equivalent of the Fourth of July, and many Americans of Norwegian descent will use today to remember and celebrate their heritage. These ethnic celebrations are fun, and some are happy to participate. But they can also become times for division in congregations. Jesus prayed that his followers would be one, and from the beginning, unity has been one of the marks of an authentic Christian community. The apostle Paul certainly reflects that concern for unity in his first letter to the church in Corinth.

Through the centuries ethnic and racial differences have at various times been a challenge to the expression of oneness in our congregations. Something that is a point of pride for one group becomes an emblem of exclusion for another. As people have become sensitive to such barriers some cherished traditions have had to be put aside. For instance, some congregations have discovered that holding annual lutefisk dinners may not be the best tool for outreach!

For some it’s been hard to give up those connections to the “old country,” but followers of Jesus will gladly put welcoming the stranger ahead of “smelly fish” as part of their mission plan!

Thought for the Day: What ethnic tradition is apparent in my congregation?