Choosing to heal
Posted April 26, 2021
“The power of the Lord was with [Jesus] to heal” (Luke 5:17)
Dear parents and families,
Like so many of you, peace does not come easy to me these days. I take refuge, though, in the gospels. The gospel for Evening Prayer a few days ago was Luke 5:12-26, and it has stuck with me. Here, we read about some of Jesus’ most fascinating redemptive acts.
I believe that healing from the violence and trauma we inflict upon one another is possible (not easy, but possible). The same all-loving, unconditionally forgiving Christ who can heal a man with leprosy and another man with paralysis can guide us to a place of unity and reconciliation.
Consider the man with leprosy. Lepers were among the most marginalized in society when Jesus walked this earth. The man said to Jesus, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” In a remarkable act, Jesus touched the man and deliberately said, “I do choose. Be made clean.” I do choose. I do choose to heal. I do choose to heal you.
Jesus was willing to heal the man’s ailment by touching him. Despite the highly contagious nature of leprosy, Jesus was bold enough to risk his own life for the sake of others. Connecting to yesterday’s gospel, the Good Shepherd, Jesus was willing time and again to lay down his life for others.
So I ask you: will you make the active choice to heal? How will you make that active choice? What does healing look like to you? In your world, what needs healing? On whom can you rely for help?
Like so much about following Christ, reconciliation will not be fun as we move through it. In fact, it will be painful. If we are bold enough to acknowledge each other’s wounds, we will witness change. We can live into the true meaning of the season of Easter: the beauty and marvel of new life after a painful descent into darkness.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can support faith in your family.
God's grace,
Anne Alexis
Anne Alexis Harra (she/her) was born and raised in Wilmington, DE. She and her beloved partner, Cole (he/him) currently live in Manayunk. Anne Alexis graduated from Washington College in May 2019 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Philosophy. Anne Alexis has served on the Diocesan Council in the Episcopal Church in Delaware, as well as the Racial Justice & Reconciliation Commission, and the Diocesan Assessment Committee. Since moving to Philadelphia in January 2021, she has served on the DioPA Youth Leaders Team and the DioPA Dismantling Racism for Youth Leaders Team. She is passionate about children's spirituality and using education as a force for good in their spiritual lives. Beginning with the waters of baptism, Anne Alexis has devoted her life to serving God in the Episcopal Church. Raised on Godly Play in Sunday school and moving into a tight-knit youth group, she is aware of the positive impact that the Church’s presence can have in the life of a young person. She is passionate about encouraging children and youth to explore their faith on a personal level while also committing to a community-centered effort to enact change for the greater good. Anne Alexis is passionate about racial justice and healing, as well as advocating for the rights of children in the context of the Christian faith. She hopes for a church where all of God's beloved are welcomed, heard, and included. She seeks and envisions a church where every member feels the true love of God in Christ. Anne Alexis is deeply aware of the profound impact of Jesus' unyielding love for all, including the most tender and vulnerable in our society: children. Hopeful for a day when all marginalized peoples are treated with equity, she continues "to seek and serve Christ in all persons." The Baptismal Covenant and Sacrament of Eucharist guide her ministry. Anne Alexis’ father owns and is president of a local funeral home in Wilmington. Some of her earliest childhood memories include observing him engage with bereaved families in a way that can only be described as ministerial. Her mother is a hospice nurse who guides her patients and families through a dignified palliative care stage. Anne Alexis’ parents have left a huge impression on her heart. A ministerial goal she has at St. Martin’s is exploring the often taboo topics of dying and death in the hopeful context of the gospels. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting, reading, spending time with her family (notably her godson, Will), and watching new shows with her beloved cats by her side. She and Cole enjoy trying eclectic restaurants in their neighborhood -- observing COVID restrictions, of course!Anne Alexis Harra
Minister for Children, Youth, & Families
215 247 8716 [email protected]
Tags: Children & Families / Racial Justice
