Today the world remembers all of God’s children who were killed in the past year because of their gender identity or expression.

During the past day, I had the opportunity to participate in two worship services to remember those who are lost and forgotten by most.  One included the reading of the names of the 268 people known to be victims of murder based on their identity since last November.  This number is only a small fraction of the true magnitude of these crimes as many such murders are not reported or fully investigated.

Christ, our peace, you break down the walls that divide us.
Christ, our peace, come make us one body in you.

“Singing Our Prayer,” Marty Haugen

During our school’s chapel service today, we did a prayer around the cross where we meditate on songs, scriptures, and readings and we pray and light candles around a large wooden cross. Today we prayed especially for our fellow children of God who have been murdered due to their identity.  As I was praying and lighting a candle, “Christ, Our Peace” was sung and I could feel the tears welling up.  The Holy Spirit was truly working there.

There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28 (NRSV)

St. Paul reminds us that in Christ, we all are united into one body.  No matter our different identities or understandings, we are unified in God’s love for us.  The boundaries that we set up to separate or differentiate ourselves do not matter in the Kindom of God.

Loving God, we join in your lament for your murdered children.  Help us to recognize the barriers we have created or, by our silence, permit to remain.  Let us see your life and love in the face of all of your children.
Amen.