CBS Evening news reported this week on an unlikely and hopeful moment at the end of a political debate in Vermont. Candidates Lucy Rogers a Democrat who is passionate about better healthcare and opponent Zac Mayo a Republican who is passionate about decreasing the size of government fought hard for a State House seat.
The unlikely moment happened at the end of their public debate. After finishing their statements on why they were the better candidate, they moved the tables out of the way, pulled out a guitar and a cello and played a duet.
The song was about a deep longing for a less competitive greedy society.
Tom Hartman reported there was not a dry eye in the room. Interviews with audience members stated, “The duet gave us hope.” “It is what we have needed for a long time.” “It was a turning point for our community.”
These two young candidates are an inspiration. Their duet made a statement so vastly more important than their individual opinions about governance or their arguments against each other.
People so desperately need this kind of communal, hopeful, expression of shared longing that is like making music.
For Christians the author of our unity is Jesus. His teachings did not take sides the way the religious leaders wanted and instead pulled everyone together into a common longing. Religion is meant to sing a a sort of duet, reconciling God and humankind. Inviting all people into a conscious loving unity. And when we experience it, we are changed for the work in front of us to do.
We practice singing this song every Sunday so we can bring the refrain into our office on Monday, our homes, and our relationships with friends and family.
Go out and make some beautiful music this week.
With You on the Journey,
