Fifth Sunday in Lent – C Addendum

Fifth Sunday in Lent – C Addendum

Years C
John 12:1-8

Tomorrow is the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. A current movie, Amazing Grace profiles William Wilberforce as a key presence in the years of work for this abolition.

To learn more you can see many reviews at RottenTomatoes, here is one from Spirituality and Practice. A helpful interview of the cast comes from The BBC.

At least one take looks at the potential of Jesus within our sisters or brothers or you or me and the very practical question of how we put together loving God and loving Neighbor. Mary's anointing shows up in the presence of Barbara who, having studied Jesus' teachings (William's speeches), brings affirmation to continue in the path that he is traveling. Judas' concern about the poor as a cover for greed is apparent in several political proponents for slavery.

There are implications for any number of social justice movements still going on, including that of literal and actual slavery (from sex trade to non-living wages) in our day. Amazing Grace would be an excellent way for you to honor the historic vote to abolish slavery in one political system and to recommit to a community of people whose faith must be put to work for a greater common good than we presently experience. [You may also hear in this film small but specific references to bringing troop home before more die - in regard to the British experience of the American Revolutionary War.]