The facilitator handed out worksheets entitled “unpacking your privilege backpack,” then asked us to score our answers from 1 to 5 where we rate on the privilege scale. In some of the categories I rated high: I’m able bodied, I’m educated, I own Crown title on unceded Indigenous land, I’m a pastor. In other categories I scored lower: I’m a woman, I have brown skin, I have ADHD, I carry trauma of indentured ancestry. I was fascinated with the process, but acutely aware that I was the only person of colour around the table. I wondered how differently we were all experiencing this exercise.
As Paul continued to share the good news about Jesus while under house arrest, the message was received differently, yet he “welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the realm of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ.” (New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised, [NRSVA]) Of course, we, the Body of Christ, have differences. Nevertheless, God’s restoration of humanity is unending.
As we left the table for a break, a friend hugged me and said, “How are you doing with this? I love you.” It was divine understanding we all need as God heals our brokenness and restores us to community through each other.
Healing God, brighten our hearts, and open us towards our neighbour with your good news for the world. Amen. —