St. Alban’s Minute

Twenty-five years ago, artists from music and film gathered in Hollywood under the direction of R&B legend Quincy Jones to lay the tracks that would become a multi-million platinum sensation. It is still listed as one of the largest selling singles of all time having sold more than 20 million units and, with merchandising, raised more than $63 million dollars.
 
The song, “We are the World,” written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by USA for Africa, recorded in late January 1985 and released on March 7, 1985, drew attention to and provide relief for parts of Africa that were suffering the worst drought in recorded history. 
 
Now a quarter century late, it was remade and premiered during the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympic games. “We are the World 25 for Haiti” has brought a spotlight to a nation devastated by the massive earthquake on January 12. Though this new effort is not without critics, efforts like “USA for Africa” and “We Are the World 25 for Haiti” seek to transform. They are fundraising efforts to be sure, but they also transform our hearts and move us into action. 
 
In Luke, we are told of the otherworldly event that took place on a mountaintop while Jesus was praying with a rather sleepy Peter, James and John. Jesus’ appearance change, his clothes become dazzling white and Elijah and Moses appear with him to discuss what is to happen in Jerusalem: His passion and death. This is the transfiguration.
 
It is interesting that transfiguration and transformation come from the same Middle English root meaning “to change shape.” Jesus is transfigured, that is transformed, in revealing the truth of who he is as God’s own with a heavenly voice underscoring the visible evidence that Jesus is God’s son and that we are to listen to him.

How will you use your passions and interests to change the world? How will you use your God-given gifts and talents to change the way people think or how they act?

We are called to be agents of transformation. That is our mission.
 
But we are called to not just make a difference in the world, we are called to make the world different. Each of us wants to make a difference in the world. And each of us can do that. We can reduce, reuse, and recycle. That will make a difference. We can paint a shirt, give a dollar, and do any number of things. Can we make our world a different place? I think we can.
 
School chapel services  in January and February featured speakers such as our Keables Chair holder Dr. Cheryl Hiyashi ’85;  surfer and non-profit organization founder Cynthia Derosier ’83, history teacher John Bickel in the role of WWI veteran Harry Patch. In their speeches to students, we have heard voices of transformation; of how passions and life experiences move one to explore the inner workings of spider silk, changingthe lives of young people through surfing, or speaking out against war and violence.
 
How will you use your passions and interests to change the world? How will you use your God-given gifts and talents to change the way people think or how they act? Whatever your goal is or whether you already are a physician, lawyer, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, artist, musician, or athlete, will you share your discoveries and the ideas that bring about change?
 
We are called to make the world different. We may not be called to the farthest reaches of the globe, but we are called to bring hope to others to be stewards of the earth and servants to all. 
 
The season of Lent is reminiscent of  the time Jesus spent in the desert and was tempted by Satan to succumb to earthly notions of power and authority. Traditionally, this time in the Church invites sacrifice and self-examination. Some people give up things like chocolate or junk food. Lent is a time of challenge and hope.

Change is possible. Don’t strive to just make a difference in the world, strive to make the world different.

I challenge and invite you as we move toward the Easter joy that is the resurrection to discover a way that you can change the world. It doesn’t have to be huge. Neither do you need to do it alone. Discover other people who share your passion, join them, or have them join you.
 
Change is possible. Don’t strive to just make a difference in the world, strive to make the world different. Transform it with the power of God’s Love.

The Rev. Daniel L. Leatherman

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