Blog
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Love as Resistance
by Amy Reimer
Isaiah 43:16–21
John 12:1–8
Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’s feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
–—John 12:3
“The moment we choose to love we begin to move against domination, against oppression. The moment we choose to love we begin to move towards freedom, to act in ways that liberate ourselves and others.”
–—bell hooks
In John 12:1–8, Mary’s decision to anoint Jesus’ feet with costly perfume was a radical act of love. She could have hidden her support of Jesus to protect herself, but she didn’t. She wanted Jesus to feel her love and know he wasn’t alone. She took this risk at a time when oppressive forces were threatening the lives of those she loved. How can we show this kind of radical love today?
One way that I express my love for others is through knitting and crocheting. I learned these and other fiber arts from the loving women who raised me, my mother and grandmother. I share that love today with those around me. Whether a baby blanket for a newborn or a prayer shawl for a church member in need, I knit every stitch with love. This process is a healing gift for me and the recipient of the finished product.
While searching for patterns recently I discovered a design from a member of the LGBTQ+ community. I was instantly inspired by Chae Aitchison’s use of color, design, and fiber arts to speak to resistance against the hate present in our world today. I knew I had to make this scarf with its message of “RESIST” crocheted in Morse Code as soon as I saw it. In a time where so much seems beyond my control, I can use my love of knitting to tell the truth. God loves ALL of us. Darkness will not last. We can overcome the pain and suffering in this world if only we RESIST!
Prayer
Precious Lord, please show us how to share your radical love with all those around us so that we may conquer the darkness of our time. Amen
Deaconess Amy Reimer has been appointed to her ministry as church administrator at Trinity UMC in Wilmette, Illinois, since her consecration in 2018. A lifelong fiber artist, Amy uses her love of knitting for healing and social justice purposes.
Knitted and crocheted work by Amy Reimer.
