Sacred Ground - Lent 2020

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Colossians 2:13-15

The Great Circle and Octagon in Ohio, Mt. Denali in Alaska, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Wounded Knee in South Dakota, Sand Creek in Colorado. These are sacred grounds for Native Americans and Alaska Natives. They are considered important spiritually, culturally, and historically. They are places of hunting, meeting, healing, worship, dancing, and burials. Some are also battlegrounds.

Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) in Lawrence, Kansas, is one of these places. It was one of the first Indian Industrial Training Schools (boarding schools). The 103 graves in the Haskell Cemetery remind us of the “assimilation battles” between Indians and the U.S. government.

Today, Haskell students “hunt” for their place in life. There are graduations, PowWow dances, religious events, and sports and environmental projects. Many students need (and a few seek) healing. Sometimes, there are deaths. And there is always the ongoing spiritual battle between the Jesus Path (Christianity) and traditional religions. HINU is a battleground for Native souls.

Mt. Calvary in Jerusalem is another sacred ground. It is where our Redeemer Jesus engaged in battle to heal our relationship with God. There was a burial followed by a victorious resurrection worthy of a celebration dance! Jesus is Risen!

People still go to the cross of Jesus to “hunt” for the truth about salvation or find healing in their inner “sacred ground,” the soul, and it is a very real battleground as they try to live on the Jesus Path. At Lutheran Indian Ministries, we recognize both the sacredness of life and the possible pain a life might hold. We proclaim the good news of Jesus’ victory, disciple individuals on His path, and provide times and places for them to receive healing so they may also join in that celebration dance.

Almighty Triune God, thank you for giving us victory in the battle for our souls. Help us as we help others who are searching for peace in their inner sacred ground.

Bill Paris
Haskell LIGHT Campus Ministry, Lawrence, Kansas