Still Living the Dream

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister/Chaplain

Resilience in the Skies

September 11, 2001 – 24 years ago continues to fade into a distant memory for some and for others, it remains a life altering day that will live in infamy.

In a compilation of 9/11 Poems, Prose and Prayers by Flight Attendants entitled, “Wings of Courage”, I found two reflections that speak to us today. The first was simply a short description by a flight attendant on her first day back in the air following that tragic day: “There was an eerie kind of silence…during the entire flight. People were so quiet and kept to themselves, often crying silently in their seats, not looking around or even getting up to use the bathroom.”

The second contribution to the Wings of Courage I would like to highlight raised the question everyone in the aviation industry wrestled with in the wake of 9/11. A veteran flight attendant who shared her personal account as follows: “After five days off, the week’s events weighed heavily on my heart and mind as I prepared my things for the next work day – a flight to Los Angeles and back. The hardest part about returning to the skies came when I was tucking my 11-year-old son into bed. Holding back my tears, I tried to be strong for him when I had to answer his blunt question, “Mommy, can you get a different job?”

I cannot think of what would have happened if everyone got a different job – our world would have been different, the aviation industry would have been different or non-existent. So, today, I applaud and celebrate every aviation worker, from the control towers to the construction trenches – from above the wing to below the wing, for everyone is critical to the industry and they make it soar again…and for this, I am most grateful!

There is a portion of scripture that inspires such resilience and I pray that we continue to remember 9/11, reflect, grow and inspire others within the aviation and beyond: “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

I thank God for the blessed memory of the flight attendants and all aviation workers lost and changed forever in 9/11, and for the courage of everyone today. May God fly with you! Amen

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister/Chaplain

Grace, mercy and peace to you in the name of Jesus – Amen!
         How many times have you asked someone to help you with something and they give you an excuse? Or, how many times in the past you were asked for a favor and all you have to offer is an excuse?
         If you think some of the excuses today are unique, the first followers of Jesus probably had the first edition of excuses – some mastered the course “Excuses 101” – see Luke 9:57-62.
         To such excuses, Jesus replies, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (v. 62) In other words, no one who after making a promise and does not fulfill it is fit for the kingdom of God.
You heard these before, “It’s too hot, it’s too cold” but Jesus is saying no excuses – no ifs or buts! No one with regrets about serving God or following Jesus is fit for the Kingdom of God.
         Now, as summer heats up and, as the first half of 2025 comes to an end, we come before Jesus, seeking to follow him… We may have done so much – in the name of good works. But Jesus asking, “Are you ready to follow?” – Are you, really?
         I don’t want to make light of the role as follower – Because the reality following Jesus is not easy – It never was, and never will be. Hanging out with someone who was proclaiming a new message of hope – someone who preached freedom to all was and always be risky business.
         Sometimes the choices Jesus asks of us are tough and for the most part contradict traditions or popular beliefs. At other times, the cost seems very high. Like in the case of with pastor and teacher Dietrich Bonhoeffer or the civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. who died for what they believed – justice and equality for all…by the way, neither reached the age of 40.
         How will you follow Jesus from here on? It's not easy, but you are not alone on the journey - Jesus is with you as promised! Amen

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Minister/Chaplain

Grace and peace to you this night in the name of Jesus – the newborn King – Amen!

Today is the 1st day of a new year – 2025 begins today, but it’s also the 8th day of Christmas. So, it is still timely that I extend the greeting “Merry Christmas!” to you and your family.
           
A sample of festive greetings from across the globe reveals a common thread – a unique event, the “birth” of Jesus “at night.” The one that stands out to me is the German: “Frohe Weihnachten” which literally translates into English as “in the holy nights.”
           
During these holy nights something mysterious happens – during these holy nights, the impossible becomes possible – during these holy nights, light breaks into the darkness of our world in the person of Jesus.
           
Over the centuries, a lot has changed since that original manger scene, we have electricity and big screens to illuminate our spaces – yet, some challenges still cause us pain and suffering. There are many who are homeless, hungry and cold – these tonight, there are many homes with an empty chair at the dinner table – these nights, the light is dimmer than we expect.

It is my prayer that as you reflect on this holy night that you would experience the same joy the shepherds experienced when they found him – when they found the gift of God that is Jesus in a manger – on that first holy night. Amen!

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister

A Time to Remember and Reflect

One of the biggest gifts of the Church is that of days set aside on the calendar for marking special moments. Today, for example is All Saints’ Day – a day to remember the blessed dead, those saints who have graced our lives and no longer among us.

Many of us have experienced the loss of loved ones (even pets), so the church has dedicated this time each year to offer us the time to remember, reflect and honor especially, those saints. Join in remembering those who have impacted your lives and reflect on their love, grace and care. It may not necessarily be a love one, but a teacher or mentor or neighbor who left an indelible mark on your life.

Now, it is believed that we will reunited with those who have gone before us and we live in this promise and hope – we believe that we will meet again. But in the meantime, while we continue our pilgrimage on earth, I pray that you will find solace and comfort knowing that God is preparing a place for you. Amen

Hear the words of the prophet Isaiah (25:6-9):
⁶ On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples
a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines,
of rich food filled with marrow,
of well-aged wines strained clear.
⁷ And he will destroy on this mountain
the shroud that is cast over all peoples,
the covering that is spread over all nations;
⁸  he will swallow up death forever.
Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces,
and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth,
for the Lord has spoken.
⁹ It will be said on that day,
“See, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us.
This is the Lord for whom we have waited;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister

Grace, mercy and peace to you in the name of Jesus - Amen

As we remember the tragic events of 9/11/2001 – a day that changed the course of history and more specifically the aviation world, it is my fervent prayer the God of healing, strength and hope will continue to reside among us.

It is in such times that we search for the right words to share with those whose lives have been changed forever, and most times, we have no words. So, I would like to highlight the psalmist’s words from Ps. 146. May these words bring you solace knowing that we have a God who is just and keep promises forever. Amen
 
¹Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, O my soul!
²I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God while
I have my being.
³Put not your trust in rulers,
in mortals in whom there is no help.
⁴When they breathe their last,
they return to earth, and in that day
their thoughts perish.
⁵Happy are they who have the God of Jacob
for their help, whose hope is in the Lord their God;
⁶who made heaven and earth, the seas,
and all that is in them;
who keeps promises forever;
⁷who gives justice to those
who are oppressed, and food to those who hunger.
The Lord sets the captive free.
⁸The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
⁹The Lord cares for the stranger;
the Lord sustains the orphan and widow,
but frustrates the way of the wicked.
¹⁰The Lord shall reign forever, your God, O Zion,
throughout all generations. Hallelujah!

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister

Lent: A Time for Renewal

It is believed that during the holi/holy days, people are most stressed – an emotionally draining time of the year. The drama that comes with this season is often compounded when, for example, there is a loss of a loved one, a job, or any other major life transition.

Compounding our personal challenges the reality of global insecurity (i.e. the long-term effects of COVID-19), the stock market reactions, political mayhem, and volatile times, it may be a difficult time for many. So, how are we to cope and survive during this season—how are we getting through Lent?

As daylight hours increase, sooner than later, we would be basking in the sun. However, before we get there, we journey through a sacred time in our church year—Lent. The disciplines of Lent: Repentance, Fasting, Prayer and Acts of Charity—become our focus as individuals and as a community of believers.

My fellow sojourners, this season is not just for the soul or building up your lives spiritually. Lenten practices are a divine tool for transformation of your entire being.

It is my prayer that you embrace this Lenten journey and process. Enter into it and then find
yourself exiting as a new person renewed and reprogrammed to be of service to God and our neighbors we have from God.

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister

Be the Light in the World

January greetings!

Saturday, January 27 was International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Why January 27th you might ask? Well, it was on that day in 1945 that the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated by the Red Army. Such acts were purely demonic – the epitome of evil which resulted in the genocide of a third of the Jewish people, along with countless members of minorities by Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945.

Last summer, on a study trip to Germany, my colleague Michael took us to the platform in Grunewald, on the outskirts of Berlin - there Jews were loaded onto cattle-cars and sent to Auschwitz. It was eerie to visit the memorial and see the tracks that led so many to their death. On 29th January, 1943 the last train load of 1,000 Jews from Berlin departed from that station.

Today, neo-Nazism is on the rise across Europe and here in these United States. I can understand the tensions in the middle east, but right here in New York City as well? And such acts of hatred are not only reserved for Jews, everyone else or the “other” is also being subjected to the same discrimination and hatred.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his Letter from the Birmingham Jail addressing some clergymen questioning his civil rights protests wrote, “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people, but the silence over that by the good people.”

Do not be silent - shine the light on the evil around you, but most of all, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister

On the 6th day of Christmas

Greetings favored ones:
Today is the 6th day of Christmas and I would like to wish each of you and your families (at work and at home) a blessed and rewarding season.

In the popular “The 12 Days of Christmas” song we sing, “On the 6th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 6 geese a laying…” The words to this 18th century Carol have been on the lips of countless lips over the years and perhaps annoyed a few along the way. But, given the times we are living in, I interpret these geese producing egg – new and fresh opportunities for life.

Our world has been battered by natural disaster and bombarded by violent acts of war and terrorism – many lives have been lost and many more have been displaced. However, we live in hope – we hope that new opportunities will emerge and grow in this season and beyond. We look forward with renewed zeal and hope in the blessings of almighty God, our creator, redeemer and sustainer.

On this 6th day of Christmas, I pray that you will realize your fullest potential at work or at play, travel and rest as we striving for a better world in which to live.

With Christmas hope!

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister

NB: The 12 days of Christmas is the period in Christian practice that marks the span between the birth of Jesus and the coming of the magi. It begins on December 25 (Christmas) and runs through January 6 (the Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day).

Grace and peace to you in Jesus’ name!

Traditionally, this time of the year is when we experience certain pressures to busy ourselves with cleaning, cooking, hosting and feasting. This time of the year is also when we gather around family and friends to celebrate each other’s presence in our lives. So, I wish to take this opportunity to echo the apostle Paul’s words to the church in Corinth: “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind.” (1 Cor. 1:4-5)

I am most grateful this year for your participation in the growth of chapel ministry: The Bishop Wright Aviation Industry Awards Luncheon and Scholarship Program, our Health, Safety and Wellness Day, our upcoming Christmas Concert and even the smallest gesture of support through prayers and donations.

On behalf of the Chapel’s leadership, I would like you to know that we give God thanks for each of you and pray that this holiday is safe for and for everyone around you. May God continue to watch over your sleeping and waking, and your going out and coming in, in this season and beyond.

With a grateful heart, Amen!

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister

Give Peace a Chance !

Greetings in the name of Jesus - Amen

In light of recent atrocities in the middle-east and the ripple effects in the form of hateful rhetoric and violence across the globe, one has to acknowledge that the world is connected. We are one – We are the world!

In the face of certain loss of life, and to a great extent, hope – we turn to scripture for answers. In Ps. 30:5 we read: “For God’s anger is but for a moment; his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

The apostle Paul in a letter to the Church in Rome wrote: I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, on the basis of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect... Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” Instead, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink, for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12)

Give peace a chance – you can be that instrument of peace. Do not give up on hope – for hope does not disappoint us!

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister

Rekindle the Fire Within

Grace, mercy and peace to you – Amen!

In light of recent forest and wildfires (Canada, Lahaina, Montana) that claimed many lives and on the anniversary of 9/11; when steel was melted under the heat of jet fuel fire, I cannot help but think that there continues to be more questions than answers on our minds. So, in such times we turn to scripture for guidance, hope and comfort.
           
There are many instances in scripture when fire is mentioned: God spoke to Moses from a burning bush (Exodus 3:1-17), John the Baptist tells us that the one who is coming will baptize with the Spirit and with fire (Luke 3:16) and on Pentecost – the birth of the church as we know it, described in Acts 2:3 as tongues of fire resting on God’s people.
           
However, no scripture is more identifiable these days than that of Isaiah 43: Thus says the Lord, he who created you, …he who formed you… Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. .. Do not fear, for I am with you.
           
You see, fire is necessary for new life and rebirth, but it can also cause destruction and damage that is beyond repair. Even within us, there is the reality of “burnout.” Yes, burnout is real – especially with the barrage of incidents, crises and disasters that require 100% commitment from us. Whether we are firefighters or a food truck cook, airline pilot or custodial staff, an office worker or homemaker, we run the risk of suffering from burned out.
           
Now, it is said that there must have been a fire inside (in the first place) that causes us to be burned out – so, it is my opinion that we must again seek out that burning desire or zest for life and rekindle the hope necessary to continue being of service to God and humanity, especially in these times.
           
This fire is necessary in our lives as it enables us to also live in the promise of God: “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaish 40:31)

The Rev. Romeo Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister

Grace, mercy and peace to you in the name of Jesus – Amen!
         
Rest – Refreshment – Comfort – Things we all need. This is the time of year when people hope to get some sort of re-creation.  We hope to slow down a little – to play – to have more time, here in the summer, to refresh ourselves and the people around us.
         
This is the time of year when we take a trip, if we can afford one. Relax a little at home, if we can. Most of us are tired… just think about the tumultuous spring we’ve had – did someone say, “smoke city 2023.”  We need a break… we need to lighten the load we carry.
         
I think that this is exactly what Jesus is calling us to do in today’s gospel: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” V. 28 “Come onto me…” Jesus says – and we know these words… for these words are grafted deep into our DNA.
         
One of my favorite verses in scripture – I treasure these words ranked up there with John 3:16 or the 23rd Psalm or any other favorite Bible verse that you memorize.  These words are great but more than that, these words are real – true… for you and me.
         
You see, in this verse, Jesus is offering us an invitation – an intimate and appealing invitation. His invitation is this: “Come to me, all that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
         
I pray that you would find comfort in the words, “come to me.” Jesus is asking us to come to him because he knows that you are tired and he wants to offer us rest. Jesus wants us to come because he cares for us. This is a personal and intimate invitation from Jesus for us to come to him – into God’s presence and find rest. Amen

With "cool" blessings,

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community MInister/Chaplain

Come Holy Spirit, come !

Grace, mercy and peace in the name of Jesus – Amen

In the second chapter of Acts, we are given an account of Pentecost. The festival of Pentecost is a celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit, ten days after Jesus’ ascension.

The role of the Holy Spirit in the biblical story is not just to appear for the church’s birthday and set off the fireworks. The Holy Spirit is God, the third person of the Trinity, wasn’t waiting idly for long ages in heaven before becoming active in the world a couple of thousand years ago.

Already in just the second verse of the Bible, at the beginning of the first creation story, there’s a note of the Spirit’s activity. We’re told there, in obviously symbolic language, that the “spirit of God - ruach” was moving like a wind over the primordial waters before creation.

In the Hebrew scriptures we read about “the spirit of the LORD” or “the spirit of God” working to guide God’s people. The Spirit comes upon Samson, who fights the enemies of Israel, to David when he is anointed king, and to one of Judah’s prophets who instructs God’s people in a time of crisis.

So, is the Spirit of God speaking through you or working in and through you? Can you think of a Holy Spirit moment in your life?

The Apostle Paul wrote: “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.… All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12)

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister

Should we give something up or take something on in Lent? It seems the rules aren’t quite as clear as they used to be: fish on Fridays, evening worship on Wednesdays, no alcohol or chocolate for a 40-day fast? What’s the point?

The gift of this period of time in the church year offers us and opportunity to focus the heart and mind on developing the spiritual tools necessary for the life of faith. We wait in Advent so we can cultivate the spiritual resources required for times of waiting. We celebrate at Christmas and practice spiritual gift-giving so we know how to give, and receive, gifts—including the gift of Christ.

In Lent, we turn inward, so we know how to survive when the spiritual well is dry, despondent or gone altogether. Whether you take something on or give something up doesn’t really matter. What matters is that whatever you do is intended to bring you back to the one who gives all and is all-in-all for the Christ follower.

Lent is a spiritual housecleaning intended to bring us back to ourselves and the God who first formed us from the ash we smudge on our foreheads that first day of this holy fast.

Here are some ideas around giving up and taking on this Lent that might do just that.

• Take on intentional, personal prayer.
• Give up your meal—or at least transform it.
• Take on a greater fast: money.
• Give up your table for others.

On Maundy Thursday, Jesus gathered with his friends (John 13). Can you make your own table a welcome one in this season of introspection? Hospitality is a spiritual discipline that allows us to see God in the other, and sometimes we find that we see God for the very first time.

My prayer is that you make the best of this time and opportunity!

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister 

Living the Dream in 2023

Grace, mercy and peace to you from God almighty – our creator, redeemer and sustainer. Amen.
           
As individuals and as a people, God provides us with the opportunity to pause, slowdown and reflect on the past (2022) and look forward to the future (2023). Some of us look forward to this new year with zeal and hope while some, with apathy and despair – I pray for you that it is not the latter.

Sunday, January 8th on the Church’s calendar was The Baptism of Our Lord Sunday. The central theme on the day was identity…more like, belonging to…being a part of – highlighted with God’s claim on Jesus as “the Beloved.” (Matt. 3:17)

Whether we realize it or not, each of you is a part of something bigger than yourself as individuals. Whatever you and I do impact not just our work or play or household or that of our neighbor, but the entire planet. We are interconnected and part of a delicately woven tapestry and eco-system – much like the aviation industry.
 
According to Newton’s third law of motion, “For every action (force) in nature there is an equal and opposite reaction.” The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. pushed this theory further and concluded “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” (Letter from the Birmingham Jail)

On the weekend when we as a nation slowdown to reflect on the life and death of Martin Luther King, Jr., it is my sincere hope that we can strive to eliminate hate that leads to violence in our homes, across the street and around the world. After all, "Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Dr. King’s dream can become a reality when we do our part. In the name of Jesus – Amen

In fervent hope,

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister

Giving God the Glory

Greetings favored ones,

We take a lot for granted these days - we expect bread and milk when we go to the supermarket, and of course a parking spot close to the entrance. We turn on the light switch and we expect a light to dispel the darkness around and most of all this time of year, when we travel, we expect for it to be hassle-free – despite the seasonal weather!

As a people or nation, we have grown to expect love and harmony, peace and contentment everywhere we point our cameras – “Smile, I’m taking your picture!” However, reality paints a very different picture. Ever since the beginning of “civilization” there have been wars – some even in the name of religion, and we plan for these wars, but do not really plan for peace.

According to Luke 2, the shepherds in the field, tending their flock by night were encountered by a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” I am of the opinion that there is wisdom in the order of these verses – for peace comes when God is glorified and praised instead of taking up arms.

I praise God for keeping me amongst the living and making me a channel of peace. So, in this season of hope, I pray that we praise and glorify God with our lives and let the peace of God flow in and through us. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Is. 9:6)

With joyous anticipation !

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister

A Time to Watch, Wait and Anticipate

Grace, mercy and peace to you in the name of Jesus. Amen

Whether we realize it or not, we are living in unusual times or in an “in between” time – already, not yet time. According to the gospel writer Matthew, during these times, Jesus encouraged his first followers and us today to: "Keep awake, therefore, for you do not know what day your Lord is coming!" [24:42]
           
In this season, we are being called us to do two things: to watch and to wait. Keep Watch as the Christmastide rolls in – as it comes upon us, sometimes like a freight train -- may we “watch” for the Lord in all that comes our way. We might be surprise where and when we would find Christ this time of year.

Watching for the Lord means that we keep our spirits open to the possibility of the arrival of the Lord at any time, in any person, in every experience – especially, when it is so easy to get lost in the shuffle and busyness of the season.
           
Secondly, Wait…we are being called to wait! We need to wait patiently for the voice of God in the daily grind. Especially when the grind can grow and multiply as the days of this season go by. There is much waiting to do as these weeks go by -- isn't there? Waiting for family to arrive…Waiting in the checkout lines… Waiting for the credit card bill to arrive…And waiting for it all to be over!
           
So, as we wait for the appearance of the Lord. We wait for Christ to appear or to arrive in all the ordinary, everyday happenings of our lives and even see Christ in the hungry, the homeless and helpless.
           
I pray that this time of year would be a time of anticipating, watching and waiting for the arrival of Christ… It might very well be that Christ will arrive for us in some new ways this season – now, wouldn’t that be something to tell about – over the hills and everywhere?

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister

STAY HUMBLE IN SERVICE

Grace, mercy and peace to you in the name of Jesus – Amen!
           
In recent weeks, no one can avoid bombardment of the mid-term political advertising – they are everywhere, across the airwaves. There is no end to the attacks on the rivals, the finger pointing and character assassination are relentless.
           
In such times, I am reminded of the story Jesus share about two men went to the temple to pray (Luke 18:9-14). One was very arrogant, assuming himself to be superior to ordinary people. The other stood afar off, not even looking up to the heavens and humbly acknowledged his sinfulness. One prayed, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” The other prayed, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”
           
It is clear which of these two models Jesus called us to adopt. He concluded, “This man went home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Being a believer and worshiper of God does not give us the right or authority to judge and call them names, like arrogant man praying the temple. Jesus made it quite clear that there is no room for self-praise, complacency or finger pointing, but instead, humble submission to the will of God.

So, I encourage you in this season of change to come – come before God, pour out your heart, then go out into the world in humble service to the neighbors we have from God. Amen!

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister

Greetings in the name of Jesus, amen

In the book of Ecclesiastes, we are reminded of the variety of seasons to life: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted” (3:12).

For some among us, we enjoy the summer season so much that we fanaticize of the possibility of it never ending. There is so much to summer that society favors a summer attitude over a productive fall – leading to further frustration by the change or end of this “happy” time.

However, as life unfolds around us, if we hold it in balance, recognizing that summer does give way to fall and that adjustments are always needed. Everyone can lean into embracing the gifts schedules bring into our lives rather than lament the ending of summer.

Ecclesiastes prompts those of us in non-agrarian societies to remember that the natural cycles of our days are necessary for life on the whole. Not every crop grows year-round- the ground needs fallow time. But the good news is that summer isn’t the end of all leisure.

It is my prayer that as you transition this year from summer to autumn, God would grant you the opportunity to acknowledge the beauty of time in itself and the insight to embrace every season under the heaven. Amen

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister

Summertime Challenge

As another school year comes to an end, and as we are entering the season of graduations, celebrations and in-person social gatherings, there is an underlying uneasiness. There is a certain apprehension as this summer is the first in 2 years with COVID vaccines being available to all and since travel restrictions are removed.

It is also during this season that the most vulnerable among us will become marginalized and go without food, clothing, shelter or health-care – the basic necessities of life. So, this where you and I become partners in ministry in doing the best we can with the resources we have to prevent the cycle of poverty to manifest itself again.

In the Luke’s gospel, Jesus says, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (9:62) In other words, no one who after making a promise and does not follow through is fit for the kingdom of God – No ifs or buts – no excuses. No one with regrets about serving God or fulfilling Jesus’ mandate, is fit for the Kingdom of God.

So, as you engage in your summer picnics, celebrations, retreats and travels, it is my hope that you be mindful of those in need and know that you are never alone on this journey we call life – for Jesus is with us as promised…to the end. Amen!

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister

In recent months, we have been bombarded with breaking news - some horrifying to say the least and as we try to wrap our minds around these occurrences, there are more more questions than answers.

According to news reports on May 14, a gunman opened fire in a Buffalo (Eastside) supermarket killing 10 in a racist attack. Survivors who were shopping at the time took cover in bathrooms, under counters and anywhere they could hide and prayed - wondering what's going to happen next - would I be next?

In the gospel of John 14:26, Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as the advocate. This advocate/consoler/comforter/helper Jesus tells his first followers during his farewell discourse, would be sent by God to work among them - to teach and remind them of the examples he set forth during his time with them.

As baptized children of God - Baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we believed that the Holy Spirit of God resides in us in effect making us advocates of those in need - you are by virtue of your baptism a representative, caregiver, comforter, consoler, motivator and helper.

I encourage you or challenge you to be the voice of the unheard, unseen or underserved, under-appreciated and undervalued for they too are a part of God's creation. Yes, advocacy begins with ME !

The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister

It’s Easter…but we are in a time or season that feels like Jesus still bidding us come into the wilderness with him, pick up our cross and follow and of course engage in some spiritual housecleaning – the springtime of our lives…because Jesus lives, we can live as well.

It is my prayer that you would discovering or rediscovering the Marks of Discipleship: Daily Prayer, Weekly Worship, Scripture Reading, Service to others, Spiritual Relationships and Giving – acts of charity.

According to Pastor Michael Foss (author of “Power Surge: Six Marks of Discipleship for a Changing Church”), “the marks of discipleship... all lead to participation in God’s love for the world and service that leads to greater well-being for all, particularly for those in greatest need or at greatest risk.”

So, if it is your desire this Easter is to “know Christ and the power of his resurrection,” get involved in service to God and to humanity and let us together journey with Jesus and celebrate after experiencing the empty tomb for “He has been raised; he is not here.” Alleluia! Amen

The Rev. Romeo Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister/Chaplain

Grace, mercy and peace to you in the name of Jesus – Amen!

How are you doing? – Physically, Emotionally, Financially, Academically and Spiritually. The COVID-19 global pandemic has rocked our worlds and we are faced with the reality of rebuilding our lives, the Church’s and our community at large – and it starts with each of us as individuals.

Despite the noises around us, the toll of the pandemic, the stress of balancing our finances in the midst of inflation, retooling and pivoting for a brighter tomorrow and engaging in spiritual warfare, we are being challenged to fix our eyes on Holy Week and the resurrection hope.  

What this means for us is that, before we get to Easter, we journey faithfully through this season – this lengthening season. We ought to be committed to engaging the work of Jesus in this world. We are called to also continue to explore what it means to be a child of God and a disciple of the Jesus…So, how are you doing?

The Rev. Romeo Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister/Chaplain

Today, Ash Wednesday 2022, we begin the traditional forty-day journey (not counting Sundays) toward Jesus’ resurrection at Easter. We begin this journey with a time of prayer, fasting, repentance and acts of charity and love.

On this day, we mark our foreheads with dust or ash that signifies death, and in so doing we acknowledge that we die and return to the earth. At the same time, the dust traces the life-giving cross indelibly marked on our foreheads at baptism.

It is no secret that in the midst of a global pandemic death is all around us – everyone of us has been touched by death so I encourage you to make that sign now on your own foreheads and hear these words, “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.” (Eccl. 3:20)

Friends, all that is non-essential, all that is elaborate, is removed as a visible sign of our repentance – our return to the mercy and love of God. This marks the beginning of a penitential discipline which continues throughout this season of Lent.

May God grant you and those around you hope, peace and understanding during these 40 days. Amen

The Rev. Romeo Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister/Chaplain