On Sunday I made an off-the-cuff joke about how I was sorry I had written my sermon before seeing the new Wicked movie because it meant I didn’t have time to make the movie the entire focus of the sermon as I leaned into my latest obsession. But I suppose a midweek blog will have to suffice for now…

For the uninitiated, Wicked is a movie (2024) adaptation of a musical (2003) based on a book titled Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (1995), which was written as a modern take on the origin story for the characters depicted in the movie The Wizard of Oz (1939) based on the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900). Phew! 

Obviously something about this story and these characters has had a strong effect on culture throughout the years. And this latest adaptation feels surprisingly prescient because it has such strong themes about anti-fascism, female empowerment, racism, scapegoating, power and privilege, and the very nature of good/evil. In Frank L. Baum’s original story, there is very little context for why the “wicked witch” is given that moniker, but this modern spin on the story attempts to explore the question of whether people are born wicked or have wickedness thrust upon them. 

Without spoiling too much, one of the climactic scenes in the movie has a character explaining that the best way to unite people is to give them a really good enemy. Needless to say, the main character has wickedness “thrust upon her” and becomes an easy scapegoat for the land of Oz not only because her green skin makes her different but also because she refuses to accept the authority of those in power when it becomes obvious that they are using that power to harm others. 

Watching this scene in the theater gave me goosebumps, thinking about how this has played out in our culture. I think especially of all the ways the immigrant population has become the convenient enemy, whether that’s through false tales about the Haitian immigrants in nearby communities, or vague threats about how immigrants everywhere are taking people’s jobs or doing other nefarious things. These lies and fear mongering have already done so much harm and we need to find ways to continue to push back against enemy-making rhetoric while also supporting those who are affected by it. 

Our congregation is already beginning to have conversations about how we might defy anything that tries to hold us or others down from doing justice. We are discussing how we might continue to stand with the most vulnerable in our communities and be a sanctuary that holds space for those who need it. You have the opportunity to join that conversation on Monday, December 9 at 7pm in the Sanctuary.  

There are many unknowns that we will face in the months and years ahead, but I will leave you with a few lyrics from one of the musical’s most iconic songs as inspiration for this discernment, as well as an encouragement to continue surrounding yourselves with people who help you change for good. 

I'm through accepting limits
'Cause someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But 'til I try, I'll never know
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love I guess I've lost
Well, if that's love, it comes at much too high a cost