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Hello St. John’s Family,
We didn’t even make it to sunrise…
Three hours into 2025, and our newsfeeds are filled with details of yet another senseless act. Another example of the brokenness, animosity, and hate that plague our world, piercing a night that should be marked by hope, joy, and celebration. Another public space intended for gathering and community devastated, as malevolent intentions transformed an automobile into an instrument of death. Darkness again crashes down upon us at the moment Christ’s light should be shining bright. It seems some things never change.
Terror is a loaded word today, yet no one can dismiss the fear and anxiety that acts like the attack in New Orleans inflict on us. And that is the intent: utilizing fear to coerce or influence us. To make us question our beliefs, principles and virtues; to alter our behaviors because others disagree or feel threatened. And that’s been happening for a long, long time.
This Sunday is Epiphany Sunday: the day we remember and celebrate the Magi’s arrival to worship the Christ child. It was a moment of great joy, as God’s salvation was revealed to all people. It was quickly followed by a time of great fear and grief, as the powers of that day felt threatened by the prospect of a “new-born king.” A royal edict brought terror and the death of innocent lives, forcing Jesus’ family into exile. Christ’s life and light, though, could not be extinguished. I sense we need to remember that now, as we grieve the death and destruction in New Orleans.
See, I believe that act of terror is far bigger than the actions of a person, or even a group. That act is an attempt to make us question if Light really is stronger than any darkness; to question if Christ’s love and grace are stronger than death. It’s an attempt by the Enemy to sway us, to call into question God’s presence and love, while stoking fear and distrust of others such that our questions will continue to mount. The terror of New Orleans is intended to strain and break our trust: our trust in our institutions to protect us, and more sinisterly, our trust in God to redeem and save us.
I believe our best – and only – response in this heavy moment is to draw near to God. We need to cry out, seeking God’s comfort, healing, and strength, especially for those who are directly affected. As we draw near to God, we can reaffirm our trust in Christ and seek the help of the Holy Spirit to live such that Christ’s love and grace guides our daily actions. Christ proclaimed that the kingdom of heaven has come near… lives that reflect that reality, particularly in times of difficulty and pain, are the best way to thwart the darkness of this fallen world and the questions that darkness brings.
I hope to see you in worship on Sunday. We’ll draw near to God as we hear Pastor Ruth preach on the Epiphany (Matthew 2:1-12). We’ll affirm our trust in God and be nourished as we commune at our Lord’s table. And as we worship together, our lives will proclaim how Light shines in the darkness, and darkness did not overcome it.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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