The Fourth Person

Do you remember the story of the fiery furnace from the book of Daniel? Furious that they refused to worship false idols, King Nebuchadnezzar had three men of God thrown into a fiery furnace. Much to the King’s surprise, however, the fire did not consume these men of God, who had been joined by a fourth person in the midst of their fiery ordeal: 

"But look!" he said. "I see four men, walking around freely in the

fire, completely unharmed! And the fourth man looks like a son

of the gods!" (Daniel 3:25, The Message)  

Over the past several weeks, from Baton Rouge to Lake Charles to the Texas Panhandle, fires have also raged and devastated many throughout our Episcopal Community and beyond: 

 “With a heavy heart, I share the news of the devastating fire that

engulfed our church in the early hours of Saturday, February 17, 2024.

The fire destroyed the church, Pope Hall, and the church library.

Despite the flames that consumed buildings, our faith remains strong

and our spirits unbroken. “ (source ) Father Bryan Owen,

St. Luke’s Baton Rouge

“The Smokehouse Creek Fire has been burning for nearly a week and

has torched more than 1 million acres in Texas alone, making it the

largest fire on record in the state –” (images) 

Members of our association are experiencing a profound sense of loss as a result of these and other devastating fires. Reminiscent of that mysterious presence in the fiery furnace chronicled in Book of Daniel, however, there is evidence of a heavenly presence standing alongside those suffering believers, even in the midst of these inevitable fires of this life. As Christ himself reminded His disciples, we will all face fiery challenges in this life:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome

the world” (John 16:33, NIV)

Like many others across the Texas Panhandle, Head of School Kelly Cambern from St. Matthew’s in Pampa, Texas, has experienced a devastating loss of property as a result of the fires. But despite her fiery ordeal, she has also experienced the undeniable presence of Christ standing beside her and her family in the form of an outpouring of love and support from across the country: 

“I have seen my husband break down in tears more in the past week

than in 30+ years of our marriage combined - not because of the

devastation and loss of property, but because of the amazing outpouring

of love and support from people we don't even know…”

Similarly, in his sermon for the reopening school chapel after the fire at St. Luke's Baton Rouge, Fr. Bryan noted that when Jesus suffered in the wilderness after His baptism, angels ministered to him (see Matthew 4). He noted that those in the congregation could be angels for each other during the suffering of loss and that they had all already experienced angels seeking to help and comfort them.  

Therefore, for all those experiencing fiery ordeals and devastating losses of various kinds, and in the spirit of standing beside our brothers and sisters in the love of Christ, perhaps this prayer offered by HOS Jessica Morris for her community is a prayer that all SAES can offer for all our communities suffering loss:

Dear Lord,

In the midst of raging flames and overwhelming loss, we come before You with heavy hearts, seeking solace and strength for those affected by the wildfires. Comfort those who have lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones in the wake of this devastation. Surround them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, and grant them the courage to face each day with hope.

We lift up to You the firefighters and first responders who bravely battle against the fires, risking their lives to protect others. Grant them wisdom, resilience, and protection as they work tirelessly to contain the flames and save others.

Amidst the ashes, may Your light shine brightly, offering comfort, healing, and restoration to all who are affected. And may we, as a community, extend our hands in love and support, embodying Your compassion and strength in these trying times.

In Your name, we pray,

Amen.



(Prayer offered by HOS Jessica Morris, St. Andrew’s Amarillo, as many in her community have been recently affected by the fires) 

Panhandle Fire Relief Fund set up through St. Andrew's Episcopal, Amarillo

St. Luke's Episcopal Church Relief Fund

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