1 John 4:7-21
Like many of you, I’ve been reading news reports about the bombing in Boston on April 15, 2013. While the news is tragic and heartbreaking, I have been disappointed as well by comments left on various websites concerning the role of religion or politics in the event, even though no suspect or motive have been identified. As people of faith, we must take seriously the charges being leveled against us: that we are led to violence by our God; that our faith is one of hate and vengeance which––as one writer claimed––has overseen far more deaths than were caused by Hitler and Stalin combined; that were there no religions the world would be a better place. We need to hear these words not as truth, but as assumptions too often based on the acts of those who claim they believe in the God of Jesus Christ.
And when we have heard these words, we need to read from our epistle lesson for today: “We love because [God] first loved us. Those who say, ‘I love God,’ and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also” (1 John 4:19-21). Granted, to some these are just words on a page which is why we must learn to share God’s love unambiguously and without qualification. We must let the world know, to the best of our abilities, that God is love and that it is because of God that we are capable of showing love for one another even in the face of greatest evil.
One glimmer of hope to appear in the midst of yesterday’s turmoil is the renewed use of a quote from Fred Rogers, a man of faith who dedicated his life to enriching the lives of children. His mother’s advice to “look for the helpers” in scary times has resonated with many. You can find the original video of this quote at:
http://pbskids.org/rogers/parentsteachers/special/scarynews.html?guid=5dcfab82-485d-40e4-b398-6a8ed4eae64e
Rogers is not claiming that all helpers are people of faith, simply that there are always those who will show compassion in times of distress. Our job, as Christians, is to make sure that we are among the helpers, those who renounce acts of violence to embrace ministries of hope and reconciliation. This may not lead others to share our faith, but it will serve the will of a loving God and will help to push back the darkness of evil with the light of life.
Prayer: Lord, we pray for all those who are victims of violence and ask your peace to be upon all people this day, in Boston and around the world, so that all may enjoy your gift of abundant life, now and forever. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Showing posts with label Boston Marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boston Marathon. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Monday, April 16, 2012
Knowing the Way
John 14:(1-7) 8-17
As I write this the final competitors in this year’s Boston Marathon are crossing the finish line. What a tremendous effort it takes to run 26 miles, and what a storied place to accomplish such a feat. Imagine, however, if the runners had lined up at the starting line, heard the signal to begin running, but then realize that the course itself was not marked. How could they possibly compete in a 26 mile race if they did not know the path to follow, did not know where to turn, did not even know where the finish line was located? How could they run a race if they did not know the way?
As farfetched an idea as that may be, it is was occurred to me as I read our passage from John for today. “Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me…’” (John 14:5-6). Thomas asked a good question, one that we all should ponder. As we continue on the path of life with all of its twists and turns, with all of its obstacles and obstructions, with all of its potholes and pitfalls we may feel as though there is no hope to reaching the goal for which we strive. How can we navigate the difficulties, finish the race, and arrive where we need to be without some direction? Thomas asked a good question, but Jesus offered an even better answer. If we feel lost or uncertain about where we are headed in life we need only turn to Jesus Christ for guidance. To know God most fully we must attune ourselves to what Jesus says and must pay attention to what he does. These are the markers along the way, these are the indicators of where to go, what to do, how to live. The story of Jesus’ ministry is filled with hope for all who travel though life, and in Jesus’ death and resurrection we find the final assurance that the journey is worthwhile.
The runners in Boston today were guided along the racecourse from start to finish. In Jesus Christ we find our guidance through life from start to finish, from alpha to omega, from beginning to end. And at the end we find a new beginning.
Prayer: Gracious God, give us the strength and courage to turn to Jesus Christ for guidance for the living of these days. Amen.
As I write this the final competitors in this year’s Boston Marathon are crossing the finish line. What a tremendous effort it takes to run 26 miles, and what a storied place to accomplish such a feat. Imagine, however, if the runners had lined up at the starting line, heard the signal to begin running, but then realize that the course itself was not marked. How could they possibly compete in a 26 mile race if they did not know the path to follow, did not know where to turn, did not even know where the finish line was located? How could they run a race if they did not know the way?
As farfetched an idea as that may be, it is was occurred to me as I read our passage from John for today. “Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me…’” (John 14:5-6). Thomas asked a good question, one that we all should ponder. As we continue on the path of life with all of its twists and turns, with all of its obstacles and obstructions, with all of its potholes and pitfalls we may feel as though there is no hope to reaching the goal for which we strive. How can we navigate the difficulties, finish the race, and arrive where we need to be without some direction? Thomas asked a good question, but Jesus offered an even better answer. If we feel lost or uncertain about where we are headed in life we need only turn to Jesus Christ for guidance. To know God most fully we must attune ourselves to what Jesus says and must pay attention to what he does. These are the markers along the way, these are the indicators of where to go, what to do, how to live. The story of Jesus’ ministry is filled with hope for all who travel though life, and in Jesus’ death and resurrection we find the final assurance that the journey is worthwhile.
The runners in Boston today were guided along the racecourse from start to finish. In Jesus Christ we find our guidance through life from start to finish, from alpha to omega, from beginning to end. And at the end we find a new beginning.
Prayer: Gracious God, give us the strength and courage to turn to Jesus Christ for guidance for the living of these days. Amen.
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