October 2001

Two of the greatest symbols of our strength as a nation were breached on September 11:
the financial and military bastions.
And, despite the strong words we hear uttered, we fear it could happen again.

As a people, we have been put on our knees.

Of course, in church language, on our knees is not a bad place to be.
On our knees we can repent of arrogance, pride, disregard for the poor, haughtiness in the face of God, and filthy ways that have come to characterize the civilization.
On our knees our hearts can be turned to one another.

The language of the world talks of retaliation, hunting down terrorists and waging war against nations who harbor them.

But, the language of the church warns of inflicting pain and suffering on those who may be as innocent as we are.
The language of the church is a reminder of our creatureliness in the presence of God.
The language of the church reminds us of our helplessness and dependence on God.
Our language of the church insists that we do not and must trust in the might of our money or our military.

Retaliation, vengeance, revenge, retribution – these are the words of the world.
The words of Jesus are words of comfort, healing, grace, communion, love.
A strong message for each of us is the promise that when walk through the fire, the dust, the ash and water, our God is with us.
God is faithful, and nothing comes upon us that separates us from the presence of God.

Fear is a four letter word.
The pictures are etched into our hearts.
"To do" lists that include the petty fade.

But, pray is four letter, too.

So is love.

Now we tend to focus on what is really important.

The discomfort we feel about certain folks disappears.

How dare we waste any time or energy not loving!

Have we not grasped what Jesus taught?

Just a year ago, both Al Gore and George W. Bush unabashedly acknowledged the place of their faith in their lives. Both of them said that when in situations of moral conflict, they would ask: WWJD? (What Would Jesus Do?)

Well, revenge and retaliation are ways of the past.
By their nature, they are destructive.
They are hate-full.
They appeal to our basest nature.

But, there is a 2000 year witness to another, more powerful way: the way of love.

It has been proposed that one of the most effective ways of battling the root cause of terrorism is to invade Afghanistan.

Yes, invade Afghanistan with plane loads of blankets, food and medical supplies. Send army engineers and thousands of troops with construction materials to build housing, hospitals and schools.

Invade Afghanistan with compassion, tangible help and sustaining love.

God will definitely be there, working miracles as only God can.
And maybe, just maybe, they will come to know we are Christians by our love.

Well, its an idea.

As you can tell, a lot is happening this month at Christ Church:

World Communion October 7

The Township Christian Community Gathers October 14

Homecoming Sunday October 21

Plan to be with us: if not in person, in prayer.

I’ll see you in church,