Dear Parish,
I am at a loss to find words adequate to address the tragedies of violence and death that have occurred in our country this past week. As I listen and read secular and religious news, there seems to be a common sense of shock and sorrow, outrage and pain.
It is at these times that we are reminded of the importance of our witness to Jesus message and example of compassion, mercy, justice, peace … as radical now as it was 2,000 years ago.
May we ask God to guide and lead us into the deep peace, shalom, saalem of God’s realm … and to give us the strength and courage to get there.
In peace and prayer, in heartbreak and hope,
Rev. Gwyneth.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has delivered a message which is available on video, and many leaders in the church have written or made statements, all of which you can find at the Episocpal News Service:
http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/
The Presiding Bishop’s message is on the “front” page; click on “ENS BLOG” to access other statements.
Below is a message and poem received today from Sagrada Sacred Bookstore
From Sagrada: In these days of sadness and soul-ache, may these words provide solace and renew our resolve for justice and caring for each other.
I share with you the agony of your grief,
the anguish of your heart
finds echo in my own.
I know I cannot enter all you feel
nor bear with you the burden of your pain;
I can but offer what my love does give:
the strength of caring,
the warmth of one who seeks to understand
the silent storm-swept barrenness
of so great a loss.
This I do in quiet ways,
that on your lonely path
you may not walk alone.
– Dr. Howard Thurman (1899-1981)
(Howard Thurman was an influential African American author, philosopher, theologian, educator, and civil rights leader. He played a leading role in many social justice movements and organizations of the twentieth century.)