It Is Necessary to Do Something

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After the carnage at Douglas High School in Plainfield, Florida, students responded to those of us who have offered only our prayers with this message: “Pray if you want, but do something.”

In his “Letter from Birmingham Jail” Martin Luther King, Jr. expressed grave disappointment with “white moderate” churches and their clergy (like me!) who showed some of the right attitudes and voiced some of the right words regarding justice, but lacked “persistent and determined action.”

It was nice that at basketball games and public events this past week there have been moments of silence to honor the victims in Plainfield and elsewhere. In the face of such horror, numbed, sad, silence is an appropriate first response. But when is the response of silence a lack of response? As Christians we can thank God that we have more to offer than respectful silence in the face of tragedy. God gives us something to say. We can testify, speak out, and like our youth, organize and act. 

I follow a growing number of young, intelligent, articulate Christians on twitter.  Most of them were more than a little upset when in our churches last Sunday they only heard vague intercessions for the “victims of gun violence.” One wrote: “Does the church have nothing else to say at such a moment that the world needs to hear? Does God expect nothing more than our prayers? Are there Christians who believe that God should not only be loved, but served? Not only respected, but obeyed?  Are there Christians who believe evil must not only be named, but actively confronted by the risk of righteous deeds in Christ’s name?”

We have all seen touching photos of candle light prayer vigils. (Some of us have attended.)  Apparently our elected politicians are also big on candles and prayers. However, at this time in our national life we need more than sanctimonious prayers if they are only a cover-up for continued servility to our nation’s gun lobby. We need our elected representatives to stand up, speak out, and enact common sense public policy to address an epidemic of gun violence that is killing us.

Maybe now is the time for the church to stand with our youth and say that candles, moments of silence and makeshift memorials are not good enough. Even prayers to God are insufficient. God did not create the most violent society on earth — we did. After the Sandy Hook shootings, one commentator said, “Once America decided killing children was bearable, the gun debate was over.”

When the church of Jesus Christ is known only for prayers and limp expressions of sympathy for “victims of gun violence” rather than for speaking up and acting out in Jesus’ name, we have decided to be a bit of honey to sweeten the world’s evil rather than to be what Jesus commanded us to be: salt, light and agents of a new age. Jesus did not say, “Light a candle for me,” or “Every now and then when there’s a spectacular criminal act, pray to me.” You know what Jesus said.

“Follow me.”

  Pastor Larry

MIDWEEK LENTEN SERVICES

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"Truth On Trial" will be the theme for our midweek Lenten Soup Suppers this year.  Based on the Gospel of John these plays take seriously the view that John's entire gospel is best viewed through the lens of Jewish Law as a rather long trial. 

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In other words, the trial before the Jewish Sanhedrin and the Roman Governor Pilate near the end are anticipated throughout the entire gospel.  John wants us to see afresh the evidence for Jesus (who he is as Truth!) as well as the case made against him.  The same "trial" goes on today in the hearts and minds of those who take the time to listen to the evidence.

I originally wrote these plays during the time of President Clinton’s impeachment trial. Our laws and judicial proceedings are based on the Judeo Christian understanding of the rule of law.  However, as we are painfully aware, the law that is meant to protect us from falsehood can be misused by those in power to obscure or cover up the truth.  In the case of Jesus of Nazareth the law he came to fulfill was turned against him.  Yet, in the end, it is no longer Jesus who is on trial, but we are, each one of us who hears the evidence for Jesus and must decide for or against him.

I hope you will enjoy these plays.  Once again we'll have sign up sheets in the narthex for actors, bread bakers, and soup makers.  The schedule for our midweek worship is as follows:

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February 14, Ash Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. Worship

                        Imposition of Ashes - Holy Communion

            February 21, Soup Supper 5:30 p.m.

                        "The Case Of Jesus"  6:00 p.m.

            February 28, Soup Supper 5:30 p.m.

                        "Trial Procedures"  6:00 p.m.

            March 7, Soup Supper 5:30 p.m.

                        "The Charges" 6:00 p.m.

            March 14, Soup Supper 5:30 p.m.

                        "The Defense" 6:00 p.m.

            March 21, Soup Supper 5:30 p.m.

                        "The Verdict"      6:00 p.m.

Each play will conclude with worship using Holden Evening Prayer.

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March 25 - PALM SUNDAY 9:00 AM

            March 28 - No Supper or Worship

            March 29 - Maundy Thursday  6:00 p.m. Worship

                        Holy Communion

            March 30 – Good Friday 1:30 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. Worship

                        Both Services @ Deerfield Lutheran w/ St. Paul Liberty

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April 1 - EASTER Service

9:00 am