This week while bears were stuffing themselves with salmon, leaders in the New Jersey Legislature unveiled proposals to address the Supreme Court’s ruling in the NY State Rifle & Pistol Assn. v. Bruen that opened the door to conceal carry weapons. This, like the New York proposals, would increase the vetting process for permits, limit guns in “sensitive” locations, like schools, government buildings, polling places, bars and restaurants, theatres. We can expect a challenge to this from the gun lobby.
The bill would require gun owners to buy special insurance and undergo gun training -- what a thought! Also in response to the Bruen ruling, churches are being mandated to develop emergency plans in case of a gun attack. You may ask, who would attack a church? But just look at Dylan Roof who wanted to start a race war, or someone who had grudges against a pastor.
Our church doors are open; most are during worship periods. We are in a new age when anyone can buy a gun online and take out frustrations and anger on anyone in any place. You can’t cry fire in a crowded theatre. What’s so sacrosanct about guns?
Prayer for the Day
Unfolding God, who comes to us through wind and rain,
Remove the film of fear and intolerance from our eyes;
Redeeming God, who comes to us in the silence of the night,
Open our senses to the world all around;
Seal your truth into the center of our bodies,
Shaping us and molding us into your vessels.
In the name of the One who calls us to you,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The wind is rising and the air is wild with leaves. We have had our summer evenings; now for October eves.
- Humbert Wolfe, Italian born British poet (1885-1940)
There is something special in the early leaves drifting from the trees – as if we are all allowed a chance to peel, to refresh, to start again.
- Ruth Ahmed, pseudonym of two British poets
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when drought comes, and its leaves shall stay green;
In the year of drought it is not anxious and does not cease to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17: 7-8