Over this past weekend we experienced several events that should give us pause. One, of course, was the terrible mall shooting by it seems a white supremacist, a US citizen with the surname name of Garcia, and the other Weekend in Old Monmouth, a celebration of over 350 years of history. (We’ll ignore the coronation for now.)
Old First Church, then known as the Meeting House of the Baptist Church, opened its doors for tours and a history talk. The Revolution pitted members of the church against each other, some even possibly killing others. It was a time fraught with tension and anger, and most of the defeated Loyalists left for Canada or England.
Post-Revolutionary America was also a time of tension as the victorious revolutionaries split over issues of governance and slavery. Remembering the reality of our history can give us some clues on approaching or future as a Nation and society. Although we’ve always had dissension and dissenters, we had a sense of social trust, which in today’s polarized society has broken down. Rebuilding that trust is essential to our future.
Prayer for the Day
Holy One, we find ourselves in a time of confusion,
And afraid not only of the changing world around us
But of where our questions sometimes lead us.
Realizing old answers no longer apply, we find ourselves adrift
Like a ship without a rudder on a vast and open sea.
Enable us, merciful One, to be open to the new and unexpected
In the name of the One who opens us to the world,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
We need people in our lives with whom we can be as open as possible. To have real conversations with people may seem like such a simple, obvious suggestion, but it involves courage and risk.
- Thomas Moore, psychotherapist, former monk, writer
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.
- Helen Keller, Educator for the deaf-blind (1880-1968)
Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envois o wrongdoers,
Fret they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will live in the land and enjoy security.
Take delight in the Lord, and the Lord will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37: 1-4