One of downsides of this year is how far in advance I have to record sermons and put worship services together. Normally, I have had the entire week to listen to God, wrestle with scripture, and the ability to change the sermon all the way up to the second I walk on stage to speak. You’ll notice the tone of this communication is quite different than then my demeanor in the worship service for this Sunday.
This week, I recorded the sermon on Tuesday morning. By Wednesday morning, an insurrection occurred via criminals, violent protestors, Christian nationalists, and white supremacist organizers who were able to shut down our government. We all watched in horror. Many in our nation, including elected officials, cheered them on. People were killed. Some were astonished that this could ever happen in America. Others pointed out that this sort of behavior isn’t new and is part of their everyday reality.
I have struggled all week to find the right words to express how I feel. Like you, I experienced a wide variety of emotions. I have felt raging anger and utter hopelessness in humanity. I have had sleepless nights and sat silently through family meals. At our staff meeting on Friday, I lamented that despite the Christian calendar, where churches across the globe preached on Herod, an evil ruler willing to kill babies to keep his power, we see yet again the lengths at which people will go to assert dominance, power, control and undermine the civility this nation pretends to espouse.
On the evening of his betrayal and on the cusp of his state sanctioned execution, Jesus was in the garden with his disciples. The story is found in Matthew 26:47-52:
47 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign previously, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; arrest Him.” 49 And immediately Judas went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested Him.
51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword.
I don’t know everything, and I’m no expert in history, law, politics, or economics. But from my perspective, what occurred at the Capitol Building looks a lot like Judas’ kiss. It was evil, deceptive, manipulative, veiled, and directly led to the execution and unjust death of the Prince of Peace. The story doesn’t end there; Peter responds in violence in defending Jesus. Jesus rebukes him and says violence is never the way.
Any act of violence in the name of Jesus is anti-Christ behavior. Woe to you.
White supremacy is evil. Woe to you.
Christian nationalism is anti-gospel. Woe to you.
Our nation’s immediate use of violence against protestors of racial injustice this summer was sharply contrasted by the sloth-like response to stop this coordinated act of blatant aggression, arrogance, and evil.
It feels as though not much has changed since John so eloquently wrote:
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
John 3:19
It is often said that one of the main functions of a leader is to maintain a non-anxious presence despite circumstances. As the pastor of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, I strive to remain non-anxious in much of my duties. I cannot do so in this instance. I offer no lovely platitudes. I don’t have three steps to heal our racist, sexist, violence addicted nation. I am simply angry, and I hate this feeling. I prefer to be joyful, hopeful, and amenable. Friends, this is a holy anger. We are finally feeling what so many of our siblings of color and those on the margins have been feeling for centuries. Here we are, so deeply offended/mortified that our democracy has been assaulted; for many of us, this is the first time we have ever been outraged or said the words, “I never thought this could happen in America” while our siblings of color have been telling us for centuries that this is normative for their lives.
“I am beginning to see that much of praying is grieving.” – Henri Nouwen.
Grieve with me. I’ll grieve with you. It isn’t enough, but it is a start.
Jesus Have Mercy,
Pastor David
David, Thanks for putting into powerful words what we have been experiencing and feeling. Here is a link to an article about the newly appointed Chaplain of the House of Representatives, Presbyterian pastor Rear Adm. Margaret Grun Kibben. A little light in the darkness.
Bob and Sarah
“How House chaplain calmed tense hours in besieged Capitol with prayers for ‘God’s covering’”
https://religionnews.com/2021/01/09/house-chaplain-siege/
David, thank you for addressing this head-on. with both your own emotions and scripture. Your words echo my own reactions.
1/24/21
I’m slow in responding to this message, but I wanted to express my thoughts and feelings.
You so eloquently described what I have been feeling during the past 4 years. I abhor people who bandy God and Jesus’s names for their own propaganda, when in fact they are not even following what Jesus teaches. Instead of waving the bible (upside down no less), maybe he/they could read it?? Thank you for being so openly honest, especially being in your position in the church. I’m sure you got some flack.
I also wanted to say that I am so thankful you are our Pastor. Especially how you have helped keep us in touch via Zoom for Coffee Hour, sermon review, etc. Also, after today’s meeting, and for the few years, we have had so many great people ministering as Elders and Deacons. I’m so glad our Emmanuel church family still exists, and is thriving despite the pandemic.
Blessings, Debbie