Dear Brothers and Sisters,
There is never a time—and there never has been a time–when wars and violence weren’t found all over the world. In Matthew 24:6, Jesus said, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place.” There is a long list of places in our sad world where people are suffering, including in our own nation. As Christians and followers of Jesus, we are called to do what we can to change things and bring peace and justice: to volunteer, to donate, to become activists, and most of all to pray, as well as to act.
But war and violence is not all that there is in the world, although that’s the sort of thing that seems to get the most publicity. It is of central importance for our spiritual and emotional health that after doing what we can, we turn away from fear and ugliness, and claim the joy that Jesus’ presence offers us. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” When we see the mysterious night sky, diamonds sparkling on velvet; when we come together with friends and family to worship and are carried away by the glorious voice of the church organ; when we walk along the banks of a stream and find some tiny hidden flowers and a silver flash of a little trout; when a child is baptized into God’s family becoming a new sister or brother for us; we have an invitation to find joy.
There is the possibility of beauty all around us and in us. Think of the astonishing complexity of our bodies! Every day I rejoice that I can walk. And use my eyes. And breathe. Sr. Joan Chittister wrote: “Joy, amid pain, is the light that beckons us beyond moments that have a great deal to teach us, so that our joy can be even more real in the future.”
There is great sorrow and pain in the world. But there is also the opportunity to experience great joy. Don’t let darkness shadow the light that gives us reasons to live.
Praying daily with you, for our nation, our parish, and the world,
Mo. Laura
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COMING UP!
- June 19 Dine to Donate, BJ’s Brewhouse, Hamilton Crossings, 11:00-7
- July 20 9:00 service, Canon Barbara Harrison Seward ‘s Visitation
- June 29 9:00 service, Baptism of Teddy N.
- **Wednesdays, noonday prayer via zoom at 12:00
- **Saturdays, Seventh Day Adventist congregation, 9:00-3:00