In emergency services chaplaincy they call this being infected by the scene. Here is an example of a person who wants to do right and to help others, but he himself needs care, and nothing he says is to be regarded as anything other than psychological shock.
This Sunday is Pentecost 14, and The Feast of the Holy Cross. It is not Charlie Kirk day. Nor is it a critical day for any who might attend church looking for comfort or answers as regards this large widespread disaster. Our goal this Sunday is not to convert anyone by a special sermon addressing their felt needs. But it is the goal we have every Sunday: to worship our God, have an encounter with him, and make intercession for the world. For "all sorts and conditions of men" in connection with Eucharist. (Phil. 4:6).
It might be unnatural to ignore this event altogether. But a special announcement before the Prayers, and a brief but well worded intercession, during the prayers will be adequate.
Remember, too, that this assassination is a political event and that many who fervently practice our faith have different politics. To unduly lionize the one may be to alienate the other. We are not social commentators, but holy priests who glorify God with one voice.
Nor should we start on "reaching the young people" again. With the "young people" now in their 70's and 80's - whom the church has failed miserably, shall we start on that road again. While the octogenarians are still strumming their guitars and singing Kumbaya in their respective nursing homes, the new generation is finding its own way into the church by the mighty work of the H.S.
More unfortunate than this "to the pastors" letter is the "funeral oration" that immediately followed it in my email. No one can proclaim his to be one of the redeemed on the basis of his politics which happen to line up with traditional Christian thought. Nor are we living in the Great Awakening where we should expect masses of people to hear this on to be resisted sermon, and ask to be baptized.
Oh author of these two missives take the day off. Find a trusted friend to talk you off the ledge. And the mighty and Holy Spirit restore you to calm.
It will be an interesting one for sure.
Well said! Pray that the Lord give all the faithful pastors wisdom.
In emergency services chaplaincy they call this being infected by the scene. Here is an example of a person who wants to do right and to help others, but he himself needs care, and nothing he says is to be regarded as anything other than psychological shock.
This Sunday is Pentecost 14, and The Feast of the Holy Cross. It is not Charlie Kirk day. Nor is it a critical day for any who might attend church looking for comfort or answers as regards this large widespread disaster. Our goal this Sunday is not to convert anyone by a special sermon addressing their felt needs. But it is the goal we have every Sunday: to worship our God, have an encounter with him, and make intercession for the world. For "all sorts and conditions of men" in connection with Eucharist. (Phil. 4:6).
It might be unnatural to ignore this event altogether. But a special announcement before the Prayers, and a brief but well worded intercession, during the prayers will be adequate.
Remember, too, that this assassination is a political event and that many who fervently practice our faith have different politics. To unduly lionize the one may be to alienate the other. We are not social commentators, but holy priests who glorify God with one voice.
Nor should we start on "reaching the young people" again. With the "young people" now in their 70's and 80's - whom the church has failed miserably, shall we start on that road again. While the octogenarians are still strumming their guitars and singing Kumbaya in their respective nursing homes, the new generation is finding its own way into the church by the mighty work of the H.S.
More unfortunate than this "to the pastors" letter is the "funeral oration" that immediately followed it in my email. No one can proclaim his to be one of the redeemed on the basis of his politics which happen to line up with traditional Christian thought. Nor are we living in the Great Awakening where we should expect masses of people to hear this on to be resisted sermon, and ask to be baptized.
Oh author of these two missives take the day off. Find a trusted friend to talk you off the ledge. And the mighty and Holy Spirit restore you to calm.
Rev. Dean Kavouras, Pastor
Christ Lutheran Church
Cleveland Ohio
It is indeed Holy Cross Sunday. Here’s part of the Gospel reading:
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.