As I sat down to write this midweek reflection, I was prepared to discuss the topic of “The Parable of the Fig Tree” (Luke 13:6-9), which will serve as the focus of our sermon this week. As I started to type, I noticed the date for our midweek email – September 11. This is a date that gives me occasion to pause; to stop; to reflect; to breathe. The events of September 11, 2001 changed the way that I, and many Americans, see the world. I’m sure many of us remember where we were and how we felt the first time we heard the news that there had been a terror attack on our country. I know I do. I remember where I was standing when I first saw the images on TV when not even the broadcasters were sure if we were seeing a recording of the first attack, or a second plane crashing into a building.
September 11, 2001 was a significant day in my life for another reason. It was that same evening that I met together with the church session of my home congregation, University Presbyterian Church in Fresno, California. They agreed to recognize my desire to explore a call to ordained ministry and voted to approve me as an “Inquirer” under the care of their congregation and the San Joaquin Presbytery. Clearly, God was calling me to move forward toward ministry, but it was equally clear that I would be providing ministry in a world very different from the world where my grandfather and great-grandfather were pastors.
The other thing I remember from that week was that church attendance, following the 9/11 terror attacks, rose sharply. People in our country were scared and confused and didn’t know where to turn. Friends, we know where to turn. We know the truth of the love, grace, forgiveness, and acceptance of God. We are members of a community that welcomes all people. In the midst of strife and unrest in our country, and in anticipation of a likely-divisive presidential election, who is it that needs to hear “Good News?” How are you being called to share hope?
May God bless our country as we, the individual members of the body of Christ, share good news of peace and hope. I’d love to hear your stories of how God is encouraging you to do this. Will you share them?
Blessings to you and your family.
Very truly,
Pastor Adam
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