Hoping and praying that this note finds you healthy and well,
Although many of us might like to forget it, this is definitely turning out to be a year, not only to remember, but for the history books. We continue to face the unyielding threat of Covid-19 and its relentless attack on our sisters and brothers near and far. We also have watched in horror as individuals who have taken an oath to protect and serve, cause the horrible and senseless death of others. And as if these deaths weren’t bad enough, the individuals weren’t being held accountable for their horrific acts until mass protests demanded change. And as we have witnessed our city streets fill with tired, angry voices of mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, crying out for 400 years of racism to finally be but a chapter in history books, we must remember that there is difference between those who are protesting and those who are rioting, just as there is a difference between the officers who abuse their power and authority and those who stand, or kneel, in solidarity with those who show concern for the rights of all. And as my heart is torn apart by words of hate and anger and senseless death, as I witness on the news people’s basic rights, the rights many of us take for granted, being ignored, I am able to find hope when I witness too, more and more people standing on the side of making the racial divide extinct in our country and in our world; as something to be remembered as a dark memory of our past instead of being witnessed as a dark reality of our present time.

As children of Christ, we must remember, as Jesus reminds us, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.” (MSG) There are no restrictions on Jesus’ words. And we are to love with the agape’ love that is not only of God, it is God. That selfless, self-giving love without any strings attached. And if we truly allow the Holy Trinity to fill us and guide us, we must live this love in the same way that we breath.
And just as Jesus calls us to love as he did, and does, and just as God loves us, he calls us to stand firm against bigotry, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, or any other type of ignorance and hate, and stand with those who are on the receiving end of said ignorance and hate. And when we do so, we must do so with the agape love that is God. Remember the words of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr., “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
And treating each other with the love and respect of God doesn’t stop with fighting racism. God’s agape love continues in our continuance of following safe practices during the pandemic of COVID-19 by social distancing, wearing masks, restricting our travels and doing whatever else is needed to keep our sisters and brothers safe and healthy. If you don’t like wearing a mask for personal reasons, then wear a mask out of the respect and love for your sisters and brothers. Remember, we’re in this together.
Each month this year seems to have brought new challenges and we have no idea what the world will look like in a week from now let alone at the end of this month. However, we do know with confidence that the Holy Trinity is there with us, along with our sisters and brothers throughout God’s creation. They are with us with every breath, every second every, through every trial and tribulation, guiding us and carrying us through. Together we will stand firm and in God’s love; helping to make the world a better place, one where human fear and hate are replaced with trust, hope and love in and of God. And as that beautiful and powerful spiritual reminds us, “We shall overcome someday.”
If you’ve any ideas on how we can better reach out to each other and those in our communities, please let your Session and Parish Council members know. And, please do not hesitate to reach out to me for anything and be sure to stay in touch with each other too.
Blessings, peace, and stay safe,
Pastor Paul
Email: pastor@nhparish.org
Phone: 913.259.4235
www.nhparish.org