Dear friends in Christ,
This week our memories recall vivid images of last year's September 11 attacks. My mind sees dust-covered firefighters climbing stairs to rescue people from the World Trade Center towers, and exhausted emergency workers climbing huge piles of rubble searching for survivors. I see pastors and chaplains offering words of hope or consolation to stunned and shocked survivors. I see teachers calming upset students. I see congregations gathering for worship, and neighbors praying with neighbors. I see piles of letters, offers of help, and generous donations.
Some ask, "Where was God in all this?" My answer always includes some of those vivid images. From the moment the first plane struck, the church responded as the church. And the church will continue to respond for the long haul, in New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., in Afghanistan. We who are in Christ are "Easter people," changed by Jesus' resurrection. We do not come empty-handed to life situations, even to situations as terrible and global as this.
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." Where was God in all this? God was in the ashes and the dust, in the destruction and the blood, reaching out in sorrow and compassion as our hands were reaching out to help. We people of hope worship a resurrected Lord who is always present with God's people. Where was God? God was there. God is still there. Those who suffer are supported by God's grace. Those who respond are God's enfolding arms and healing hands, providing comfort and renewal by word and deed.
(Inspired by Matthew 18:15-20)
Yours in Christ,
Gilbert B. Furst
Gilbert B. Furst (Written on 09/04/02, at 4:45 PM) Director for
ELCA DOMESTIC DISASTER RESPONSE (Division for Church in Society) and
LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE (a cooperative ministry of the ELCA and LC-MS)
8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago 60631 PHONE: 773-380-2822 FAX: 773-380-2493
Please visit our website: www.ldr.org
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