Endings

A Postcard for the 7th Sunday of Easter 05/29/22

*Holy Cross in Uniontown on the 7th Sunday of Easter, May 29, 2022.*

Day 43 of Easter.

Last week I was preparing for some time off from the office. In all the busyness of the week, I was late in writing my postcard. I had managed a few sentences of a reflection, but then I heard the news of the shooting in Ulvada, Texas. Wrestling with the grief and anger I felt at hearing the news, I did not have words to say.

And I’m okay with that. I’m okay with being left speechless. I am thankful that I am still shocked by the violence and loss.

After such a week, I was grateful to travel to Holy Cross and Uniontown to lead worship. According to the historical marker outside, people have been worshipping at this site since 1848. I stood under a beautiful stained glass window to celebrate the Eucharist, and read the words over and over again “I am the Resurrection and the Life.”

*The triple-arched chancel window above the altar is a Tiffany window designed by noted Selma artist Clara Weaver Parrish.*

I preached on the final verses of the Book of Revelation, and reminded myself again that we know how this story ends. We know that heaven comes to earth, that God’s good triumphs over evil, and that all creation will be renewed. I believe that knowing that ending should change what we do now. When the world is overwhelming, we can remain grounded in the story of our creation and salvation.

I won’t pretend that the answers to mass shootings and gun violence in America is a simple fix, though I do believe that there are changes that could be made if we had the courage to do so. I do believe that as a people of faith we are called to prayer and to action. And if we remember the ending of our story, we can write a more loving and life-giving chapter right now.