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Prior to the benediction at last Sunday’s service, I suggested those present likely shared the same state of bewilderment given the events of the last several weeks. I had in mind devastating hurricanes and earthquake, as well as human fashioned debacles like Charlottesville, dysfunctional government, nuclear confrontation, and a highly polarized political and cultural environment. Added to these we couldn’t have anticipated awakening the next morning to news of the shocking Las Vegas massacre. I said then, and now here again, that we are not powerless.
We pray, of course. We lift victims and those who love them into God’s tender embrace. But that’s just the beginning because faithful followers after the way of Jesus, those who seek to love the way he did, know that there is work to be done. They know God’s justice and righteousness isn’t an impotent esoteric ideal, but a call to arms for up-building the common good. This takes many forms, large and small, and everyone has a role to play.
Take current conditions as a call to action. Don’t be stymied in looping cycles of tribal aggrievement on social media. Do something. Give yourself away for the sake of someone else. Volunteer. Make a difference somewhere. Engage, donate, work.
Christ Church has fashioned this fall as a Season for Action. We’re encouraging everyone to pick several specific opportunities for service to get our spiritual life focused where it should be—on others. Here’s where you can learn about this. If you live elsewhere, find comparables in your own community. Join your hearts with ours as an act of good faith in solidarity with those who seek to love God above all else and their neighbors as themselves.
Love is as love does. That’s it.
Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Bauman is the Senior Minister at Christ Church.