Bishop Park on the Brussels attacks
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March 22, 2016
“We serve a
Risen Savior! He’s in the world today.
We know that he is
living, whatever foes may say.”
(UMH 310, He Lives,
paraphrased)
Risen Savior! He’s in the world today.
We know that he is
living, whatever foes may say.”
(UMH 310, He Lives,
paraphrased)
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Grace
to you in the name of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, Healer of our Brokenness,
and Hope of the World!
to you in the name of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, Healer of our Brokenness,
and Hope of the World!
God
is weeping with humanity today. Many of us awoke today to the horrific news
that came out of Brussels, Belgium. The accounts are devastating. The latest
numbers I saw reported were over 150 wounded and over 30 dead. And we know
those numbers will increase as the confusion subsides and the care begins. Each
death represents the life of someone who was created in God’s image. The
survivors face a different future than the one they had imagined even
yesterday. Once again the forces of evil have shown their ugly head with
another hideous act. The ongoing saga of good and evil continues. The
confrontation never seems to take a rest in this broken world.
is weeping with humanity today. Many of us awoke today to the horrific news
that came out of Brussels, Belgium. The accounts are devastating. The latest
numbers I saw reported were over 150 wounded and over 30 dead. And we know
those numbers will increase as the confusion subsides and the care begins. Each
death represents the life of someone who was created in God’s image. The
survivors face a different future than the one they had imagined even
yesterday. Once again the forces of evil have shown their ugly head with
another hideous act. The ongoing saga of good and evil continues. The
confrontation never seems to take a rest in this broken world.
We
must be Christ-like as the bearers of Christ’s love and grace for such a time
as this. We must not be quick to judge all people of any one particular
religion or nationality in broad strokes because of the acts of a few people.
It is imperative that as Christians we respond in the manner in which God
yearns and longs to see us act. The authentic identity of God’s people will be
in the outpouring of care and support for all those in need. God was present
and will continue to be present in Belgium. Our prayers are with those who are
directly affected and harmed by the diabolic terrorist acts; we pray for their
comfort, strength, healing and hope.
must be Christ-like as the bearers of Christ’s love and grace for such a time
as this. We must not be quick to judge all people of any one particular
religion or nationality in broad strokes because of the acts of a few people.
It is imperative that as Christians we respond in the manner in which God
yearns and longs to see us act. The authentic identity of God’s people will be
in the outpouring of care and support for all those in need. God was present
and will continue to be present in Belgium. Our prayers are with those who are
directly affected and harmed by the diabolic terrorist acts; we pray for their
comfort, strength, healing and hope.
We
are in Holy Week. We know that the events of this week are yet another example
of the conflict between good and evil. Evil is always threatened by good for
fear that good will ultimately triumph. Despite those who tried to eliminate
Jesus’ message of love and forgiveness and defeat the Way of Jesus, his death
was not the final word. It is hard for us to imagine what it must have been
like that first Easter morning to be Mary or one of the other women who arrived
at the tomb only to discover that the body of Jesus was absent and then be
told: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who
was crucified. He is not here. He has risen, just as he said.” (Matthew
28: 5-6) God had achieved what Jesus had said God would do. The battle against
the power of evil was won once and for all. God was, is, and eternally will be
on the side of good.
are in Holy Week. We know that the events of this week are yet another example
of the conflict between good and evil. Evil is always threatened by good for
fear that good will ultimately triumph. Despite those who tried to eliminate
Jesus’ message of love and forgiveness and defeat the Way of Jesus, his death
was not the final word. It is hard for us to imagine what it must have been
like that first Easter morning to be Mary or one of the other women who arrived
at the tomb only to discover that the body of Jesus was absent and then be
told: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who
was crucified. He is not here. He has risen, just as he said.” (Matthew
28: 5-6) God had achieved what Jesus had said God would do. The battle against
the power of evil was won once and for all. God was, is, and eternally will be
on the side of good.
Yes,
my sisters and brothers in Christ, the battle between good and evil continues
to be waged, and at times we might even feel that evil has the upper hand.
However, this week, perhaps more than any other week in our faith, reminds us
that God always has the final word. “Weeping may linger for the night, but
joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5) May the good news of
resurrection of Jesus Christ reassure us of the ultimate and already won
triumphs of our God for the redemption of world.
my sisters and brothers in Christ, the battle between good and evil continues
to be waged, and at times we might even feel that evil has the upper hand.
However, this week, perhaps more than any other week in our faith, reminds us
that God always has the final word. “Weeping may linger for the night, but
joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5) May the good news of
resurrection of Jesus Christ reassure us of the ultimate and already won
triumphs of our God for the redemption of world.
Grace
and Peace,
and Peace,
Jeremiah
J. Park
J. Park