Shocking

It was shocking. When I first heard that a father/husband had shot and killed his daughter and wife, and, had critically injured his other daughter ... I just shook my head. 

Then, I went back to whatever I was doing.

The next day, when a phone call alerted me ... that I knew the mother who was killed ... that she was a babysitter for my children, and, for the children of many in the parish I used to serve ... that she was the niece and cousin of members here at St. Matthew ... it was then that I was stunned, numbed, shocked beyond words.

What do we say when evil happens? What do we say? 

One thing I hold dear, believe with all my heart ... is that the terrible killings, shootings were NOT a part of God's will. There was NO reason for it. It was not a part of any greater plan that God might have.

No, the deaths were signs that evil is alive and well in our world. The deaths were signs that we live in a Good Friday world, where bad things happen to some wonderfully good people. The deaths were signs that none of us are exempt from the destructive ways of this world.

I also know that many, when viewing this or any other evil event, may ask, "Where was God when all this happened?"  This question is asked often. It is asked when natural disasters strike. It is asked when the innocent are killed, when the unthinkable becomes headlines. 

Well ... where is God when all these bad, evil things occur? Where is God? 

This is what I believe -God is with the victim. I believe God was on the receiving end of the shotgun blast. I believe God "drowns" with the victim of the tsunami.  After all, this is the message of cross. God in Christ suffers with us! For us!

And, God has a remarkable answer to these questions and thoughts. That answer is, Good Friday does not have the last word!

Easter does! On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead!  Easter happened. Easter happens! Easter wins! This is the promise of the resurrection. This is the hope we have. This is the clarion call of the gathered church when we cry, "Alleluia. Christ is risen." And all cry in response, "Christ is risen, indeed. Alleluia!"

Good Friday does not win. On the third day ... Easter happens. Easter wins! This I believe.

Pastor Dave