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Dear San Marco Church Family: As you may have observed, I am someone who rarely posts on social media. I prefer in-person communication with people for a variety of reasons. However, I do stay connected with other clergy through Facebook, and last week there was some discussion regarding how clergy might respond to the death of Charlie Kirk. I made a conscious decision not to make my blog last week about that tragedy and I only addressed the topic of gun violence generally as part of the pastoral prayer in worship last Sunday. My reason for not weighing in is that every tragedy like this grieves the heart of God. I see no value in discussing Kirk’s ideas and rhetoric, just as I believe there is no value in some media outlets’ focusing on the shooter’s romantic partner. Gun violence is an epidemic in the United States, and conversations regarding the details of any particular shooting run the risk of distracting from this epidemic. So-called “left wing ideology” did not cause this shooting. One person, the shooter, is responsible for the shooting. Efforts to analyze tragedies like this can easily result in blaming whole groups of people by association, and such blaming can encourage more violence. I see no value in that path. On a positive note, recently I read an article about the importance of experiencing awe and wonder. The writer explained that, “When we see ourselves in the context of wonder, it makes us humbler. People who have been touched by a sense of awe tend to be less rigid, more open to hearing the views of others, more collaborative………Awe helps us perceive in the world intimations of the divine……..” Frederick Buechner, one of my favorite theologians, once said, “Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid.” I have found this to be true, and the only way I avoid fear is by trusting God’s promises. I pray that we all might experience more awe and wonder in our daily lives. This Sunday, September 21, I will be sharing a message based upon Jeremiah 8:18-9:1. The message is entitled “There is a Balm in Gilead.” I look forward to seeing you in worship! Thanks for your ongoing prayers and support for the San Marco Church community! Steve Hart
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