Dear Friends of the Redeemer:

The events of the last week have left me disturbed and without words. For two days I have tried to write something cogent, prayerful and hopeful about the events of January 6th. In my anger and frustration I have been unsuccessful. The violence of our fellow citizens against the heart of our democracy is inexcusable and its leaders must be held accountable for the destruction and murder they have perpetrated on our nation in the name of lies and falsehoods. Justice demands it.

Wednesday marked for the Church the Feast of the Epiphany. It is the season we set aside after Christmas to celebrate the light of Christ shining into the darkness of the Gentiles; salvation for the whole world both Jew and Greek, so wrote St. Paul. The juxtaposition of the darkness of that violent mob and the holy light of Epiphany could not provide more profound evidence of the depth of the call that lies before us to preach peace, seek justice, and live out our call to love God and our neighbor in the power of the Holy Spirit. We cannot excuse this violence, and we must confront lies and half-truths from whomever they come with righteous indignation and Gospel truth.

Below I offer you links from both our bishops here in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts and our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. I offer them to you wholeheartedly and prayerfully. Pray for our nation. Pray for our leaders. Pray for the families that have lost those they love. Pray...And may God give us the grace and power to proclaim Christ in all that may come.

In Christ,

Mike+

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