June 11th Reflection

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From the strange routine of staying home, to the uncertainty of emerging with masks into public life, to the drama of the nationwide protests, I feel as if we have all been put through the wringer.

The killing of George Floyd has put all of us into new places and yet asking old questions to which I wish we had better answers. Our country has been through a lot, with more likely to come. (Does anyone expect a quiet run-up to our November elections?) Even St. John’s Episcopal Church on Lafayette Square in Washington D. C. has become a scene of wild dispute.

So what is a good Christian to do? Well perhaps we should begin by not being too surprised by everything going on. History would tell us that things have never been peaceful––we only thought they were. However, as Christians we are called to always live in hope and mercy. And we are always to persevere in prayer, and for that prayer to become more serious and searching! As part of this effort we are invited to ask God troubling questions.

Once, I had a wonderful parishioner who at the age of 99 had outlived all her friends and family. She kept asking God, “What’s the big idea leaving me here so alone?” When she left us at the age of 101 I am sure God had some answering to do. And I am sure he did.

As our life gets more disturbing, let our prayers become more serious. This is the way the Church has always persevered and outlived each time of troubles.

–Fr. Paul