STOP

Last Sunday, horrifically, there was a terrorist attack in Australia. This likely would be known globally by now nearly a full week later. Haste has its place, Police and Ambulance rushed to the scene, Bondi Lifeguards followed suite to help the Ambos. Hospitals surged response. All of this is to save lives. Three civilians wrestled guns from the attackers, two lost their lives trying to save others. All of this needs to happen immediately. Further more, official statements need to be done immediately in our age and culture, additional aid secured, ensuring the next two weeks are going to be okay; at this point, most people stop, mourning can begin.

The distress I saw watching the news on Tuesday was high but respectful. Few were laying down blame, though they remain on repeat as the loudest voices in the media. I think this is good. The paddle in memorial is good. The gathering is good. And particularly the regathering to continue lighting the Menorah is tremendous.

We light candles in my church for every service. It was not for remembrance that I asked us not to start Wednesday's service with lit candles; rather solidarity. Our candles represent the light of Christ, the light of God. The Menorahs light does the same. Pausing, collecting our thoughts, knowing that the world is bigger than us. The world is dangerous, and it is more dangerous for some people than others.

Psalm 80 is read this weekend in the Anglican Church of Australia and likely around the world...

You have fed them with the bread of tears:
and given them tears to drink in good measure.
You have made us the victim of our neighbours:
and our enemies laugh us to scorn.
Restore us again, O Lord of hosts:
show us the light of your countenance,
and we shall be saved.

The Psalmist doesn't call for the destruction of the enemies in this Psalm (many Psalms with this flow do...), they call for their own salvation. At this time, we need to not claim enemies, asking for light.

The 4th Advent Candle, Love, is lit this weekend... let's start there, taking care of one another, loving even those who hurt us and others and who's actions are the worst of humanity. Let us stop in the anger and hatred for prayer... if we can't pray for the attackers, and those who share that ideology at this time; we should pause and pray for the injured, the families of those who died, those who are scared and terrified. As the candle is lit in Sunday, we remember the light of the world that is coming, what he called us to do and the eternal love that pre-existed all.