Category Archives: Uncategorized

October 26, 2016 · 3:31 pm

We are all strangers in a strange land

“Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah in marriage. She bore a son, and [Moses] named him Gershom; for he said, “I have been an alien residing in a foreign land.”(Exodus 2:22)

Throughout scripture, we often sense the feeling of isolation and yearning for home. The people of God faced conquest, exile in foreign nations, and during the diaspora never quite fit in. Even in Jesus’ time, faithful Jews lived within a predominately Greco-Roman culture. It got even worse once Jesus preached a message contrary to the way the world so often operates. Jesus bluntly told his disciples, “If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19).

The truth remains, if Christian, we won’t ever feel like we fit in perfectly. God has put a yearning in our hearts for a heavenly home. The peace and justice promised us is not of this world. The faith, hope and love we possess isn’t always recognized or appreciated. Perhaps in this year’s caustic national election cycle, it has been particularly so.

Yet recall what Jesus also said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1). He prepares for us a new home even now in his heavenly kingdom. We need seek to only follow Jesus in trust. Injustice and fighting will happen in this world. There will be wars and rumors of war with many things to rightly fear. Yet, Jesus promises these things must happen, but good will also come from them for the people of God.

This world can never fully satisfy us, so why play its political games? Pray for the “city of your sojourn” (Jeremiah 29:7). Be kind to those who persecute you or with who you disagree. Vote your conscience seeking to conform to God’s will as best as you understand it from your prayers and scripture, but also trust God will forgive you if you err. Never conform to the political hype and hatred, but conform to Christ. Love one another. Ask for the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

There is much to bother many of us about this election, and we may at times feel like casting stones. Yet we are called to be light in the darkness, ambassadors for Christ. We need not fear. No matter who wins the election, God promises to lead us home.

Remember what Paul tells us: “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone” (Eph. 2:19-20). Why be lost in anger? Why waste our time in fear? Politicians come and go, and we have more important work to do.

Christ’s peace be with you,
Pastor Lou

Originally published in Messiah Lutheran’s newsletter, The Messenger (November 2016).

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2016 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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August 8, 2016 · 12:11 am

May I have a word, please.

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
    it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
    and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

God created all that is with a word. When the world lost its way, he sent his living Word, Jesus Christ, his beloved son. Through him, we have redemption and access to an abundant, eternal life. Because of him, we learned that God can be described with one word. As John teaches, God is love (1 John 4:8).

For over twenty years, a generation, Messiah members have generously supported Messiah Lutheran School. Over that time period, our varied staff members taught children many words. Among the most important were those relating to Jesus Christ. Weekly in formal chapel, in daily classroom study, service and play, they learned about love. They experienced what it means to be loved and to love.

In my eight plus years here, I have seen remarkable things. This particular ministry didn’t get us many new members, yet it was meant to be an offering, not a membership drive. It did at times help us financially, but for the most part, we shared the love that we have with others sometimes with great sacrifice. We assisted some children make sense of their world when love was lacking or there was abuse. We helped families during loss of jobs or loss of loved ones. We offered care for those suffering severe developmental disabilities and families who struggled to earn their daily bread. Scholarships were utilized to help kids stay in school when parents couldn’t manage, and food was sent home at times when people didn’t have enough. We supported families at time of birth and adoption, and we offered counseling to those who struggled to remain a family.

All the while, we worked with our families to provide the best learning environment possible. We shared in efforts to make the world a better place through St. Jude’s Trike-A-Thon, Operation Christmas Child, MCEF, and more. Together, we struggled to make love known – to make Christ present – in our world and accomplish the work set before us. On our way, we made many friends.

Like many of you, I’m going to miss the children who have been entrusted to our care. Their laughs and tears brought life to this building. I will grieve the loss of Messiah Lutheran School with many. Yet, I don’t think the time with our school should be regretted. God’s word is still at work in the lives we have touched. The time for this ministry might have past, might have seemed all to short, but it has succeeded accomplishing what God wanted. It had its season, and our love was not wasted. Our love is never wasted. It has changed the world whether we realize it or not; whether we see all the results or not.

Now as a community, we say goodbye to some faithful employees and friends. We have many good memories to sustain us amidst any grief. Yet, I also wonder, where will God send us now as a congregation? Where will we be sent next to share God’s Living Word? I don’t know yet, but I’m sure God will make it clear to us. I trust his Word is still on the move, and I know the world is still in need of such love.

Christ’s peace,
Pastor Lou

Originally published in Messiah Lutheran’s newsletter, The Messenger (August 2016).

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2016 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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April 24, 2016 · 2:20 am

Paradise Noticed

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Boomer is thankful to roll in whatever grass we have.

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isa. 43:19)

I am trying to grow grass on the clay I call my front yard. It isn’t easy. In fact, it seems downright impossible! I’ve paid people to help. No luck. I’ve spent hours prepping and preening the ground. Nothing. It sometimes seems like my yard is a desert waste. Yet, lo and behold, quite unexpectedly, I witness life in my front yard bloom each spring: rabbits and colorful birds, butterflies and fireflies. Yes, even some green grass manages to grow for my pup, Boomer, to joyfully roll in. It may not look as I planned, but there is beauty there.

Often, how we look at the world needs to change. We can’t perceive God blessings because we are too busy focusing on our own work, expectations or fears. We blind ourselves to God’s goodness. What if we prayed with thanksgiving for what we already have? What if we looked for signs of life instead of counting the signs of death around us? What if we dared to believe that the Lord’s prayer is being fulfilled around us: that God’s name is being hallowed; that God’s will is being done; that our daily bread is being laid out before us and forgiveness is ours to accept; that God is leading us to a better future filled with blessing? This is exactly what Jesus told us is happening.

True, our current life isn’t perfect. We will stumble into brambles and be chocked by weeds at times. Yet, that’s no excuse to miss the beauty around us. Jesus is coming, and Eden will be restored. Jesus sends us signs of that hope to us each day for those with the eyes of faith to see. Even now, recognized or not, God is seeking to create new life out of desert and death.

Out of clay, God created the first humans with sacred breath. Through a small tribal people, God would introduce love to the ends of the earth. Through death on the cross, Christ’s body and blood would offer the world salvation. So, we in turn are asked to continue to expect the impossible. In the face of hunger, we are asked to feed others. Surrounded by poverty, we are asked to share what we have. Even in the deepest, darkest clay, we are to generously plant the seeds that God has given us – our time, treasure and talent – trusting God’s garden will grow.

Jeremiah once spoke for God about you saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jer. 1:5). You were planted and born with a purpose. Open your eyes! Open your heart! Open your hands! Behold the glory of God at work in and through your life!

Originally published in Messiah Lutheran’s newsletter, The Messenger (May 2016).

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2016 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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February 27, 2016 · 4:20 pm

Hearts of Stone

heart of stone image.pixabay.

A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26)

One of the great promises of the Hebrew scriptures is that God intends to give us a new heart and spirit to replace our hearts of stone. This great work has been started through Christ’s resurrection, the Spirit at Pentecost, and the gift of faith. The process continues throughout our lives as we seek to follow Jesus and grow in intimacy with Christ and his church. It is supported through our shared life and blessed Sacraments, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, means of grace.

Yet even with this great promise, we can take our eyes off the goal. We can become distracted by the world and our love can grow cold. We can ignore fertile soil and choose to hide in the weeds the world offers us – sometimes not even recognizing it. So as we began our Lent together, I challenged all of us to put our hearts into this season of renewal. I asked each of us to rededicate our bodies, minds and souls to Christ, and see what fruit of the Spirit grows.

Lent is meant to be a kind of springtime bringing new life and order to our lives. Yet in the end, we are all led to the wood of the cross and cold stone of the tomb. Jesus lost his life, his body cold and stiff, so that we might truly live and our hearts beat with his love. As unlikely as it might seem, we must go to the tomb to discover abundant life.

For there like a blooming seed, the power of the resurrection sprung from Christ’s own heart on a Sunday morn more than two thousand years ago. Its power still reaches out through the ages to each of us in love. It wants to take hold of our lives and transform them, but it won’t do so through violence. We need to die to ourselves and willfully surrender.

Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches. Christ taught this. We are meant to stay connected to one another and to him. We are intended to help each other grow. Don’t cut yourself off. Come back if you have been away. Don’t let human faults or failing, yours or that of others, separate us. Don’t give into the darkness of sin and shame when the light of the Resurrection offers us forgiveness. (Reach out to others with that same light!) No matter your burden or business, cast all your cares upon Jesus for he cares for you (1Peter 5:7). Let nothing keep you away!

Then, leaving your old self in the tomb, go and follow Jesus. Be church with us and all the saints. As Martin Luther said, “Anyone who is to find Christ must first find the church… Now the church is not wood or stone, but the company of people who believe in Christ.”

The tomb is empty, and our hearts newly beat with expectation. It is Easter and time for us to leave the tomb of our past behind. Jesus isn’t there. He’s among the living. He wants you and I to join him there forever.

 

Originally published in Messiah Lutheran’s newsletter, The Messenger (March 2016).

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2016 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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January 19, 2016 · 8:55 pm

Walk in Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)

long walk flikr

With each January, I’m usually contacted by several of our congregation’s youth and young adults as well as younger staff members at our school. They want me to write recommendations for college entrance or a new job. Almost always, the person making this request is humbled by the choices before them. They fear rejection or failure. At the same time, they feel dwarfed by the opportunities looming before them. Could their dreams be realized? They are almost afraid to find out!

Certainly, we aren’t always successful in our plans, but perhaps we should not get stuck in despair. Look instead toward God’s plans for us and be comforted. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God tells us, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future filled with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). God seeks to be in communion with our hearts. Jesus came to rescue not condemn. The Spirit is our gift to console and guide us. With such company, need we become paralyzed in fear?

Jean Vanier, founder of L’Arche, reminds us, “Prayer is to say to Jesus, ‘Tell me what you want. May your will be done.’ Then, unexpectedly, Jesus says to us, ‘Tell me what you want.’ ‘Whatever you ask in my name, I will do…. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it’ (John 14:13, 14).” Peter begs us, “Cast all your cares on Jesus, for he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Paul reminds us, “All things work for the good of those that love the Lord” (Romans 8:28).

Fear is very human, but Jesus wants to walk with us through our fear to the place God needs us to be. God’s plans may not prove our own. If we seek to listen to Jesus and follow, even if we mishear him a wee bit or a lot, it is he who will lead us to that place. That’s his promise to all God’s children, yes, even you.

The future is like a cloud to us, but then is it really just a coincidence that God so often is heard speaking from clouds in scripture? I don’t think so. We only have one way to go – forward. We can only navigate properly by following the Christ who loves us…into the gray…into sickness…into failure…into joblessness…even into the valley of death…

Yet through faith, we know any sadness need not last. Grace, forgiveness, healing and a peace beyond understanding awaits us. You see, God is already in our future awaiting us with open arms wherever and whatever that future may be. There’s nothing really to fear. God’s ready and willing to welcome us home. Like the paralytic healed in Capernaum, we really just need to pick up our mat and walk. We are forgiven. We are healed. We are free.

I pray that your Lenten walk be one centered on Jesus and the abundant hope he has in store for you.

Pastor Lou

 

References:

Vanier, J. (u.d.). What is prayer? As posted at Pallotinesisters.org

Voegtli, R. (30 Oct. 2010) Photo: “Long walk”used with permission. The photographer retains all rights to its use. 

Scripture quotations my translation, other than in Jean Vanier’s quote.

© 2015 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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December 6, 2015 · 4:03 am

Great things can come from little ones (Advent Week 2)

advent 2.bethlehem“But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.” Micah 5:2

Bethlehem means “house of bread” in Hebrew. It was first occupied by the Canaanites for farming as early as 1350-1300 BC, the earliest known written reference. Overshadowed by Jerusalem only 10 km away, this small, out of the way village – often known for nothing more than its anonymous farmers and shepherds – would play a major part in Jewish history.

Rachel, the favored wife of the patriarch Jacob (also known as Israel) and mother of Joseph, died there. Joseph would be sold into slavery by his eleven jealous brothers while herding sheep on the outskirts of Bethlehem. Guided by God, Joseph would end up saving Egypt and his family from starvation during a time of famine. His ability to interpret dreams would convince the Pharaoh to store grain for the dark days ahead. After subsequent enslavement in Egypt and forty years of desert wondering sustained by manna, the brothers’ descendants would return as one people, the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

Later, Naomi and her gentile daughter-in-law, Ruth, would return to Bethlehem after the death of Naomi’s husband and sons. It was Naomi’s ancestral home and former village. If nothing else, they hoped to survive by gleaning, collecting leftover crops from farmers’ fields as allowed by Mosaic Law to show mercy toward the poor. Ruth will meet Boaz amidst the grain fields and a relationship will be forged one night on the threshing room floor. Where there had seemed no hope, love and new life would come.

Their descendants would include a simple shepherd boy, David, who would become a great king. According to Matthew 2 and Luke 2, Bethlehem would eventually become the birthplace of Jesus, descendant of David, Son of God, the Bread of Life.

Bread was the basic food for all Israelites, rich or poor. Thus, it came to be a common metaphor for life and abundance. In the Temple, bread would be used as part of a symbolic offering to God. It wasn’t meant to be a food to God, but it was there as a sign of thanksgiving for the provision of the people with their daily bread. In homes, breaking bread became a sign of hospitality. Bread is not really extraordinary. It’s the ordinary stuff of daily life, and yet it proves also the stuff of miracles. For God is active in the ordinary, blessing us right down to the provision of our homes, clothing and food.

Much as bread and grain woven throughout the Bible, so was Bethlehem. Unremarkable in and of itself, Bethlehem and its ordinary people would become part of an extraordinary story. It’s the story of salvation which ultimately came to a climax through the life of a small and seemingly ordinary baby.

Our congregation might be small. Our lives might prove ordinary. Yet God is here – active amidst the ordinary, making us sacred, opening a way forward to new life. Here, we share in the joys and struggles of life together. Here, hopelessness is transformed into hope. Here, we are being made part of God’s story, one God is still telling. A happy, miraculous ending lies before us.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2015 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

 

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September 2, 2015 · 9:09 pm

Gentle Living

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:1-3)

By now, word is spreading that there are some big changes going on at Messiah, and change is never easy for anyone. Our new worship time was generated by multiple requests to our worship team by lay members. Your elected leaders took this forwarded request (as with all inquiries by members) very seriously. They offered a survey to try to better discern preferences and insights, but they also have been reading and discussing articles, studies and books on congregational life, growth, and attendance patterns. They have considered historic practices at Messiah and the current practices of other congregations. They wrestled with the lack and inconsistencies of our financial and volunteer resources. They have attended retreats and workshops on stewardship and mission to help serve God, the church, and you better. I thank them for their service.

Your council made such efforts as much of the literature and research indicates that leading by seeking consensus alone tends to kill churches. Such church polity has been shown to promote both stagnation and discord. It can easily pit brothers and sisters against one another through lobbying, alliances and simple votes – breaking apart congregations as people take sides; resulting in support of what’s popular and not necessarily God’s call or what’s prudent. Governing the church by consensus isn’t biblical in and of itself. Yes, your council needs to consider the desires, expressed needs, and possible reactions of others out of love, but the church has always called leaders forward to use their God given gifts and seek the will of the Spirit all the more.

As promised when this process started, I said I would agree to whatever was deemed best for the health of the church. I did not vote on this matter, and I tried to play a Devil’s Advocate to all views. In the end, your elected leadership unanimously made their decision fully knowing not everyone would likely be happy or accommodated. They hope to promote health and stability in our shared mission.

No matter how you feel about this decision, I encourage all of us to remember our ultimate strength is found in loving God and one another even amidst differences. We won’t always agree as Christians. None of us always make the right or best decisions as human beings. Yet promoting unity and peace while continually seeking God’s guidance is always our best way forward.

I encourage all of us not only to give this effort a chance, but also to voice your questions, concerns or alternative ideas gently and in love to your council. If you feel called to do so, run for council or participate in ministry teams. I ask that you pray for patience, guidance and wisdom – for your own, but also for mine, the council’s, and the church’s benefit. Pray especially for those you feel are “enemies” or are failing you at any level.

The survey made clear that we are a very eclectic group with extremely varied needs and preferences. Worship styles, attendance patterns, giving and volunteering are dramatically changing across denominations. No congregation can ever meet all your needs any more than you can meet all of any congregation’s needs. Yet, we always need God and one another. The Spirit works in community despite our human frailty and sin. Community is the vehicle Christ has chosen to move his mission forward – asking for faith, hope and love rather than our perfection.

Christ’s peace be with you,
Pastor Lou

This post originally appeared as a pastoral letter in Messiah Lutheran‘s newsletter, The Messenger (September 2015).

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2015 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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July 23, 2015 · 4:34 pm

Pilgrimage to the “Big D” a Big Success

RiseUp Logo (300)

We continue to give thanks for the love and faithfulness of James Norman (Messiah Lutheran) and Megan Bower (All Souls Episcopal) after serving in Detroit during the ELCA’s 2015 National Youth Gathering, “Rise Up!” During their week with over 30,000 other Lutheran youth from across the United States, they worshiped God, heard inspiring speakers, participated in meaningful service, and attended concerts from leading Christian contemporary artists. They also made many new friends as they experienced educational and social events.

As Lutherans descended on the city, Detroit residents didn’t know what to make of it at first. Who were all these young people in bright orange and other neon colored shirts? They were polite and respectful…even helpful. They were singing joyfully and proclaiming Christ’s love loudly through word and deed.  A news article seemed to lament that the downtown area might seem like Disneyland for a few days. Our youth were called by one social media pundit “insufferably cheerful.” Another person said online that it looked as if a Skittles factory exploded, and a new Twitter hashtag was born (#SkittlesExplosion) to go along with the event’s #RiseUpELCA.

Ford Field - Detoit, Michigan

Ford Field – Detroit, Michigan

Yet as our youth got to work making friends amongst themselves and the community, helped local area nonprofits, and brought life and joy to a struggling economy and distressed community, attitudes quickly changed. Dare I say that both we and the city changed? The positive energy was palpable as love was made concrete. The youth discovered a welcoming city far from dead. The city itself responded in hospitality, joy and hope.

Social media captured many of the insights learned as well as the opening hearts. One resident was amazed at all the youth had done. They cleaned her neighborhood and made murals to help board up empty houses while providing beauty as well. She said what they had done “has physically, mentally, & spiritually made an impact.” Another posted, “Have not seen this many smiling faces in 1 place since well… ever! Thanks for visiting Detroit, Ya’ll come back now , Ya hear…” An impoverished, disabled resident marveled at the changes she witnessed on her street and the friendliness of all the youth. She said it was a highlight of her day to watch the youth at work and wave to them as they came and went each day.

IMG_1295The most wonderful change came through personal interaction. High fives and hellos poured down the Detroit streets. Residents would shout out their welcome and thanks. Cries of “Thank you, Lutherans! Thank you for coming here!” and “God bless you!” rose up like amens at an energetic Sunday morning worship. One taxi driver saw our group working hard cleaning a neighborhood on a mid-90 degree day with high humidity. Without being asked, he bought cold water for all and shared in friendly conversation as well. Choking up a bit, he said we were working on his grandparents’ old street. It brought back his boyhood memories as well as hope for a future in Detroit.

People would say over and over again, “Please share the good news about Detroit back home,” and “Say nice things about our city.” Honestly, a number of our 30,000 attendees expected Detroit to be only a filthy, crime-ridden city. Some parents were afraid (or at least a bit concerned) to let their youth go there. Yet, we all discovered much more in that city: a people rising up and reinventing their home, a hospitable and gracious welcome, yes, even new community.

For as the week wore on, race, class and geographical origin mattered less and less. We were rising up as one together and meeting the Risen Christ already in Detroit and at work. That’s the best news about Detroit. We didn’t come to save the city. Jesus does the saving, and we visitors and city residents were now the joint beneficiaries of his blessing.

To members of my congregation, I say thank you for supporting our All Souls/Messiah youth who attended. In three years, we might have more heading to Houston for the next announced Gathering. Until then, ask James and Megan to share their experience, faith and hope with you. They are part of this larger story, but have their own unique story to tell. Better yet, let’s rise up together, looking for the Risen Christ here in Hanover County, and join in his mission. Young or old, that’s what we’ve been called and sent here to do.

Christ’s peace,
Pastor Lou

This post originally appeared as a pastoral letter in Messiah Lutheran‘s newsletter, The Messenger (August 2015).

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2015 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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June 25, 2015 · 1:04 am

Day of Repentance and Mourning – Sunday, June 28, 2015

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“The church proclaims Christ, confident this good news sets at liberty those captive behind walls of hostility.” (cf. Luke 4:18) – Bishop Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has called for a day of repentance and mourning on Sunday, June 28, in response to the tragic shooting in Charleston, S.C. Two of those who died were educated and served alongside ELCA seminary graduates – some right here in Richmond. The shooter was an ELCA member, baptized and confirmed. Beyond this, this violent incident hits too close to home on many human levels.

We have already spoken about racial reconciliation and our call to resist violence and injustice in our Sunday school classes and Bible studies. [Some resources remain available on our website’s “Update” page.] This ongoing issue in our fallen world has been extensively preached about and discussed. We have prayed together for God’s justice and peace. We have sought to welcome all without hesitation or fear. We have worked together for equality and justice. As a community and individually, we must continue to do so.

Please spend some time in remembrance and reflection this day. Confessing our communal and individual sin, in what we have done and what we have failed to do, we ask God’s forgiveness. Remember the victims and all those hurt by racism and violence. We ask you to pray for our brothers and sisters of Emanuel AME Church and all those who mourn, especially the families and friends of the nine shooting victims: State Sen. Clementa Pinckney, 41, the pastor of Emanuel African Methodist Church; Cynthia Hurd, 54; Tywanza Sanders, 26; Sharonda Singleton, 45; Myra Thompson, 59; Ethel Lance, 70; Susie Jackson, 87; the Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr., 74; and DePayne Doctor, 49. Please also lift up in prayer the people and pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran (Columbia, SC). As difficult as it may be, please fulfill our Lord’s command to pray for our enemies, including the shooter, Dylan Roofe, and all those under the active spell of the sin we call racism and hate.

We are Christians, one body in Christ; called to be agents of reconciliation and peace, healers in a wounded world. We suffer when any member suffers and rejoice as they rejoice (1 Cor. 12:26). Wherever we stand in politics, our love of Southern traditions or hot button issues, let us commit to love one another. Let us continue to be gentle and compassionate as we listen to one another and share of our own experiences and in that of our neighbors. We are called to be one as we prepare ourselves and the world for Christ’s return. Thus despite imagined or real threats or any discomfort, we will raise our voices in supplication, hope, and confidence, “Come, Lord Jesus!” and seek to walk arm in arm with all our brothers and sisters into a future full of hope where reconciliation and peace will be achieved.

As we wait, Peter exhorts each of us, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:6-11).

Christ’s peace be with you always,

Pastor Lou

This post originally appeared as an email and social media post to the congregation at Messiah Lutheran Church and School.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2015 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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May 2, 2015 · 6:39 pm

We hasten in darkness…

As I think of and pray for the struggles in Baltimore, this simple chant from Taizé presented itself once again. It provides shape for my deep, inexpressible cries.

I cry out for those who mourn the death of Freddie Gray, for the police involved and those declared guilty by association, for those hurt by the riots and those hurt by historic, ongoing injustices, for all in Baltimore or places like Baltimore, for all the children of God who wound each other from their own woundedness out of ignorance or intentional malice.

Yes, we hasten in our darkness and amidst the darkness which surrounds us. We seek easy answers when love is never easy. The love of Christ calls us to love one another – even our enemy. We are to do good even to those who persecute us and always desire reconciliation. Is this possible? How shall we know if we don’t seek for it together?

People are thirsty for peace, all people. Yet for peace to happen, we need to first listen to God and one another even when difficult – without all the finger pointing and name calling; loving each other without preconditions even as we strive for justice. I have experienced such peace and witnessed such improbable miracles during and after my first sojourn with the Brothers of Taizé. It was a love that changed my life and called me out from isolation.

I learned peace is possible even now – an inner peace as well as with one’s enemy, a peace not of this world and yet within our reach. It begins with our humble and contrite heart, one we dare open to others who might reject us. Christ, too, was rejected, and yet he chose to love us to the end.

Let us search for this peace together no matter how hidden or distant it seems. We should not give up in our thirst, but instead be led onward. The darkness need not crush us.

Choose to love to the end, for the light who is Christ will reveal himself in such love. We will be refreshed. We will find new life where there was none. We’ll discover that we need not walk alone and afraid. We never did.

I invite you to pray along with this chant. The lyric translation of De noche iremos is: By night we hasten in darkness to search for living water, only our thirst leads us onward, only our thirst leads us onward.

And I close this post in prayer:

God of compassion, we give you thanks for Brother Roger’s life. In a world often torn apart by violence, through his life and those of his brothers he created a parable of communion. We give you thanks for his witness to the Risen Christ and for his faithfulness right up until death. Send your Holy Spirit upon us, that we may also be witnesses to reconciliation in our daily lives. Make of us builders of unity among Christians where they are separated, bearers of peace among people when they are opposed. Help us to live in solidarity with those who are poor, be they near or far away. With Brother Roger we would like to say: Happy those you abandon themselves to you, O God, with a trusting heart. You hold us in joy, simplicity, mercy.
(Prayer written by Brother Alois to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Brother Roger’s birth)

© 2015 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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