April 2003
Dear All Saints Family,
As I write this article the
conflict in Iraq has just begun and I cannot predict the course of events
that will happen by the time it reaches you. The House of Bishops issued a
pastoral letter, “In the Shadow of War”, portions of which I would like to
share. (Copies of the letter are available in the narthex.) In their
letter the bishops begin by stating, “War and the threat of war make many
afraid for the welfare of all they love and those who they hold dear.
Such fear gnaws at the edges of consciousness and can shake the
foundations upon which we have built our lives and our communities.” This
is true for me as I feel a sense of emptiness and unease in my spirit. The
bishops go on to say, “We do know that the certainty of God’s goodness and
faithfulness can never be shaken.” O how true.
There are a variety of opinions
within the Christian community on the course of events taking place, yet
we in the community of faith are reminded of those in need of our prayers.
Prayers are needed for our military personnel, their families, people who
suffer for conscience’s sake, all people in harm’s way, for the safety and
peace in our own country and throughout the world. In the words of our
bishops, “Our prayers must continue for George, our President, and for the
leaders of the nations, that they will make wise and measured decisions
that will protect the innocent and will result in a swift and just peace,
and the full restoration of the land and people of Iraq.” I along with the
bishops ask that we all commit ourselves to a discipline of fasting and
prayer for a swift end to the conflict, and for the peace of the world.
This request comes as we close
the season of Lent. This season of fasting and prayer is a time for us to
renew and strengthen our relationship with God in preparation for the
great celebration of Easter. At Easter, Jesus bursts forth from the tomb
giving new life to all who put their trust in him. This promise of new and
unending life is at the heart of our faith and is not only our hope but
also the hope of the whole world. We have been reminded in our Lenten
study of the Gospel of John that “In Him (Jesus) was life and the life was
the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has
not overcome it” (John 1:4,5 RSV). In the days ahead, may we continually be reminded of our
need for God’s love to shine in the darkness, our need for a hope that
rests in our Lord, Jesus Christ, and our need to pray for the welfare and
peace of the world.
In Christ,
Fr. David
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