Last Thursday marked a solemn anniversary. It’s been one year since the attack on the U.S. Capital and much of the commentary dominating the variety of media platforms was focused on remembering and making sense of what transpired on January 6. Closer to home, the group who gathered virtually for Theology on Tap that evening wrestled with the question, “is there still a place for God in a democracy?”
As we talked, the group shared remembrances of the strong emotions provoked as the events were unfolding at the capital and in its immediate aftermath. Many of those sentiments remain, suggesting that the wounds inflicted that day run deeper than we might want to admit. Our discussion shifted to consider what a Christian response to this lingering pain might be.
An important answer to our original question is that people connected in a community of faith like ours have an opportunity to be vulnerable while discussing such difficult subject matter. God has formed the body of Christ for times such as this; to provide us the safety required to open ourselves up in communion with others. The holy spaces created in times such as these allow for God’s vision to become an analytical and prescriptive mechanism, not just a theoretical one. Or, put more simply, the church creates space for God to be heard.
There is so much in this world that remains broken, and the divided partisan landscape of the United States is sitting front and center. How might we, hopeful followers of Jesus, create even more holy spaces for God’s wisdom to enter the discussion? How might the promise of God’s faithfulness become an even more influential compass point as we navigate our way to the more perfect union? In our shared work as the church, I hope we keep asking these questions.
May God’s peace come to you this day. -Pastor Peter
Let us pray… Everlasting God, the radiance of all faithful people, you brought the nations to the brightness of your rising. Fill the world with your glory, and show yourself to all the world through him who is the true light and the bright morning star, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Prayer of the Day for January 6, 2022