Ash Wednesday & Suffering

This Sunday is our last week in this very thought provoking and hard series about how doubt can deepen our faith. I recently had a conversation with someone who told me that they had grown up in a church denomination that did not allow anyone to ask questions and that you were reprimanded for them. I am so glad that we have a church that not only explores the hard questions but allows people to invite dialogue about what they believe and why. We seek answers together and we do not expect people in our congregation to all agree in all answers. We have room for loving each other in our mosaic of understanding.

This Sunday I will be tackling the topic that so many people have asked over the decades, “Why do the innocent suffer?” There is no easy or simple answer to this question. Oh, I know, some of you are all ready answering that it is because of the sin in the world. But not all suffering happens at the hands of other people. Sometimes it is our bodies who fail us or natural disasters. We have to ask ourselves what we believe about who God is and how God works. How does free will play into suffering and why doesn’t God just control everything so no one suffers?

I have a book on my shelf called “Speaking to Silence: New Rites for Christian Worship and Healing.” I bought it because I recognized that it was needed for all those things that happen in the world that is full of suffering. The author of this book provides a valuable resource for us when we have no words and don’t know what to say. It includes rituals for those recovering from addiction, those who have been violated and those who are preparing for surgery of the removal of a body part. These are just a few examples of the places where pastors need help in caring for those in their congregation. I find that I am invited into the lives of church members at their greatest joys (baptisms and weddings) and in their worst suffering (death of a loved one, crippling diagnoses) and often I do not know what to say or do. I have to lean into you and God for wisdom to walk together in this crazy thing called life. I am thankful God always seems to provide some words. I am humbled by your confidence in me and thankful for the grace you show me when I misstep or stumble.

This Wednesday is our Ash Wednesday special service at 7 pm. We will embark on a season of reflection and preparation for the Easter message of resurrection and triumph over death, We will remember that death is going to happen to us all and that we have nothing to be afraid of. It is a hard and beautiful message. I invite you to join me as we turn our hearts to the Savior. We have some wonderful plans for the entire congregation.

Peace be with you,