The Rev. John E. Kitagawa

Rector, St. Philip's Parish

Tucson, Arizona

11 January 2011

On Sunday (01.09.11), I was struck by the awareness of young children of the senseless shootings the day before.  In their prayer request (written on file cards), they ask for prayers for peace; and in different words that "Gabby" (House of Rep Gabrielle Giffords who was shot in the head) get better; and, for Christina (the 9 year old girl murdered) and others who were injured or  killed.  Not surprisingly, a number of parents reported their children were extra "clingy".  I am certain the children were exhibiting a sense of vulnerability, fear and uncertainty that everyone of any age is feeling.

The media seems to be focusing on the vitriol that permeates the political landscape, and is featuring prominent figures, like the Pima County Sheriff, urging us to do some soul searching, and issuing a general call to dial things back.  All this is prior to clarity about the actual motivations of the alleged perpetrator.  I have not been able to listen to the news 24/7.  Thus far, in my hearing, there has been no serious discussion of Arizona's permissive gun laws.  (Ironically, Giffords is a "gun rights" Democrat.)  There have been a few mentions of the lack of proper long-term care for those who have psychiatric issues (as has been attributed to the alleged perpetrator).  

I have been deeply moved by reports of true acts of heroism by people at the scene, at the time of the crime.  Their goodness does not, however, seem to even the score, or return our community to a sense of balance.  

It seems to me there are not going to be any satisfactory explanations that lead us to collectively say, "I get it, it all makes sense now."  Sure, there are lessons to be learned, and maybe we can minimize the chances of this kind of tragedy being repeated.  Whatever the alleged perpetrator's true motives, it would be great if due to this awful event, people do reflect and do change their rhetoric into more positive directions.

I have seen a number of posts on my FaceBook page wondering what the Church has to say at this time.  Underneath the questions is an understandable need for comfort, and for a meaningful connection between faith and life.  So, I offer these quick thoughts.  A clue on how Christians might witness in a situation like this, grows out the ministry entrusted to me on Saturday afternoon.  After hearing the news, trolling with Kathy the internet for information, and making a number of phone calls to staff and parishioners to alert them of the unfolding situation, I went to St. Philip's to conduct two Memorial Services.   After each one, several mourners said the day's earlier events added to or amplified their grief.  They went on to make a point of noting how comforting the liturgy had been.  Asked whether something specific had touched them, common words were along the lines of regaining hope and a sense of life being renewed in God.

These comments caused me to reflect on familiar Scriptures read at the Memorials.  Listen again with me to words from Psalm 121:

I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where is my help to come?

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

And, reflect on these familiar words of Psalm 23, read at the other Memorial:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.

Though I walk through valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil;

For you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

One of the Memorial readings was a personal touchstone in times of trial and tribulation.  Paul's witness resonates deeply in my being, anchors and renews my faith.  I commend it you for your reflections and meditations.

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8: 38-39).

Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.  To feel loved, to know we are loved, is freeing and empowering.

My reflections and prayers have been punctuated and deepened by phrases from some of the hymns:

Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;

'tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home (Hymn 671).

O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,

Our shelter in the stormy blast, and our eternal home (Hymn 680).

... which wert, and art, and evermore shall be (Hymn 362).

Faith in God does not protect anyone from bad things happening to them, their communities or families; and. does not shield us from the impact of horrendous events in our lives, our communities or families.  Faith can give us the courage and strength to work through the most difficult situations and times.  Faith can give us the gift of patience when there seem to be no good answers, and when clarity seems illusive at best.  Faith can help us to weather "the stormy blast", to know and sense that we are never alone, and to know that God is faithful to God's promise of renewed life.  Faith, like any relationship, is a gift we need to nourish, through prayer, through the study of Scripture, the mysteries of the Sacraments, and participation in Christ's beloved community.

In my experience, the community of faith is a necessary ingredient for the development and nourishment of life-giving and healthy faith.  Communal worship, classes and small group experiences, retreats, pastoral care in time of need, and sharing in ministry are key ingredients for developing a vital faith that blossom with resources for times like the one we now experience.  I learned an important lesson about the importance and power of the community of faith long ago, when I was Seminarian at St. Alban's Parish, Washington, D.C.  At the time her husband's death, a widow told me that she had completely lost her faith in God.  Yet, she would be in Church Sunday after Sunday, saying little and rarely smiling.  So, I gathered up my courage and asked her why she was there week after week when she had lost her faith.  She told me that she wanted her faith back, and that it helped a lot to be with people who had faith in God, and who tried to live accordingly.  Months later she greeted me with a smile, and a declaration that she was regaining her faith.  She gave much of the credit to members of the parish who consistently supported, loved and cared for her, thus communicating the love of God in Christ to her.

If you or someone you know is feeling frightened and vulnerable at this time, come to Christ's community of faith and open yourself to the love of God in Christ Jesus.  Lean on the faith of others until, like the woman in D.C., you can recover and rely on yours.  If you are in touch with your faith, perhaps a little shaken, come to Christ's beloved community and reach out to those in need.  Come and nourish your faith so you can be a helping hand, or an encouraging voice.

I close with one of my touchstone prayers.  It appears in more places in the BCP than any other prayer:

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light:  Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through who all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Praying this prayer always gives me a sense of perspective about being an instrument of God, and about who I am in relationship to God, "which wert, and art, and evermore shall be."

AMEN.