My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. –Psalm 22:1-2
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The horrific shootings yesterday in Dallas and the recent shootings in Minnesota and Louisiana make us cry out, “My God, My God why is there no rest from the violence in our nation? Where are you God in the midst of our brokenness?”
Today and this weekend in worship, let’s pray for the families who lost loved ones, the communities who have been impacted, and for an end to such senseless violence in our nation.
Prayer always needs to be accompanied by action. What will you do? What will the church do in light of all of the violence we have been experiencing? Talk with your family, co-workers, neighbors and fellow church members about how we change our own lives, our churches and society.
The Psalmist’s answer to the 22nd Psalm, “My God, My God why have you forsaken me?” is the 23rd Psalm, “The Lord is my shepherd…”
We live in very difficult times, and sometimes the greatest act of courage is just getting up in the morning and being a peace making disciple who spreads the Gospel by our actions.
Together we grieve these recent deaths and the physical, emotional, spiritual and political violence that is perpetrated in our churches, politics, businesses and schools.
God says, “I am right here. Where are you when I need you to be light and hope in the world?”
Today we grieve, tomorrow we face into the stiff winds with courage and grace. Thank you for your faithfulness, your commitment and your love for all people.
Keep the faith!
John Schol, Bishop
The United Methodist Church
Greater New Jersey
Rupert A. Hall
Coordinator, Greater New Jersey
Black Methodists for Church Renewal