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From the Pastor
The Boston Marathon bombings shock us. What has been for
As I write, the day after the event, I have listened to scores of reactions
from people all over the world, particularly from the Boston area. Boston
Public Radio opened up their phone lines for the nation to listen in. The
responses are emotional, to be sure, but they are also filled with
determination to move beyond the fear and intimidation to bold
demonstrations of compassion and solidarity.
The Holy Spirit comes to us in multi-faceted ways. On the evening of the
resurrection, Jesus appeared to his frightened and confused disciples,
announced, “Peace be with you,” and breathed on them, saying, “Receive the
Holy Spirit” (John 20:19). Fifty days later, after Jesus’ Ascension, the
Holy Spirit was poured out in dramatic fashion on 120 of Jesus’ followers
gathered in Jerusalem, like the sound of a mighty wind, appearing as tongues
of fire (Acts 2:1-4).
At certain times in our lives, we need the quiet assurance of “Peace be
with you.” At other times, we need a dramatic outpouring of the Spirit in a
public and bold demonstration of power. But this power is not the raw and
reckless power of a bomb blast, but power modified and expressed in love and
self-control (2 Timothy 1:7).
We pray that the Holy Spirit will be poured into the hearts and minds of
all those affected by the tragedy in Boston, and throughout the world,
announcing, “Peace be with you,” and emboldening all of us who claim the
name Jesus to stand up to injustice, intolerance, and hate.
Pastor David
Last Updated: May 5, 2013 Limitations & Policy