I went to the web site of Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church on 14th Street in north St. Louis City. The site is attractive, and like many web sites, offers an opportunity to make a donation. “Join us in ministering to the people of North St. Louis by making a tax-deductible donation.” I give to my congregation and assume you give to yours. Holy Trinity is an example of why supporting our congregations is so important, not just with money but with our life participation.
Eleven children have been killed by guns this summer in St. Louis. 7-year-old Xavier Usanga was the latest, killed Monday outside his home. He was supposed to start second grade yesterday. Can you imagine how dark these days are for the Usanga family? Police Major Mary Warneke said, “There used to be a line: ‘You don’t hurt a child,’ and when a child gets hurts, it’s time to call the police. But that’s not happening.” A neighbor said, “We’re scared. It was just kids in the yard.” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch, August 14; A1).
This has captured my mind, but I’m also stymied. The violence here and throughout the country don’t go to church, don’t read the Bible, and in general don’t fear God. By the way, that is a root problem in today’s society. “If you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile” (1 Peter 1:17). Violent, but also many peaceful citizens don’t believe that we’ll be called to account for our actions. But how do we reach them? Much that we do in church, this Minute too, is preaching to the choir.
When the disciples theologized about a poor, blind man, Jesus said, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3). In places like north St. Louis and in your community, the Body of Christ is called to bring the saving works of God to hurting lives. When the Usanga’s home burned, Holy Trinity helped them relocate. Last Christmas at Holy Trinity, little Xavier carried the figure of baby Jesus to the altar. Your congregation in your community is more important than ever. Jesus says, “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5).
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