Clergy from left, Deacon Amy Schmuck, Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, retired, The Rev. Mary Ann Hill and The Rev. Lynn Finnegan. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com
By Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, M.Div.
ELCA
The beginning of each new year typically provides a clean slate, a chance to reform unhealthy habits, a feeling of hope for our communal future. But this New Years Day opened with news of a terror attack. What can this mean for our nascent year 2025?
Our first reaction was likely one of horror. The intentionality of mowing down people horrifies us. Compounding our horror is having our fresh new year of hope start out with such a heinous act with evil intent. Half the people in our country are already worried that things could go very wrong this year.
What are we to do? Cower in our homes? Change our personal security habits with new procedures? Basically live the rest of our lives in fear of what others may do?
The gospels report that Jesus told his followers many times, “Be not afraid.” Luke 12:4 quotes Jesus saying, “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more.” Remember twelve days ago, in the Christmas story, that when the angels told the shepherds about Jesus’ birth, they greeted them saying, “Be not afraid.”
The life of faith is one in which fear no longer plays a motivational role. We know God to be steadfast in mercy, love and grace. Whatever happens around us or to us, we remember our identity as beloved children of God. We are in this life serving as God’s hands, following God’s intent (as Jesus modeled it) to make the world a better place and to help make better the lives of those around us. We are sent, as the Blues Brothers said in their movie, “on a mission from God!”
If living in fear is not an option, then having a sense of mission helps us overcome fear. We’ve got a job to do, and no one is going to dissuade us from going about it. First, let us mourn those who have died. Then let us get to work making a better world for our neighbors near and far. God’s grace is our force field, protecting us from the malaise that may at times surround us. History teaches us that human life has always been a struggle, yet somehow our forebears got through it.
So, fear not. Be of good courage. Remember who you are and whose you are. And pray…
Remembering especially those who grieve in New Orleans, let us pray: “God our creator, through whose providing care we enjoy all goodness and life, turn our eyes to your mercy in this time of confusion and loss. Comfort this nation as we mourn; shine your light on those whose only compani47on is darkness; and teach us all so to number our days that we may apply our hearts to your wisdom; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen”
(A prayer for times of civic mourning, Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 77).
Editor’s note: ‘All Shall Be Well’ is a column written by local women clergy including The Rev. Mary Ann Hill, Rector, Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church (momaryannhill@gmail.com); The Rev. Lynn Finnegan, Associate Rector, The Episcopal Church of the Holy Faith, Santa Fe (rev.lynn@holyfaithchurchsf.org); Deacon Amy Schmuck, Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church (deaconamy@bethluth.com); and ELCA Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, M.Div., retired (czoebidd@gmail.com).
