Barcelona Attack
As I sit down to write this Newsletter article, news is still filtering in of yet another attack on our western lifestyle, this time in Barcelona. Reports suggest that 13 people have been killed and 100 injured, including Australians. This event brings to mind again similar recent events in Manchester and London. Many of the victims of those atrocities are still recovering from the physical and emotional wounds that they suffered.
We live in a world that, day by day, becomes more uncertain; with war in the Middle East, global terrorist threats, monetary problems, as well as unemployment to name just a few. How does one go on when we hear of such things? What is this all about? A common question that I have get from students is “why does God allow these things to happen?” That is a good and understandable question. I always acknowledge the authenticity of these questions and hope that I address them with the same measure of authenticity. I suggest to the students that this is not God’s will for the world. These situations are the result of one of the greatest gifts that God chose to give us; our free will. We were created with the ability to choose to do good or evil. Sadly, many in this world chose to do evil.
Jesus made it clear what God’s preferred way is. This is recorded in the Gospels. Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Jesus also lived at a time where there was much turmoil. He knew that this would continue. So he said: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
So we continue to pray for this world that is so troubled. Today we pray for the people affected by the events in Barcelona.
May we all live, as far as is possible, in peace in our homes, our school, our community, our city, our country, and our world!
God bless.
Reverend Dave