Remembering | And Getting Underway

September 11, 2014

Dear Friends,

Today this nation and the world remembers the events of September 11, 2001.  What happened that day has forever etched a world of meaning on the simple phrase "September 11."  It has never since been an ordinary day, and it likely never will.  

Thirteen years on, if anything, after the longest period of war - by far - in the history of the United States, we find ourselves in a world that is experienced as just as dangerous, uncertain, and frightening as it was then.  As of last evening, we are again - or still? - engaged in a military campaign to defeat a group whose methods and means and principles seem not only outside the expectations of 21st century Christians, but also of many 21st century Islamic leaders and teachers around the world.  

As that campaign goes on, and as decisions in its regard are made at the highest levels of government(s) allied in that pursuit, there is another responsibility specific to disciples of Jesus Christ.  It is quite simple.  It is to ask this question out of a sincere and open heart: Is there another way?  Ultimately, in the sense of what at last will bring the prospect of resolution and peace to the planet, is there another approach, another way of effectively confronting opponents and violence?  

Paul the Apostle wrote in the 20th verse of the 12th chapter of his letter to the Romans, according to the King James version: 

"Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head."  

Responding to the enemy's primary and deep human needs (and note Paul does call this other 'enemy') first is a means both to changing the destructive relationship we find ourselves thrust into, and to render a judgement as well on the actions of the other.  There is a 'both/and' inherent in Paul's admonition that insists at least that there must be something at last beyond the bombs and the special forces interventions, even if we accede that these may be necessary.  God help us all as we remember on this day, and look for the path to tomorrow.

______________________

At Mercer School last night, basing ourselves on the assertion that following the way of Christ is a 'going concern,' we gathered for an Academic Convocation to open the 2014-2015 learning year. Bishop Chilton Knudsen, assistant bishop for the Diocese of Long Island, led Evening Prayer and preached a powerful word on our freedom to choose to learn and to be transformed as we do. Quoting Parker Palmer, the bishop noted that to learn something new is to experience a moment of crucifixion.  What we were before has died, and we live on into something new, into resurrection.  

Moving from the Good Shepherd Chapel to the Clarence Jones Library at Mercer, we received a clarion call to theological learning that engages both mind and spirit in the lecture shared by Bishop Allen Shin, Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of New York, who served on the Mercer School faculty until February of this calendar year.  The transcendent is real, and in our pursuit of learning we look for it along the landscape of our reading, conversation, and reflection.  Bishop Shin's lecture will be shared on our site soon.

The evening concluded with a reception by the Vision Wall in the gallery area, where conversation continued and new and returning faculty and students were introduced to one another.  We pray God's blessing upon our efforts together this coming year.

Sincerely,
John+

The Very Rev. John P. McGinty
Dean
Canon for Formation