church shootings, mall shootings.

I don’t recall two church shootings in the same day here in the U.S., do you? Two shootings within 70 miles of each other. I don’t know if the same shooter was involved in both attacks, but several people were killed yesterday. One incident occurred at a teen mission training center and the other was at the New Life Church.

What about the two mall shootings this past week? The one widely talked about in Omaha, NE, and probably lesser known, a mall in Columbus, OH was a host to a shooting as well.

What prompts an assailant to snap and take the life of someone else? Proponents of gun control rally around these incidents and point out how these things would never happen if there were tougher gun control laws. Proponents of the 2nd Amendment cite the right to bear arms.

There is sense in both propositions.

As Christians we must be vigilant about praying that the kingdom of God would continue to come more fully. While we don’t see the kingdom in all its fullness, it is here. Jesus likened it to a mustard seed. The smallest seed in Palestinian culture. But, what starts so small grows to a big plant, a place where birds can come and perch! There is similarity to the mustard tree being a place of rest and shelter, to the OT imagery of a cosmic tree being a place of pilgrim rest for God’s people. Come Lord Jesus come!

I don’t know how the two church shootings will affect most Christian assemblies in the U.S. We just don’t live with the fear or worry usually of being bothered during worship. How will these shootings affect these communities? What will these shootings do for churches that are already closed systems, and aren’t helping the outcast and the poor?

If this is the season of good news, may we find new ways and use ways that work to share that good news and joy with all people.