The News

Scripture passage that caught my attention today: Luke 24:18-21 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place.

Observation: News isn’t always well-known.

Application: Last night I was invited to be a pastoral presence early this morning at a local elementary school. A staff member had died suddenly and it was thought that perhaps a pastoral presence might be appreciated for staff and, possibly, students.

There was some question among a couple staff members as to how best to help the students process their grief. One thought having the students make a nice card might be helpful. Another staff member thought it might be better, after acknowledging what happened, to just go on about the day and help everyone function more normally, particularly since a good number of the students deal with relatively traumatic events on a somewhat daily basis anyhow (moving from house to house, parents in and out of jail, etc.)

I found both views interesting. I was later asked for my opinion by someone who had seen the discussion between the two staff members. I said that at first I thought the card was a good idea, but could then see the other person’s point as well. Given the circumstances many of the kids live with, at what point does one lift up one traumatic event above the rest?

I suppose the answer is when the event directly affects a significant number or percentage of the people.

Jesus’ resurrection from the dead qualifies as just such an event. The early followers of Jesus felt that everyone should know about his story. And so, ironically, they even endeavored to tell Jesus himself!

Prayer: Lord, thanks for the various experiences in life through which we learn. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: Nehemiah 5-6, Psalm 146, Luke 24)