God's vision for us doesn't match ours

Three high schools built around the same time in Jefferson County, Colorado. Mirror image floor plans. My high school, Columbine, and another up north. I was attending seminary, a month away from graduation, when my mother called about the shooting. As mayor of a neighboring city, she was informed SWAT teams from all over the county rushed to the scene.

My grandparents’ pastor also got a call from my mom. The church served many families with connections to Columbine. Later, when he learned one of the shooters’ families were members, he did not hesitate to reach out. He officiated at the young man’s funeral. The grief, issues debated, and anger raging through the community, couldn’t process this act of grace. The pastor was asked to leave.

Nineteen years later, we still don’t do well with conversations around gun violence in our nation.

One of my seminary friends carries a concealed weapon license. She and several widows in her Texas congregation took the class together. A response to break-ins and sexual assaults on single elderly women in their community. I asked questions about what they were taught, the amount of practice and safeguards required. It helped ease my fears about gun ownership. That is, if everyone had similar, even tempered personalities as my friend, … but we all know this is not the case.

Maybe you have already stopped reading. You know where this is headed.

The thing is, none of us want another mass shooting to happen in this country. The youth of our nation should not have had to cry out the day before Palm Sunday, “Hosanna! Save Us!” to get this conversation going again. Remaining where we are. Digging in our heals. Unwilling to listen or consider what it will take for all of us to address this problem, cannot be our response anymore. Broken systems, idolatry, fear, angry mobs, greed, power, and distrust nailed Jesus to the cross. And, we continue to pound those nails in today.

But, there is also Easter. Resurrection, a new creation, a new way God invites us to follow. A way of forgiveness, healing, reconciliation, mercy, justice, and love. A way that breaks the cycles of poverty, abuse, and lack of purpose. A way that cares for the mentally ill and breaks the chains that binds them and their families. A way of choosing for the good of the whole, instead of self or greed. A way of listening, walking in each other’s shoes, humility, and seeing all God has made is good. A way that celebrates this diversity and says no to hatred. And, a way that reforms our laws on gun use.

Because, God’s vision for this world and the peace Jesus came to establish does not match ours. The Messiah did not come and establish God’s kingdom by taking up the sword. Many deserted him, betrayed him because of this. They wanted the quick solution. The way of love and reflecting Christ’s light to expose evil and the truth; much harder.

Yet, there is still time for us to turn and follow the way our Savior chose. It will not be easy … risky, even. But, all creation holds its breath in anticipation of the way we will choose.

Lori Morton is pastor at First Lutheran Church, 526 S. Olive Ave., in Sandpoint. She can be reached at firstlutheransandpoint.org or 208-263-2048.