Simpleigh

This sermon was delivered to Cleveland Park Congregational Church of Christ in Washington, DC on Palm Sunday (3/25/18). Listen to the audio recording  here.  Scripture Passages:  Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29, Mark 11:1-11 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I’m excited for the opportunity to share some thoughts with you this morning, but you will have to excuse me if seem a little tired... You see, yesterday myself and a dozen-or-so members from our church took part in the March For Our Lives – a nationwide demonstration calling for an end to gun violence via comprehensive gun control measures. The march was planned by students from Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, where less than two months ago a former student carried out a mass shooting, killing 17 people. Like you I was shocked and heartbroken by this tragedy. More innocent people – children- murdered in their classrooms. And to make this los

You are sitting back in your chair,  chin raised,  eyes closed,  trying  - desperately -  to  get  comfortable.  But the discomfort is inside. Pain - like an  unwelcome squatter -  has set up camp in your  chest,  your back,  your legs.  You tell me your story.  My heart breaks -  for the bodies betrayal, for all that could have been,  for all that you are.  But you are not bitter,  not angry at  fate,  only sad.  Sad for too little time,  and concerned for your boys.  Will they be okay? Will they recover? I tell you not to worry,  to trust  in the strength God has  given them.  They ask to visit, but  you say  "don't  concern yourself."  I tell you to let them in.  The cure for pain is in the pain, says Rumi.  You ask if I will read to you. From the Bible,  you say.  You hand me your own.  I reach out and take hold of its well worn cover.  I flip through the pages,  highlighted  and  underlined.  Ancient words brought back