So, one of the latest comments from a presidential-wanna-be is that we should, “Go after the terrorist’s families.” And he wraps his venomous diatribes in Christianity, with the American flag as his backdrop. While I saw a few posts online regarding the quote, there was, in my opinion, no major backlash – no, “You’ve got to be kidding me!” rhetoric. No nothing. As they say these days…crickets.

And while I prepare to depart to lead worship at the Hospice House this morning, where our topic of the day will be “Angels, Part 2,” I’m irritated enough, with both anger and sorrow, to sit down and type my own discourse of sorts.

Confession. I’m tired. I’m weary of innocent folks losing their lives because some nut has decided that his/her god has supposedly dictated that it should be so. That kind of god is not worthy of worship…in my humble estimation.

And to be honest with you, it would be easier to jump on the bandwagon with a whole lot of folks who are apparently fed up to the extent that they’ll go with any candidate who presents the most extreme offense (coupled with defense) against the problem…no matter how evil the intended solution.

But, the easy path is not the one I’m on…

Just to be clear. I’m not a total pacifist. While I subscribe to Jesus admonition to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” (and I know that I don’t do enough of either), He also told us to be “wise as serpents, yet innocent as doves.” As with so much of my faith tradition – there is a dichotomy in my mind – a division of faith versus action. What does God call me to do in this situation? How can I show love to my enemies while protecting those I love? By going after their families? No. Just…no.

Otherwise, I become the terrorist.

So, this morning, before I worship…before I stand before those who seek God – the true God – the God who loves us so much that He sent His only Son to be our salvation…before I attempt to lead in worship and console sorrowing souls, I just need to vent and express the Advent conviction…

”Come, Lord Jesus.”