It is a gloomy Tuesday morning. The sky is over cast and there is a light, cool breeze. Looking out my window you can definitely see the gloom in the air. But there is something else that is causing people to feel a little solemn this morning. As I sat in my living room watching the Today Show cover the horrific events from yesterday at Virginia Tech, I found myself fighting back tears. I fought — but I lost as some stray tears managed to roll down my face. My heart felt heavy accompanied with a lump in my throat. As I did yesterday, I am still struggling to put everything in perspective. I am still trying to come to grips that someone could actually cold heartily kill 32 people before killing himself. As I hear more and more details I become more and more sad and shocked. My heart goes out to the Virginia Tech community and my prayers are with them as well. It is indeed a gloomy Tuesday morning.
But in the midst of the tragic events of yesterday life does go on. It might take me a little longer to get going today, but life will go on all the same. God — grant me the strength I need to follow where ever you may lead. Feed and care for my soul. Strengthen my faith to see that you are with us through thick and thin. It is a gloomy day, Lord. Comfort all those who are grieving and give hope to those who have lost loved ones. Thank you for listening to me. Amen.
Text study
The Gospel text for Sunday is John 21:1-19. This is a post-resurrection, fish and bread BBQ account between Jesus and His disciples. As they are dining on some fish Jesus asks Peter a series of questions – three questions that are the same – "Do you love me?" As Jesus asks these questions Peter becomes more and more hurt and confused. He says he loves Jesus but Jesus keeps asking. But it is the response of Jesus after each question that catches my attention. Jesus first tells Peter to "Feed my lambs" then he says, "Tend my sheep" and then "Feed my sheep". All of these commands are ones to care for those who need guidance. Sheep are very vulnerable and need a shepherd. Jesus had been "tending His sheep" for nearly three years and now they are ready to "move up". The sheep are now the shepherds, ready to care for one another.
Today I feel like a little lost sheep in need of guidance. And I know that Jesus will not abandon the Virginia Tech community or anyone searching for answers.
"Feed me" Lord Jesus with your love; "tend me" as I search, and "Feed me" once again with understanding.
What do you hear in this text? How do you need to be fed?
God bless you this today and everyday and as we mourn know we have a loving God that feeds and tends to our every need. We are never alone. Praise to our loving God always and forever — Amen!
The Heart of a Pastor 
Brother
Life hurts.
And tears are a balm to our soul.
I have no answers other than God did not cause this, Evil exists more than we realize and even though this is not the reason, It sure is a wake up call that sin, especially Pride and Ego lead to sin so deep that it will push a human to do things beyond the pale.
Last week dealing with the murdering in Detroit that go on all the time especially of Children and also the selling of children for sex in Detroit by there own Mother, I was tired, I was weary of sin and tired of people that would do this sort of thing. Last Thursday as I do every Thursday, I went through the security bubble and the pat down in a level 4 prison ( out of 5) as I held my Bibles (NIV & Message)and caressed my cross I was renewed. As I sat down in the cafeteria and the Inmates came in and we shook ands and greeted each other warmly, men who murdered and raped and did worse I was once again reminded that sin, is sin. And that these Brothers were as deserving of Salvation in Christ as much as anyone else. I realized that these men are more closer to God than people I worship with on the outside.
I go into the Lobby of the Prisons a conservative, hard, gun carrying Lutheran, BUT and here is the grace, when I emerge from the security bubble I am as always a changed man, with a desire to work for the Lord that is so strong that not even my own sinful self centeredness can keep me away from serving God.
I have seen Evil, We have embraced and held hands in prayer, Some of those men are broken and come to Christ, forever, others, so smooth and slick who think they are fooling God continue in there evil.
We as Evangelist, need to sometimes keep our heads down and push on for Christ.Even as our hearts break. This might seem wrong, And I probably am wrong, But we probably sit with people in or own church’s who have committed more sins, grievous sins than that of the shooter at Virginia Tech.
Grace falls like rain
Come Lord Jesus
Yours in Christ
Rick
Thank you,Rick, for your comments. I also appreciate the ministry that you do at the prison. Next Thursday, April 26, I am taking a group of people to Prisoners of Hope Lutheran Church. It is an ELCA congregation at the prison in Appleton, MN. Congregations are encouraged to come on Thursday nights to their worship service and worship with the inmates there. We sit right next to them as we worship our God. I have six people going and we all are looking forward to the experience.
Thank you again for your comments and for your dedication to the Kingdom of God. God bless you in all you do. Take care.