A reflection by Rev Roberto Ochoa, Conference Minister, Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences of the United Church of Christ.
But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. (Luke 6:27-28)
The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, leader of the conservative organization, Turning Point USA, and its aftermath has sent another shockwave in our nation already divided and being racked with gun violence. The idea that there are those that celebrated his murder is so appalling and tragic. My own beliefs and values contrasted deeply from those of Mr. Kirk, yet he did not deserve to die for them. I grieve and pray for his widow, children, and family for their loss in this senseless act of violence.
At this writing, conflicting stories of the shooter are emerging and still his motive for killing Mr. Kirk is still unknown. What is known is that he acted alone. It may be a while before we know why he did it.
As Christians, we must resist the rhetoric of hatred that seems to get louder, which is affecting our very souls and that of our society’s. It is a time such as this we are to be courageous enough to follow the example of Jesus. It’s hard I know…and we know to follow Jesus is hard as he commands us to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us; and I know especially how hard it is to bless those that curse and mistreat us. Yet in our action of love, it provides us strength to persevere in our hope for a better tomorrow. Let us stay the course of loving as Jesus loved.
May the blessings God who created all of us through the grace of Jesus Christ and the comfort and peace of the Holy Spirit be upon you, your loved ones, the Church, our nation, and our world. Amen.
Bendiciones y Paz,
Rev Roberto