My dear parish families, when a person’s behavior does not match his own best interests, the world becomes a dangerous place and that person’s long term survival is doubtful. This scenario holds true when large numbers of people persistently act in loathsome, destructive ways that do not match the highest interests of their communities. Reasonable people universally experience dangerous behavior as frightening and disgusting. They abhor mobs and murder, savagery and looting. They abhor cowardly leaders who pander to violence, who betray their community’s safety and well-being. They abhor the abuse of innocent, helpless or impoverished human beings who cannot defend themselves. They abhor the use of power and money to exploit people who shoulder authentic grievances. 
 
It is profoundly disturbing to hear media-privileged ranters advocate social anarchy as a necessary precondition for goodness to flourish. Even more grotesque are the many elected and appointed officials who imitate them. This stupefying phenomenon points to an unmistakable evil, namely, that fallen, sinful human beings possess a twisted power to create meaning where none exists. It is very easy for politicians, religious leaders and media figures to hoist the cup of outrage only to poison themselves with it and everybody around them. When extremism becomes mainstream in word and deed, and goodness is banished to the periphery of human society and civil discourse, grave danger imperils our American way of life.
 
Wherever I happen to be, whatever I happen to be doing, I imagine in my mind a large "bullseye" graphic at my feet. I want to keep both feet solidly on that bullseye. When something or someone knocks me off center, I strive to keep at least one foot solidly on the mark to make an elegant recovery and stand straight again. So what does the bullseye signify for me? It represents being grounded, that is to say, patiently working toward a life characterized by seeing things as they really are, and striving to be a humane human being and serving my community.
 
The rings which circle the bullseye I see as levels of dysfunction and disorder. The further I stray from center, the more I become the person God does not want. The outermost rings signify for me the worst sort of self-destructive human behaviors. Ominous markers litter the broad highway leading to this psychological and spiritual wasteland. They warn unmistakably of mortal danger with far reaching even horrific consequences. In summary, no matter where I go or what I do, I must stay on the mark.
 
Human beings who lash out in terrifying ways act pathologically. They deviate far from universal social norms of family and community wellness, responsible employment, property ownership, marriage and children and neighborliness. In view of this, it is patently unfair to heap a mountain of wild-eyed blame and blistering remedies on law enforcement officers whose mission and scope of upholding the law and keeping the peace is overwhelmed by cultural collisions and political incompetence. 
 
Psalm 91 is a psalm of courage arising from faith in God during terrible circumstances. It seems to concern a person (or persons) with great responsibility, a leader whose resolve is unshakable. This leader is not spared from self-doubt, weariness, anxiety or error. Nevertheless, he strives resolutely to do what is right before God and his people while confronting enormous obstacles. God declares himself to be a divine refuge and deliverer of this mortal leader who clings to him. Two very flawed but shining examples of courage arising from faith are Moses and King David. “When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him.”  [Psalm 91:15] 
 
Many politicians compete for our attention. Some we clearly prefer over others. It is always debatable as to which politicians belong to that select company of leaders distinguished by the fruits of their unshakeable resolve to govern strongly and prudentially. Can we not agree that this admirable company should include the president of our United States? Can we not humbly ask God, therefore, to grant this sitting president the fullness of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit? Wisdom, understanding, right judgment, knowledge, courage, reverence, wonder and awe? Surely President Trump is not alone in being assaulted on all sides and in need of God's refuge and deliverance.
 
It would be a fearful thing were Christian faith communities to cease praying to God for their president, moreover refusing to cooperate with him in reasonable ways in the best interests of their country and for their own genuine good. This present generation is experiencing the same fearful reality that convulsed Israel during the reign of King David. So goes the head of state, so goes the nation. God will surely turn a deaf ear to those who complain about their leaders but who refuse to lift a finger to raise them up and pray for them.
 
Keep law enforcement officers, firemen and all first responders and their families in mind and heart. The intercessory prayers of Christians rise to God like incense. God hears every prayer you graciously offer. Are you doubtful? Well then, plant your feet firmly on spiritual bullseye. The Word of God, through the Apostle Timothy, says this: “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. (For) God our Savior . . . desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  [1Tim 2:1-4]  Sincerely in the hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Your pastor, Reverend Richard Barker.
 
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