Two weeks ago I posted about why Jesus needed to be baptized. I then went on to celebrate Theophany Liturgy at Holy Trinity Cathedral. I had a glorious experience. The feast taught me about what community is, as the “worship of the Trinity made manifest.” I truly believe that we find true communion with one another in the waters the Lord sanctified when He entered the Jordan. The waters we prayed over that day became waters of sanctification, salvation, reconciliation, and love.
Then I went home that day only to observe the horrendous sight of our nation’s Capitol being invaded. The Congress needed to suspend their work for a short time to be kept in a place of safety. Thankfully, by evening, the Congress was able to reassemble and continue their work. I felt as if I went from heaven to hell that day.
What do we say to our children regarding this day; especially for those who saw these events unfold before them? First I think we tell our kids that whatever our parties may believe whether Democrat or Republican, there is absolutely no justification for what happened. For a brief period, evil triumphed. We need to speak out against these acts of sedition and rebellion.
Speak to your children about the need to hold accountable those who were involved in promoting this violent, seditious behavior. They showed no respect for the laws of our country or for the Capitol police who sought to enforce the boundary that stood between peaceful protest, and unlawful rebellion when a good number of those people turned into a mob; who then knocked over and crossed those steel railings that were set up for everyone’s safety and protection. This would lead other well-meaning people to cross that threshold not realizing what was going on or what they were getting into.
Finally, and most importantly, let this day be a reminder to make the celebration of Holy Theophany a real priority even it means leaving work and taking children out of school to attend Church and participate in the Great Blessing of Water. It is only in these waters of sanctification that we will ever be reconciled to God and to each other. It is only in these waters of sanctification that we will understand what a united communion of love is. It is only in these waters of sanctification that we will begin to understand the mystery of the Holy Trinity as the ultimate icon of what real community is.
The blessing of the Lord be upon you,
With love in Christ,
The unworthy +Paul
2 Comments on “What do we do with what happened on January 6, 2021?”
Archbishop Paul,
I agree with you. What happened at the Capitol building on January 6th was wrong and needs to be condemned.
Peaceful protest as Martin Luther King preached is the only way to vent anger and frustration in any sort of organized rally.
Where is the outcry and indignation over the riots the past year ?
Kenosha autonomous zone went on for days. Riots in Seattle and other major cities including Cleveland occurred. Even on Inauguration day January 20th 2021 there were riots in Seattle and Portland.
Yet no mention of that…
Now I hear lists are being made of those that supported our past president. Social media is censoring those that disagree with thier politics. Freedom of speech is no longer possible, and half of our nation is considered “Domestic Terrorists”, by the other half, who hold a different political belief.
Perhaps the Churches could address free speech. We are becoming a Totalitarian nation, where one side wants to “reprogram”, you because you hold a different view point.
This is scary stuff. It will get worse if those who have influence don’t speak up against this evil..
Don Patton jr.
Don
I do agree with you that when we speak about matters like this we need to condemn the riots and destruction of last summer. I was just focusing on this event. But you are right in what you say. The right and left seem to operate with a different set of facts which makes dialogue impossible at times. I have addressed the riots of last summer in other letters I have written such as my recent Nativity Letter which was posted here around Christmas of last year. God bless you and take care, +Paul