"Remembering"

 So,
Remembering is hard!
Sometimes because we are lazy.
Sometimes because cultural practices have changed.
Sometimes because what is connected with the person or the event is heavy.
Sometimes because generations rise and pass away.
But there is one who never forgets. God!
God knows our pains, our troubles, and our sacrifices. He is not surprised at our rejoicing nor at our suffering.
And when life comes to its natural or unnatural conclusion, he then like the Prodigal Father invites us to come home. To step beyond the hurt of the ending of this life - into the joy God has always prepared for us.
But as exciting as that may be, it doesn't release us from remembering.
This Sunday is in particular one of painful memories.
Of the losses of those who have gone far away on behalf of country and have made the ultimate sacrifice, and of those near at hand, many innocently targeted by angry young men.
For sure, the losses are not the same.
When armies go head-to-head over what we may perceive as a justified military conflict, losses happen, and people die.
Make no mistake, each loss is personal to those who have had their son or daughter torn from their life. It is a tragedy of deeply epic proportions.
But when a young man sprints past the police and guards to burst into a classroom and shoot and kill elementary students and their teachers - it is tragic on a whole new level.
Combatants in a war die, it is terrible, but none are innocent. When shoppers at a supermarket, or a mall, or a church, or a school are gunned down, the only reasonable response is grief beyond all understanding.
For we know that no grievance justifies strapping on body armor and taking weapons to kill those who have nothing to do with your pain.
In fact, there is no justification ever for murder.
Yet here we are again, remembering those lost in wars and those lost in acts of violence that are beyond comprehension.
In the Jewish tradition there is a practice called sitting Shiva, derived from the word sheva for the number seven, signifying the seven days of mourning required.
Additional parts of the practice include sitting low to signify the lowness that the pain and loss has brought the family and being intentionally uncomfortable, like the practice of putting a stone in your shoe, so that you can identify with the pain of those who have lost loved ones.
Then there is the bringing food since the family will not be cooking and as an acknowledgement of what has happened.
Seven days, followed by 30 more days of mourning. Why?
Because broken hearts need time, and space, and caring friends who will do nothing else but be there and listen.
The evening bible study was reminded of this in our last series of studies as we heard Job lambast his friends to sat Shive for the seven days but then tried to pin the blame for Job's troubles on Job.
Our calling is not to accuse, but to comfort.
What we are invited to do in those times is to remember the love, the grace, the sacrifice, and the humanity of those who have died, those who have suffered.
It's not easy. Even Jesus cried at the reality of Lazarus' death.
In the Old Testament when people met with God, they often left a monument to help remind them of the momentous event that had happened in a particular place.
We instead choose days to intentionally remember those we have loved and lost. Those who are gone, but whom we in love hold close to our hearts knowing that God has them safe with him.
Perhaps it is time, to set a day like Memorial Day, to remember the innocents lost, the noncombatants, the victims of mass violence so that we can remember. There are so many!
The Psalmist in Psalm 116 remembers a time he was near death. The misery was real and he nearly lost hope. God rescued him and so he rejoices!
But he also remembers.
Not all get rescued. Some leave us too soon, and some in great suffering.
We ought to remember them — on purpose — and commend them to God.
And realize - most of all, that it doesn't have to be this way.
On this Memorial Day weekend, let us remember those who on behalf of country lost their lives.
But perhaps more importantly, let us remember the nineteen children and three adults, that one disgruntled young man shot to death...
And cry, "God have mercy on us your people."
Amen.