November 17, 2022

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:28-29)

On a 37- degree night in pouring rain, UVA students and community members packed into Christ Church to attend a special Evening Prayer service. We gathered as a worshiping community in the aftermath of the Sunday evening killing of 3 UVA football players. When we are unmoored, we need the comfort and stability and community of the church – and the message of the church - more than ever.

The words from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans rang out with power. God’s promise that nothing can separate us from His love never gets old because sometimes life – and death – will tempt us to feel forsaken.

But no. We are not forsaken. We are never forsaken. Because I am sure that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

“Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him,that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (For the Mission of the Church – BCP)