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In Light of the Assassination Attempt on the Life of Former President Donald Trump

As the world knows, a man tried to assassinate former President Donald Trump. This attack occurred on Saturday July 13, 2024, in the early evening hours, while Mr. Trump was leading a political rally in Butler, Pa, a town north of Pittsburgh. By his own account, and the confirmation of others, Mr. Trump received a relatively minor wound to his ear, head area and is “ fine.” One person at the rally was killed. Two people were gravely wounded. The shooter was killed by law enforcement officers.

Jesus commands us to love our neighbor and to love our enemies. On average uneventful days, this command to love your enemy has got to be one of the hardest moral imperatives ever issued. Yet, this command to see the presence of God, even in the people you think are criminal, evil, sinners, and perhaps unredeemable, is a crucial life-giving pathway for all of us. Love your enemies.

For many of us, the enemy is actually a part of somebody we care about, even somebody we love. Spouses and committed partners know this. Parents know this. Siblings know this. Old and dear friends know this. The enemy can coexist within the same person we enjoy, admire, and adore.

And, the enemy, often lives within us, within you and within me. This enemy is the voice, the haunting memory, the nagging anxiety that we are guilty, or not good enough, or not worthy of love. The enemy is the part of us that says, “ If they only knew. Dear God, they would reject me, banish me, punish me. Certainly not like and or love me. “

And sometimes, the enemies are individuals or groups of people who have very real power and the will and or potential to do serious harm to us and to those we care about. A criminal, a politician, a business person, a social media influencer, or just a cruel, self-centered, vindictive person we know or accidentally meet- any of these can become a very dangerous enemy.

Love your enemy.

That doesn’t mean like your enemy. It certainly doesn’t mean enable your enemy. It doesn’t mean you should spend time with them. In fact, quite the opposite, your well being may depend on you not spending time with your enemy.

Love your enemy.

Perhaps the easiest way to understand this is the following potential scenario.

You are driving down the street and you see a one car accident. There’s nobody else around. And, only you can help the seriously injured driver. The driver who you know to be a first class, grade A jerk who has already hurt you and people you love. Love your enemy. You help this person and you don’t wish them suffering or harm.

Love your enemy.

It also means that your enemy should be held accountable for their actions, brought to justice, and serve their punishment, in whatever way a fair process dictates.

So, today, of all days, Loving your enemy needs to be the DNA of our individual souls and the soul of your community and The United States.

Today and always: Pray for Donald Trump. Pray for his family. Pray for his advisors and supporters.

Today and always, Pray for those who were injured and killed in this Assassination attempt.

Today and always, Pray for all victims of violence, their loved ones, and those who watch and learn.

Today and always, Pray for President Biden, his advisors, and all in authority.

Today and always, Pray for those who cause suffering and afflict violence. Pray that their hearts and actions might be changed.

Today and always, Pray for this wonderful and broken country of ours. Pray for yourself and for our nation that we don’t give into fear. Pray that sensible, reasonable people bring us back from the brink of chaos. Pray that those with power and influence transform the environment that seems to throw us madly into despair and chaos.

Today and always, Pray for all Law Enforcement Personnel, our Armed Services Members, our First Responders, our Courts, our Laws, our Journalists, and all who can influence public opinion.

Today and always, Pray for those who will try and use this assassination attempt for their own ends. Ends which may easily include: physical violence, dangerous rhetoric, the wounding and abusing of our laws, rights, and protections; and the spreading of distrust, hatred, persecution, and scapegoating.

Today and always, Pray that more rational and compassionate minds may prevail.

Today and always, Remember, violence almost always begets more violence.

Today and always, Pray that we can learn from our past, build a better today, and a more hopeful, just, peaceful, and love-filled tomorrow. And that we will have the wisdom, and the courage to pursue that wisdom creating healthy cycles of life rather than the addictive patterns of fear, violence, and retribution.

Today and always, Love your neighbor and Love your enemy.

Today and always, honor what you are thinking and feeling. And ask God to be in the midst of your thoughts and feelings.

Today and always, imagine God’s response to your current ideas and emotions.

God’s probable responses:

“I love you. I understand you. Your thoughts and feelings are valid and very human.”

And when you are ready, God might say to you:

“ Ask yourself, as valid as my thoughts and feelings are, do they promote justice, and love, and peace in my soul and in the world. And, if not, what would God have me do? How would God have me be?”

And, finally, DO NOT LET THE UGLINESS, DANGER, and EVIL BE THE ONLY FOOD FOR YOUR SOUL.

INSTEAD, Wherever you can, GIVE THANKS AND CELEBRATE !

Look around. Give thanks for the people you care about and those who care about you.

Give thanks for everything that makes you smile, relax, and have fun.

From chocolate, to the eyes of your pet. From a human smile, to beautiful music. From majestic mountains, to a cool breeze. From laughter to a delightful story.

For the times you have already been healed. And for times that healing has come to people you care about.

For the feelings of accomplishment, energy, and goodness, when you complete a task, do the hard exercise, find meaning in a conversation, or work, or solitude.

Don’t Drown in the Bad Stuff. Celebrate the beauty, and wonder, and miracles of life, of this universe, and of human relationships.

Keep watch and care for the lonely, the sick, and the suffering. Keep watch and care for the neglected and the oppressed.

Stand up to the bad. And when you must: Fight the bad with your words and your actions.

And never, ever forget:

God has made you in God’s likeness and image. And you are good. You have enormous potential and enormous power because a little bit of God’s DNA mixes with your own.

Trust that you are never, ever alone.

May this faith give you great, great hope today and always.

The Rev. Hentzi Elek

Episcopal Priest

Rector,

St. Martin In the Fields Episcopal Church

Aurora, CO