37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” Acts 2:37-39
The people, Jews, Gentiles, foreigners, and converts alike, began to gather after Jesus’ resurrection, without a clue to what’s next. Peter began gathering a crowd that would soon be willing to take on the task. In the book of Acts, popularly known among scholars as the sequel to Luke, authored by Luke, Peter begins to share a message that is both concerning and hopeful. After witnessing in his sermon the death of Jesus through crucifixion, it seems as though Peter continues to feel guilt and shame for the times he spoke up to soon, denied Jesus, and couldn’t recognize Jesus at the shore while trying to carry his disappointment, shame, or guilt, transfers his emotions to Jews and others present, reminding them in what way all had some role in Jesus’ death. Peter’s comment cut to the heart of the people, meaning they felt a “deep emotional or spiritual impact, leading to conviction, remorse, or a desire for change.”
“What should we do?” is a question that pastors and church leaders love to hear from their congregations and communities. It inspires the desire for newness and helps the church maintain its relevance in an ever-changing community and world. The community tends to look to its religious leaders or to what they have learned from life itself for guidance and wisdom on how to respond during communal adversity, hardships, and even celebrations. On Holy Wednesday, a fire engulfed Main Street businesses and apartments, triggering a three- to four-alarm response. First responders, firefighters, and police arrived in minutes. All worked tirelessly until the fire was under control. Thanks be to God, all lives are safe. Soon enough, the community responded to the question, “What can we do?”
Some joined efforts with business owners, some responded to caring for firefighters, first responders, and the police. Others from the community ensured that store signs from well-known, long-time businesses were preserved at the Butler Museum. Butler United Methodist Church became the voice, the hands, and the feet of Jesus for the least of these and responded to the question, “What should we do?”
Butler United Methodist Church and the Butler community heeded the call, and our church became a collection center and depository for generous donations of clothes, gift cards, and food. Fellowship Hall became a safe place for the Red Cross to register cases. Food and coffee, prepared by our church members, were served to all who came seeking guidance and a place to process what had happened, in the company of church members.
The church will always find what to do when it asks the right, tough question: “What should we do?” Though we don’t want tragic things to happen, we should always be willing to do what Jesus would want us to do. And do it in the love, mercy, compassion, and grace that Jesus taught us and gave us freely.
Thank you for all that you did during the two weeks following the Main Street fire, whether through Gleaners, Loaves and Fishes, with the survivors, and in and for the community. With patience, understanding, love, and joy, what we do together goes a long way!
In Christ,
Pastor Iraida