One of my favorite movies is High Noon. The marshal of the town, Will Kane, played by Gary Cooper, has decided to retire. As he and his new bride (Grace Kelly) are making arrangements to ride off into the sunset, a crisis strikes the town. Frank Miller, is returning to kill Will Kane and destroy the town.
Sheriff Kane is like Elijah the prophet, who stands "alone" to face the false prophets of Baal. No one from the town will come to the aid of their sheriff. On the contrary, they would just as soon he scurry out of town and retired from their presence. Duty calls Will Kane to act - like Martin Luther, before the Diet at Worms. As the camera takes the highest shot imaginable, he looks small. He is alone in the middle an an empty street. There he stands, "he can do no other." May God help him.
My task today is laughably trivial compared to all others who have taken a stand on principle. I will read my statement before my presbytery. Certainly there is not anyone as threatening as Frank Miller, and certainly not as menacing as Emperor Charles V standing opposite of me. In fact, I am not even sure the members of my presbytery will even understand what I am saying or its importance. I am also aware that God is not in the earthquake, wind, or fire - but resides in a still small voice. May He speak today and may I be able to listen.
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