The cold of January 6th seems like a long time ago as we sweltered in yesterday’s heat but the threat of the domestic terrorism that led to a mob of people storming the U.S. Capitol has not diminished; rather, it has continued to grow. Although the images of violence may resonate in our memories, the real threats are far more insidious.
The deeper threat is a loss of faith in our institutions including our ability to have free and fair elections. We are not, as former President Bush stated, a banana republic where elections are turned over in coups. But what we have become is a nation so deeply divided that political opponents are perceived as “enemies.”
We must move beyond such perceptions in order to mend the tear in our Nation. And we must call out those who encourage such approaches to political life. Creating trust in our institutions will not be easy, to be sure. But if we are to survive and thrive as a Nation and a society, we must rebuild faith in our ability to overcome hate and distrust.
Prayer for the Day
May we be like the tree that grows from your good earth, O God,
Sharing your life-giving love with the faces around us;
Hold us in community as we strive to live as one people
For we despair of the hate-filled talk we hear around us.
May our trust in you erupt in us as a spring from a rock,
Quenching our thirst and giving us strength.
In the name of him who helps us confront evil,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Terrorism is a psychological warfare. Terrorists try to manipulate us and change our behavior by creating fear, uncertainty, and division in society.
Patrick J. Kennedy, U.S. Congress 1995-2011
Terrorism can never be accepted. We must fight it together with methods that do not compromise our respect for the rule of law and human rights, or are used by others as an excuse to do so.
Anna Lindh, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sweden, assassinated 9/11/2003
The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers;
The heavens languish together with the earth.
The earth lies polluted under its inhabitants, for they have transgressed laws,
Violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant.
Isaiah 24: 4-6