We usually look at today as the day before the world changed, but in some ways, the world had already been changing, and not for the better. We had already had the horrific school shooting at Columbine, and copycat threats. Yesterday, the threats hit home here in New Jersey in Woodbury, Haddon Heights, Glassboro, and Wenonah.
Yes, the police arrested four juveniles, but this makes you wonder, what kind of world we are living in when kids go on social media to do this. This is a really sick way to say, “Look at me!” Granted, we have stricter gun laws here, but you can bet your bottom dollar that the gun lobby will be out there defending the right to own these weapons of mass destruction. And what are our esteemed legislators doing?
Congress is back in session. Three weeks to pass a short term funding bill to keep the government running for six months and there’s already idiotic jockeying on proof of citizenship for voting. Over the past 35 years I had one green card holder who had registered to vote by mistake, and we unregistered him so he would not get deported, though as a resident, he was certainly eligible to enlist in the Armed Forces.
Prayer for the Day
Quench our fears, O God, but not our concern for others,
For the world spins so quickly around us;
Empower us to move beyond distress into action,
So we are able to take on the real issues in our society.
You, O Lord, know that we need not just to be awakened,
But galvanized to create a society of peace and justice.
In the name of the One who calls us to do justice,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself.
Mark Twain, writer, humorist (1835-1910)
As a member of Congress, as in baseball, you have to know when to hit, when to run, and when to show grace.
Linda Sanchez, U.S. Representative, 38th District, California
Like a swallow or a crane, I clamor, I moan like a dove.
My eyes are weary with looking upward, O Lord, I am oppressed; be my security!
But what can I say? For the Lord has spoken to me, and has done it.
All my sleep has fled because of the bitterness of my soul.
Isaiah 38: 14-15