Like many of us, I am both drawn to and hate the 24-hour news cycle. We certainly get the breaking news of the day – some would say ad nauseum. The shock and horror of one day fades into the almost commonplace. Or, is it because even we cannot stand so much horror. What may be more frightening is that we become inured to it.
We see photographs or even videos of people walking around dead bodies and those of us who have never experienced the reality of war on our doorstep wonder how it is possible to accept the commonality of death, especially violent death. Overwhelmed by such photos, we back off, not wanting to look and realizing that we cannot turn away.
We wonder what it was like in other times when violent death was all around. On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus must have seen the evidence of violent death, usually at Roman hands, around him. No wonder the disciples who were with him shuddered. No wonder they were afraid. I would have been. Wouldn’t you?
Prayer for the Day
Hesitating to look at the next photo, O God, shake us from our fear,
And draw us into compassionate action for victims of violence;
Wanting to shut our eyes to the images we see, let us not close our hearts,
But use them to develop peaceful resolutions to conflict.
Grant, O Lord, that we not sink into the swamp of helplessness,
But step onto the firm ground of commitment and action.
In the name of the One who gives us hope,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Perhaps, someday, someone will explain on the level of man, how Auschwitz was possible; but on the level of God, it will remain the most disturbing of mysteries.
- Elie Wiesel, writer (1928-2016)
As objects of contemplation, images of the atrocious can answer to several different needs. To steel oneself against weakness. To make oneself more numb. To acknowledge the existence of the incorrigible.
- Susan Sontag, writer, from Regarding the Pain of Others (1933-2004)
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!
“Come,” my heart says, “seek God’s face.”
Your face, Lord, do I seek. Do not hide your face from me.
Psalm 27: 7-9a