The school busses come early in the morning, for some children, before the sun rises. Although we think about children in Uvalde returning to school after such carnage last May, the smaller incidents, the nine since the opening of school this year, have largely escaped our attention because only – only? – two or three were killed.
Closer to home, several conservative churches and a so-called “gun rights” group have sued New York State over its ban in guns in “sensitive locations,” including churches. A federal court said the group lacked standing, that is, it would impact them directly, but at the same time called it “unconstitutional.” We have a Wyatt Earp mentality but faced with one gunman in Uvalde, the swarms of police just sat there.
New Jersey has passed a law mandating emergency plans for certain public places like movie theaters and houses of worship against gun threats. Our church doors are open during worship as they should be. Are we to bolt our doors and worship God in fear? There are ways to address gun violence, but politicians quiver and the Supreme Court just acts like nothing is happening. If you can’t shout fire in a crowded theatre, why are assault weapons so different?
Prayer for the Day
Frustrated and fearful, we come to you, O Holy One,
Trying to understand a world that seems to have gone awry;
Confused and often bewildered, we seek answers
But often we are not sure of what questions to ask.
Move us past the fear we often hide inside ourselves,
Releasing us from our inability to create change.
In the name of the One who can transform us,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
-Frank Herbert, American science fiction writer (1920-1986)
Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”
- Marie Curie, scientist, first woman Nobel laureate (1867-1934)
Hearken to my speech, O Lord; attend to my utterance;
Listen well to my voice crying out, my king and my God, to you I pray.
Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning, I lay it before you and wait.
Psalm 5: 1-2 (Robert Alter trans.)