This has been a horrendous week with many of us feeling that we are just caught in a web of political violence as well as gun violence. Memories of 9-11 still sear those of us who witnessed the Twin Towers falling and hearing the thump of bodies falling to the street. Although we have an aging population, nearly a third of us weren’t born until after the events of 9-11.
But those under 25 have grown up with gun violence and increasing political violence. The amazing thing is that cohort is also most concerned about environmental policy, or rather its failure. It seems to be the old and the rich who are unconcerned, keeping fossil fuel exploration while the cost of wind power has plummeted by 70% and the cost of solar by 90%. Clean energy.
Young people are caught between hope and despair. Supporting clean energy and a clean environment, they also face increased violence in their everyday lives. What message are we giving to the generation that will replace us?
Prayer for the Day
Fountain of life, we come to you, during a time of change and ferment;
We want to drink you in as cool water on a summer’s day,
But we are troubled by events that overwhelm our thoughts,
And we want to turn aside and forget what disturbs us
Help us, Breath of life, to discern your vibrant presence among us,
As we seek communion with each other, through your grace.
Lifting our spirits through the One we follow,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Charlie Kirk is dead, yet another victim of gun violence in a nation where what should be a rarity has turned into a plague.
Zohran Mamdani, at forum of Jews for Racial and Economic Justice
Democratic societies will always have political disagreements, but we must never allow America to become a country that confronts those disagreements with violence. Attacks against political or ideological opponents are cowardly and un-American, and must be universally condemned.
Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who was shot in 2011
Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines;
Though the produce of the olive fails, and the fields produce no food,
Though the flock is cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls,
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord and exult in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3: 17-18