February 6, 2023
Saturday, February 11th is our next gathering to witness and pray for those who have lost their lives “through senseless acts of violence.” This month we will remember: Lawrence Bell, 27 – stabbing Marc Giles-Sims, 34 – gun violence Steven Carlson, 68 – vehicular homicide Ray Kennedy, 60 – pedestrian Wade Brunson, 47 – stabbing And on the national scene, Tyre Nichols, 29 - death by police in Memphis, TN Perhaps now is a good time to reflect on words from the book of the prophet Habakkuk 1:2-4; and 2:2-4. We read: How long, O Lord? I cry for help but you do not listen! I cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not intervene. Why do you let me see ruin; why must I look at misery? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it still surely come, it will not be late.” God of life, source of hope, the violence within our world, our communities, our families, indeed our very selves is destroying our creation. Make still the restless spirit within me that is self-seeking. Stir within my heart a renewed Spirit of reverence, respect, and reconciliation. In union with the Precious Blood of Jesus, give me the strength to break the cycle of violence by realizing that peace begins with me. Amen.