June 2, 2022
The month of May will be remembered as a month of grieving. From Buffalo, NY to Uvalde, TX lives of young and old have been lost to hatred and gun violence. Here in our own community, families have also experienced the deaths of those they loved: May 6 Taylor Johnson, 21, found shot to death in a car on Saylor St. in Harrison Twp.; May 16 Steven L. Arnold, 39 shot on W. Third St., died on May 17; May 18 Myquan R. Taylor, 29, shot on Stewart St., died 3 days later on May 21. May 28 Reinaldo Gomez Taylor, 33, shot near Save-A-Lot on N. Gettysburg Ave.; May 29 Jermaine Chatham, 42, shot in the 700 block of Parkview Ave.; May 31 Bobbie Daniels, 40, shot while cutting grass in Trotwood. And we remember the countless lives ended in Ukraine. “Thoughts and prayers are not enough.” This is a phrase so often heard during this time of so much loss and grief. And yet we do pray mindful that God works through us and calls us to build a better world. Scripture: Revelations 21: 1 3-4 Then I saw new heavens and a new earth. The former heavens and the former earth had passed away ... I heard a voice from the throne cry out: 'This is God’ dwelling among [all people]. He shall dwell with them and they shall be his people and he shall be their God who is always with them. He shall wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, crying out or pain, for the former world has passed away. We pray: God of our lives, you are always calling us to follow you into the future, inviting us to new ventures, new challenges, new ways to care, new ways to touch the hearts of all. When we become fearful of the unknown, give us courage. When we worry that we are not up to the task, remind us that you would not call us if you did not believe in us. When we get tired or feel disappointed with the way thing are going, remind us that you can bring change and hope out of the most difficult situation. (Kathy Galloway) We reflect: In this culture of racism and violence, to what is God calling me? With which of the feelings in the above prayer do I most identify? Where do I find hope? In Scripture, in persons, in movements, in ... We ask: God in your mercy, hear us. For Taylor, Steven, Myquan, Reinaldo, Jermaine, Bobbie and all victims of violence, especially those in Buffalo, Uvalde and Ukraine ... For the family and friends of all who grieve ... For all who inflict violence, that they find both justice and mercy ... For wisdom guidance and compassion on all who serve the common good ... For ourselves, that we may actively pursue lives of non-violence ... For these intentions that I hold in my heart ... OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN ...