After I wrote last week about life and the growing indifference to the value and sanctity of human life, we hear about another tragic event – this time in Texas. Once again we weep, pray, and wonder why. The lament of Psalm 13 seems to sum up the feelings of many:
How long, Lord?
How long must I carry sorrow in my soul,
grief in my heart day after day?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Look upon me, answer me, Lord, my God!
Give light to my eyes lest I sleep in death,
Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed.”
The prophecy of Jeremiah speaks to the most unimaginable – a repeat of the terror of Sandy Hook:
In Ramah is heard the sound of sobbing,
bitter weeping!
Rachel mourns for her children,
she refuses to be consoled
for her children—they are no more!
Brothers and sisters, we are destroying one another; and that is why everyone of us who has heard the mandate from God spoken in Deuteronomy to “choose life” must act to effect change in the law of land so that all life is protected. Write, call, march – whatever you can do to make a difference. Pray that the world embraces life.
And at all times…Take care of one another. Encourage one another. Be attentive to those who do not believe they should be alive; tell them that you love them and get them the help they need. Listen to the stories of the aging and the lonely: learn from their lives. Do not forget those who mourn the loss of life: sit with them, listen, and pray with them. Give thanks for life, and everyday do something that is lifegiving.
I pray that our lamenting is one day turned into rejoicing, and so I turn again to the author of Psalm 13 again for a glimmer of hope:
But I trust in your mercy.
Grant my heart joy in your salvation.
I love you and pray for you every day.
