Devotion - Tuesday, October 30

I don't know what to say about the thought I need to share with you this morning.  The attacks at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh demands that we speak, and I will try.

And let's not forget that that attack was but one of several which happened over the weekend.

At the Mens' Group last night, we acknowledged how rare it is for there to be honest and open talk; how it seems impossible to be heard.  Maybe that is where we need to start - maybe we need to listen.  But, it is tough to sit still and listen to talk which even allows for the labeling of others.

It does seem that those who espouse hate have been emboldened and that they have managed to shift the understanding of what it means to be the victim.  

It is no small thing to pray.  To pray for those who are murdered simply for believing something different than their murderer.  To pray for a generous understanding of who is my neighbor and for a stronger commitment to loving neighbor.  And to pray for a more civil society in which the work and merits of one person are not elevated by demeaning another.

Pray.  Maybe this is a time which will remind us that our work is not sufficient; that only Jesus can cure an illness of this magnitude.