27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
As I sit at my desk to write this reflection/meditation, I suddenly realize that this day is 9/11, when we commemorate those tragic events and loss of life in New York City. It is also the day after the horrific shooting at a University in Utah. Today’s First Reading from the prophet Habakkuk, Chapter 1, reads like this: 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.
While violence and its consequences stare us in the face, many so-called experts and specialists tell us, “This is not who we are!” That statement may refer to what we would like to be or become, but honestly, we have always struggled with violence within and socially. Some encourage violence, and others plead to tone down the rhetoric that might lead to or incite violence.
Historically, our politics and our religious traditions have always been violent. Quick examples: Two presidents were mortally shot. At the beginning, we recall the fraternal murder in Genesis. Preaching on 9/11, I pointed to the crucifix and invited the congregation to look at a violent act, and at a victim of that violence.
As I reflect on these events and recall our common religious and social/political experiences, I realize that violence has been with us from the beginning, and it will always remain a struggle to combat our urge to strike out as well as our social discourse inclination to blame and justify. Our holy Scriptures remind us that only God can deliver us from this plague (sin, if you prefer)
Prayer:
“You (God) delivered me from the violent.” (Psalm 18:48). Save me from the violence of others as well as the violence I harbor within. (See 2 Samuel 22:3). Amen!
