Uvalde - May 25
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:97-120; PM Psalm 81, 82
Lev. 26:27-42; Eph. 1:1-10; Matt. 22:41-46
Yesterday, there was a shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. The news is still fresh. More is being released. Each detail brings the picture of horror into more focus, and yet the anguish continues. Nineteen kids. Fourth graders. A fourth-grade teacher. Others.
Having empathy means that we open ourselves to understand and share the feelings of another. Adopting a posture of empathy right now is overwhelming. The waves of sorrow are not lapping at our feet but threaten to crash over our heads. Jesus tells his friends as he prepares them for his departure, "I will not leave you comfortless [or orphaned]; I am coming to you." (John 14:18) We can take those words of Jesus, and the ones that follow, with us today: "...know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you." Jesus the Healer is in the midst of the families grieving today. He is binding them up. In the long goodbye to the disciples in John 14 and beyond, Jesus tells his friends, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." (v. 27)
Last night, there were responses from many across the Episcopal Church. The Presiding Bishop Michael Curry led a time of prayer. I commend this video to you.
The Rt. Rev. David Reed, Bishop of the Diocese of West Texas, that includes the people of Uvalde in their geographic region, issued a request for prayer. Bishop Reed shared this prayer at the conclusion of the message:
O God our Father, whose beloved Son took children into his arms and blessed them: Give us grace to entrust your beloved children of Uvalde to your everlasting care and love, and bring them fully into your heavenly kingdom. Pour out your grace and loving-kindness on all who grieve; surround them with your love; and restore their trust in your goodness. We lift up to you our weary, wounded souls and ask you to send your Holy Spirit to take away the anger and violence that infects our hearts, and make us instruments of your peace and children of the light. In the Name of Christ who is our hope, we pray. Amen.
We find ourselves in a space of great discomfort. Croatian theologian and professor of theology at Yale Divinity School wrote this: "There is something deeply hypocritical about praying for a problem you are unwilling to resolve." What are you and I to do about all of this?
For right now, I leave this reflection upon your email doorstep. We get to take the next steps as each of us feel so called to do: grieve as rain pours down from the heavens; hug our loved ones tightly; equip our kids and young people with resources to process hard things; lend our hands to support those in need; and, lift our voices as faithful people to bring about change in this world, with God's help and healing grace.
Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
In the face of tragedy, how do you respond?
What are the losses you grieve today?
Daily Challenge
Sit in prayer for the people in Uvalde, Texas, and those at Robb Elementary School. Pray for teachers and students in your neighborhood. Listen for where God is calling you to respond in your community.