A vigil this week at the Princeton Theological Seminary reunion.
“Lord, how long will I cry, and you will not hear? I cry out to you, “Violence!” and will you not save?" – Habakkuk 1:2
The words of the prophet Habakkuk resonate throughout our communities and our country. As I write, my mind defaults to us/them – no matter which side… and I’m sick of it.
Why is it that we aren’t willing to act? We’re in paralysis. We’re concretized in our self-righteousness. We’re stuck in a stalemate. They see it. We do too. Yet neither is willing to blink… and children die.
Pointing fingers won’t break the impasse. Thoughts and prayers offer little comfort. Jesus said “If you keep my words, you love me. If you don’t keep my words, you don’t love me.”
Just because we don’t know the answer doesn’t mean there isn’t one. Love is a verb. Let us keep the word. May we be fierce, resolute, and unafraid.
Here are some direct links to resources from the PC(USA) Office of Christian Formation shared by the presbytery that might be helpful.
Gun Violence Resources (Presbyterian Peacemaking)
How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings (Common Sense Media)