Psalms 1, 2, 3 * 4, 7; Isaiah 40:12-23; Ephesians 1:1-14; Mark 1:1-13Where do we start after a weekend like the one that we have just collectively experienced? The attempted assassination of a member of Congress and the murder of innocent bystanders and the gunshot injuries to others has captured the attention of our nation, and the world. Whether the individual in custody was influenced by the sharp political rhetoric that has permeated our national discourse has yet to be definitively established. At a minimum I believe the inappropriate tone and tenor of that discourse has exasperated a climate of intolerance that permeates so much of our lives and could not have helped.
So where do we begin? Perhaps we begin like the Gospel writer we call Mark does: with directness, clarity, succinctness and an over-riding pervasive faith that drives all that we do and say. There are times when these qualities of Mark's Gospel make it a challenging one to appreciate. On days like today, I think the forthrightness of Mark is what can help us through these days of confusion and frustration and anger and sadness. Reading the action-oriented beginning of Mark's Gospel can help focus our priorities and our prayers.
Keep all the victims of the mass shooting in Tucson in the forefront of your prayers and thoughts. May God's love and comfort envelop all those who grieve, mourn or are in pain.
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Copyright 2011, The Rev. John F. Dwyer. All Rights Reserved.
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