Boston

 

The City of Boston



The events of the day in Boston give us pause. In the midst of a holiday in Boston, with a Red Sox win and the completion of another marathon that has participants from throughout the world, there came two explosions. The perpetrators meant for this to cause chaos and confusion, mayhem and death. That was accomplished. Two people who lost their lives, one being an eight year old boy. I have seen photos on the internet of people without their legs, participating in a marathon, they end the day with no legs.

 

Ordinary citizens and first responders went immediately into action. Fellow participants and observers of the marathon applied tourniquets to the bleeding wounds of their fellow citizens. Many first responders, who were already on the scene to assist the marathon runners, swiftly went to work, saving many people I'm sure. And these ordinary citizens and first responders came to the aid of those wounded in the midst of a precarious situation. Who knew whether there would be one, two, three more bombs might explode?!

 

President Obama was quick to comment and state that those who perpetrated these cowardly acts "would feel the full weight of justice". We do not know who did this nor why they did it. We cannot make blanket accusations against this group or that group. We know as Americans by our past experience that there are those Americans among us who have lost their way and have done such things in the past. Whoever they are, I believe we all agree that these people must come to justice.

 

So what do we do? At this moment we pray for the city of Boston. We pray for those injured. We pray for the families who have lost loved ones. We pray.

 

I also make a commitment to not participate in violence. I will work for justice in the world. Yes, those who did this heinous crime should be punished. However, somewhere, somehow, we need to reverse the rolling tide of violence in our country and in the world. No, my response is not to strike out. Yes, we have a right to protect ourselves, but we have an obligation as Christians to be messengers of peace and agents of reconciliation.

 

For now we weep. For now we pray. In the morning we rise up to continue the work for justice and peace in the name of the Prince of Peace.

 

For now...pray for the City of Boston. Lord, hear our prayer!