Words for the Newtown Tragedy
For so long humanity has used the sun to guide its way on long journeys. And as striving Christians we too are on a long journey. And on this journey, we are called to put our faith in the sun of what is truly human, to guide our way.
But as everyone knows, the sun sets. Its light goes dark. The tragic events at the elementary school in Connecticut are a picture of the sunlight of our humanity growing dark.
And what can one say in the face of such darkness; such a tragedy? Political debates and discussions about independence and freedom seem out of place and opportunistic. Psychological analysis feels lacking. Even philosophizing about God and the problem of evil seems to take us away from bearing the pain, simply feeling the sadness of the tragedy. Sometimes things happen where silent prayer is the only response.
And even still…. it is true that we are in a battle. Our battle, however, is not with human beings but with spiritual beings and forces that do not believe in the human being. Forces and spiritual beings that work in us, that work in the world that want the sun of our humanity to grow dark.
And so we must fight. But not with aggression and outer weapons, our weapons must be weapons of the active human spirit. We fight with our capacity to endure: courageously enduring together the darkness when it comes. We fight with the weapon of trust; deep trust and understanding that the sun of our humanity is still there even at night, even when the lights go out. And if we have the eyes to see, there were also powerful deeds of sacrifice and love at Sandy Hook. The sun was still there even in the dark.
In this way, we join the ranks of those spiritual beings that do believe in what is human; those spiritual beings that would seek with HIS strength and HIS love to lead us more and more to what we can become.
Rev. Jonah Evans
Thank you for your words. This event has so deeply affected so many people here at home and around the world. It’s as if the powers of darkness were seeking to extinguish this period when the true light is re-born every year. But, the outpouring of grief, love, and even the call for action cannot blow out this flame that withstands the greatest hurricanes of fear and the darkness of confusion. My heart goes out to the grieving parents, friends, classmates, and all those affected by this senseless tragedy.
beautiful words, Jonah. Truth-filled, courageous and honestly comforting.
Michael and Christ were there. We hear more and more about the selfless acts of courage that transpired during that event. Bless them all with Love.