By now we all know about the tragedy in Aurora, CO that took place on July 20th
when an armed person walked into a movie theater and opened fire on the
unsuspecting audience, killing and wounding dozens.
When the
unexplainable happens, we are tempted to ask why, but there is no
reason that could satisfy. We can only acknowledge our shock, our horror, our
sadness, our compassion, and our hope (even when that hope seems too thin to
name).
There are no
magic words that will bring the dead back to life.
There is no
ritual that will miraculously mend the broken hearts of those who are grieving
the loss of loved ones.
Even as wounded
bodies heal, we know the psychic wounds may linger much longer.
And while the
assailant will undoubtedly face a system of justice, no amount of punishment,
rehabilitation, sorrow, or regret will undo the harm that was unleashed by his
actions.
And still, as
powerless and overwhelmed as the situation may leave us feeling, and as
senseless as the violence seems to be to us, human decency and goodness demand
of us an expression of concern, despair, and deeply held wishes for healing for
the people of Aurora, CO.
And so, once
again, we turn to the practice of prayer for the comfort and strength it can
provide.
Let us pray:
Spirit of
life,
the tears
and moans of the grieving people of Aurora must reverberate throughout the
universe, touching and moving the very heart of the one Presence in which
we live and move and have our being. We can't know what brokenness led
to the horrific events of that tragic day. Nor can we know how or when healing,
peace, and joy will return to the community that has been so badly shaken. But
we do know that weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the
morning. The night may be long, but it must eventually give way to a new
day. We give thanks that anguish is not everlasting. We are thankful that the
human spirit is resilient and that Life, in spite of chaos, is always seeking to
express Itself in marvelous ways. And so, unnamable Mystery upon which we depend
but that can never be fully known, we ask you to move gently among the people of
Aurora to begin the healing process that will lead them to one day embrace the
possibilities of life again and to claim that peace that passes
understanding and joy unspeakable; for goodness' sake.
Amen.
In the shared human experience,
Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins
Senior Minister
Sunshine
Cathedral
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