"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." The Book of Revelation
Dear Children of God:
It is with great weeping and heavy hearts we each hear of the incident today in Boston. As people joined together to celebrate life and the movement of the human body -- lives were taken, killed, injured and destroyed. We experience fear in the face of such unholy confusion and bewilderment as to why such an event would ever become manifest. The dance of life has been shattered in this moment and now we must turn to one another and truly become the hands and feet of Christ.
I encourage you each to not spend these moments judging or attempting to discern who is guilty but rather to pray and to give. Pray asking for the abounding mercy and peace of God to be with the responders, medics, grief counselors and clergy. Pray for the souls of those lost to find peace in the unfathomable love of God which knows no end or death. Pray for the families of those fatally wounded, that they may in time heal but now be able to mourn and wail. Pray for the families of all those injured to be able to care for their loved ones, as needed, without fear of finances. Pray for whoever caused this incident, purposefully or not, that they too will allow the love of God to be manifested within themselves. Pray for the children who have bore witness to this tragedy that their parents and guardians will be able to bring your peace to their minds, a peace which surpasses our human understanding. Pray for those who will be and are already being persecuted simply for their ethnicity and faith, support them with your love.
Give today and in the following days by becoming vibrant icons of God. We are God's tears, his hands, her feet, his arms of love, her words of solace. Allow God's love to move through you to others in need. Be there for those who are connected to this tragedy and simply need fellowship to endure the pain and fear. Give by means of opening your wallets to trusted organization and families in need after this day. Give by being Incarnate Christ to all who are in need during these woeful hours. Moments such as these affect far many more than we often acknowledge or realize, seek out those in your community who are need of being embraced in God's arms, your arms.
May we all remember that today is not the end for anyone for during this Paschal season we are continually reminded: Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and upon those in the tombs bestowing life! But in this hour we do weep for God weeps when any of his children are hurt. The Divine One weeps for all involved. Do we weep? Do we pray? Do we give? This is our calling as people of faith. God weeps over Boston by our tears.
Lord, have mercy!
Christ, have mercy!
Lord, have mercy!
May we have mercy on others through our words, actions and prayers!
Peace be with your spirit,
Daniel +
Open Episcopal Church