No Words

I have no words for the horrible violence at VT this week. But I've heard and read many words, and these were especially moving to me.

From PPB and a commenter:
Unbelievable. Lord have mercy - May it never, ever become believable.

From Laurel:
What kind of hell was the shooter in that made him think mowing down 33 people, including himself, was a better option?

For our noon service this week, we skipped our usual observance of lesser feasts and used the propers "For Peace". It doesn't seem like enough, but clinging to hope and prayer as one woman awaited news from Blacksburg was what we had.

O day of peace that dimly shines
through all our hopes and prayers and dreams,
guide us to justice, truth, and love,
delivered from our selfish schemes.
May the swords of hate fall from our hands,
our hearts from envy find release,
till by God's grace our warring world
shall see Christ's promised reign of peace.

Then shall the wolf dwell with the lamb,
nor shall the fierce devour the small;
as beasts and cattle calmly graze,
a little child shall lead them all.
Then enemies shall learn to love,
all creatures find their true accord;
the hope of peace shall be fulfilled,
for all the earth shall know the Lord.

Funny Guy

I'm struggling tonight with the shape of my sermon. (Why else would I be blogging at 10 pm on a Saturday evening?) So, over dinner, I generously offered to let my husband preach, and I would take his ushering duties in the morning. He countered that his sermon would be string of platitudes and quaint sayings, like the following:

An apple a day keeps bankruptcy away

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, especially if you're hunting with VP Cheney.

A penny saved is a germ-ridden piece of metal that costs more to make than its actual worth.


Needless to say, I've revoked my offer. Back to the sermon...

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’



Alleluia, Christ is Risen!