Wednesday, April 18, 2007

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.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Susie:
I too, am horrified and saddened by the violence in Blacksburg, having driven by that campus many times while enroute to the D.C. area.

As I reflect on sources of violence, the power of words comes to mind: the power of words to dismiss, to degrade, and to eventually destroy what is most precious within an individual. I wonder what words, whether spoken or written may have influenced the feelings of hatred and despair that led to Cho's violation of others, himself, and even an entire community. May all of us who have caused hurt to others be brought to humble repentance.

Susan Ayers