As the nation faces the latest mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, Friends are offering thoughts and prayers, holding in the light all who are touched by these human tragedies. Out of this sense of spirit, Friends are also committing to action to stop this violence.
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world
-St Teresa of Avila
Our thoughts and prayers are not empty placations, words meant to distance and absolve the speaker from the tragedy, the victims, the perpetrator, and the concrete actions that can prevent these kinds of tragedies in the first place. Rather, Friends offer prayers of light and love with the understanding that spirit-led action must follow.
As Friends, we pray with mind, spirit and body, relying on prayer so that we can be truly led to take the actions that God intends for us to take. We know that guns kill. The time for empty platitudes is over.
Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. (John 14:12-13)
Friends, keep praying and holding in the light, and remember that our feet and hands must verily follow where God wants us to go next. Our elected officials are failing in their responsibility to assure our safety and security when they allow mass shooting after mass shooting to happen without changes in our laws to stop gun violence.
It is time to speak Truth to power. Reach out to your representatives and speak of your values and the moral underpinnings that guide your life. Ask your members of Congress to address Congress’ failure to pass common sense, responsible legislation and policies to check the appalling rates of gun violence in the United States. Our policymakers need to act now. We cannot wait for another massacre.
