by Bishop Bill Gohl
The Psalmist speaks of our wanton sacrifice of human life which has become so commonplace and daily an event that we are increasingly numb to both its realities, and the responsibilities it places on us as the people of God to combat. We cannot simply accept the violence and destruction that permeates our nation, nor can we ignore the blood that runs freely on our streets in Wilmington, Baltimore, and the crossroads at which our congregations stand on Main Street, USA - across Delaware and Maryland.
Vague and ambiguous calls for “thoughts and prayers” directed toward those who grieve our communal sin’s consequences is not enough; our baptismal vocation calls us to act for peace, justice and the dignity of every human being and all of creation. “Thoughts and prayers” - without any credible move toward action and reform - only compounds the sin and diminishes the power that prayer exercises in us and through us to embolden our witness and work toward transforming ourselves, our culture, and our world. One does not offer prayers in lieu of demonstrating courage to act, but rather in preparation.
Harry Emerson Fosdick prays well with us in this circumstance: Save us from weak resignation, to the evils we deplore; cure your children’s warring madness, bend our pride to your control; grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the facing of this hour. (ELW, No. 705)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect.
– Romans 12:2