Silence is not always our friend. Silence needs to find its voice, especially in evil’s presence. Tragedies remind us of lost opportunities to act. The fact that it takes a tragedy to force a fresh reflection is an ugly reality. One would hope that calls of help would be answered when they are alive, but many are not. Those that heard then may have not known what to do. Others may not have cared. Even the actions of those that heard and cared may not have been enough to release evil’s grip on another’s heart and mind.
As many struggle to come to terms with a recent tragedy, I am reminded that the subject has come up before. With names familiar and less so, including the one that just took his own life, the community struggles to know how s/he should respond. In the struggle to understand, silence often takes charge. When one mixes in the passing of time, urgency seems to be in a losing battle. What will it take for us to persistently fight evil in every way it manifests itself?
In a sobering morning where I can see God’s tears slowly moving across the island, I find myself talking to my reflection. The recurring mantras include the following.
Embracing compassion, community, and caring (action) is the best preparation I can take in the battle with evil. I need to know and experience Divine goodness. In Divinity’s embrace my heart is restored and strengthened.
Priorities and values are the foundation for every action. As important as my self-centered wants and desires are, you and I have a higher calling. We are invited to be part of a bigger story that involved everyone in the family. Divinity has a role with and for us.
Using our voice, hands, and ears is part of our response. We are not here as silent participants. We are called to echo David’s call in our own words and in the context of our time; “Up with God! Down with his enemies! Adversaries, run for the hills!” (Psalm 68.1)
Action.
