MANY REASONS FOR ANGER – AND HOPE
Another mass shooting in The States.
This time in a small-town Texas church. The shooter? Thankfully, a
white American-born veteran. The answer to the problem, according to
those local people who were interviewed? More God and more guns.
I'm an optimist. Usually. But above
all, I try to follow the Ways and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. I'm
not a Christian, having to believe that believing that Jesus was God
saves us from 'hell', a fate we deserve because our ancestors ate a
forbidden apple. I believe what I have experienced, that love really
IS the Way of God, Who-ever/What-ever God is, and that Jesus, as well
as others, teach us in that understanding. And I know that the
understanding that supports the whole gun-thing in the US is in total
opposition to that rule of love.
I have talked to many of that other
way. I don't know how to deal with them. There is no common ground
from which to step toward each other. All I can do is to DO what I
know, to grow in love myself and share my life with others. I simply
have to admit that I can't affect what happens in Texas, other than
acting in my knowing that all of creation is somehow connected, and
growing and loving here can and will affect all,now and even forever.
But are there others who agree with
me? I doubt there are many in churches, for they seem so very
satisfied in doing little, not sharing or going beyond the 'usual',
especially in the Christmas season. When people of so-called belief
are content with bazaars and songs, even amidst the hatred and fears
that grow around us, when all of creation yearns and is literally
dying for love, how can I not become angry, especially at churches?
Is
there hope for real change from the 'spiritual but not religious'
majority? When the very word religion
has come to be anathema to many, and the sharing of anythings
spiritual and personal is taboo and suspect, it would be surprising
to say the least. But that's what miracles are all about.
Yet, the ancient
season of Advent is near, the time of hope and expectation of new
life, the awareness of Emmanuel, God among us. I can't allow my anger
to cloud my vision nor slow my steps.
So, I enter this
holiday season, trying to prepare for something new and hopeful,
trying to give churches yet another chance to become real to their
task, but expecting yet again to be frustrated and disappointed by
shallowness, conformity and tradition, although the one in who's name
they gather, was a rebel, a reformer and a free thinker.
I will try to
channel my anger into creative sadness, once again. But don't be
surprised, friends, when anger raises it's head. The 'more guns and
more God' group plus the 'belief is all that counts' bunch, plus the
'being nice is what counts' folks, all put together, often is just
too much for me to handle without getting mad.
Thanks for
hearing.
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