The points of pain in our world are so many and so deep<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Israel, Palestine, Ukraine, Maine, Acapulco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Merely to say the names burdens our souls<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With heartache and with memories of other pains<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aligned along previous pains in a sad progression<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of human sin and error<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And suffering and sadness<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That turns our faith to ashes<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where is the way forward to that world of liberty, peace, and justice we seek?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where is the path? Where is the door?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where is the light that leads to the land, free from anger, free from fear, free from want?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, we stumble in darkness<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or in darkness we sit and weep<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because grief and confusion are appropriate<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And our souls are tender and need our care<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, in time,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because we are strong, and smart, and good<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And because anger, fear, and want, are not absolute in a universe created by Love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We will rise<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And wipe our tears<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And find the light within ourselves<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And find the door that opens out<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And find the path that leads from pain to hope and promise<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And walk the path, joined by neighbors and strangers in a communion of struggle<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Until all together we enter the world community<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of liberty, peace, and justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amen.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"