Readings

Lament in Time of War

When we read the morning paper, when we look out at the world,
we are nervous, we are frightened, we are angry.
The prospect of war overshadows all else.

Whether we believe that waging this war is necessary or criminal,
we know how terrible war is.
There is no war without destruction, without suffering, without death.

War changes things, for the worse, forever.
And we know that Iraqis, like Americans, are people.
They, like us, have dignity and worth.
They, like us, love their children.
They, like us, will bleed if they are pricked.

The psalmist of old would remind God of God's faithfulness.
The psalmist of old would remind God of how God has rescued us in the past.
The psalmist of old would remind God that we are God's children.
And then the psalmist would gently remind God,
We need you now.

O God, we need you to give wisdom to our leaders.
O God, we need you to lead us to peace with justice.
O God, we need you to show us that you are still in charge.

But, alas, God has given us our freedom.
God has told us that the future is our responsibility now.
God has implanted divinity within us,
so that it is our wisdom, our love, our faith that will save the world,
if the world is to be saved.

But we are scared.
Where will we find hope?

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