Our Fallen World

I woke up this morning to the news of terrorists murdering travelers and commuters in Brussels.  Oftentimes, events like this are called tragedies.  In truth, they're outrages.  Murder in the name of God or a political ideology isn't something that happens to people; it's something that is intentionally done by some people to others.  Why one person would murder another person is a question that has been asked since the beginning of time.  Facile answers are all too easy to come by.  I know I can't offer a definitive explanation.

What I do know is this: later this week we will remember the murder of Jesus by those who were frightened, angry, ruthless, fallen.  And at that moment, God was present, experiencing Jesus' pain and suffering, ultimately turning it into something healing.  This morning I have no doubt that God is with the people of Brussels.  That may be small comfort to some.  I can understand that.  But when I consider the alternative - that we are alone, that the universe cares not a whit about us - I find the implications depressing and unbearable.  Humanity has shown itself to be capable of wondrous things but also too easily succumbs to barbarism.  Left to our own devices, we're in trouble.  But with God to lead us in a new direction, there can be hope.

This day, as we pray for those killed and injured in Belgium, as we lift up our fallen world before God, let us ask with humility and abandon, that the One who came to us in the person of Jesus will continue to be with us, showing us a better way, a path that will lead to the kingdom.

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