Signs of Faith In The Darkness
Summary of a Fr. Gerry Creedon homily from April 22, 2007
"Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, everything in the universe, cry out: 'To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever and ever.'" Rev 5:13
Reena Samana was a member of Holy Transfiguration Church, where she and her Lebanese family participated in the Melkite Rite. She was a student of urban planning and an accomplished dancer. She stood out because of her brown eyes and long dark hair. She was one of the 32 victims of last week's tragedy in Blacksburg. At the service for her at St Timothy's - her own church could not hold the crowds - her father spoke. He adverted to the fact that their Arabic last name meant forgiveness. He shared that his family, after reflection and prayer, wished to offer forgiveness to Seung Cho and their comfort to his family.
Despite the darkness of the past week, this was one of many signs of faith, peace and solidarity. Despite the crucifixion, our church proclaims hope and resurrection all the way from Calvary to Pentecost. On the evening of April 29, St Charles will offer a time of reflection, prayer, and dialogue, as we reach out in love to victims of violence.
We are called to deepen and expand the empathy we feel for victims of violence even beyond our shores. Our prayer also embraces the thousands who are massacred in Darfur each month, while the international community stands paralyzed. Last week about two hundred people died in Iraq, many of them non-combatants. The Defense Department conducted a self study on the civilians killed recently in Halitha. It criticized the chain of command and urged an equal evaluation of the lives of Iraqis and Americans.
The tragedy at VA Tech legitimizes reflection on what our late Pope called the "Culture of Death." We are aware of the permissive attitude to the prevalence of abortion, which snuffs out life at its beginning. We recognize that modern warfare increasingly involves civilians. Their death cannot be brushed aside as collateral damage, the cost of war. We may also question the cult of the gun.
In Great Britain each year 100 people are killed by handguns. In the USA 30,000 are killed annually by handguns. Perhaps we could learn something about attitude and policy toward firearms from Mother England.
Blacksburg also brings into question care for people with mental health difficulties. An expert explained that there are 39 federal dollars available to shelter someone suffering from psychosis. It costs him 41 dollars to put his dog in a kennel overnight. The promise of community mental health requires increased resources if even those who seek attention will be helped.
Our proclamation of the sacredness of life extends to the earth itself. Pope John Paul used to talk of the earth wounded by our lack of care for God's creation.
In a time of darkness we need to renew ourselves as herald's of the light of life. The scriptures are full of life. Jesus is at the sea shore. He offers bread and fish, the elements of creation. He came that we may have life, and have it to the full.
As we approach His table today may we say 'yes' to the transforming power of His risen presence. May we prepare for Pentecost, "Lord send forth your spirit and renew the face of the earth". Then we may join the elders in the Book of Revelation, "Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, everything in the universe, cry out: 'To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever and ever.'"
