Today's Gospel talks about being baptized by fire. John the Baptist says in the book of Luke:
" I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."
You know a lot of times in life we learn from our mistakes, often times those "mistakes" have horrible consequences. These consequences make us stronger people.
When we look at the tragedy of the shootings at Sandy Hook, we have to look at the mistakes that were made, that allowed such a devastating loss for those 27 families, the community of Sandy Hook elementary, the State of Connecticut and our nation as a whole. People say "oh, this is a a time for prayer, for mourning, a time to care for the living and the dead.". Ok, here is something to consider while you are praying:
If there is to be peace in the world,
There must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbors.
If there is to be peace between neighbors,
There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home,
There must be peace in the heart.
The peace that we seek has to come from each heart in all of us. We must allow peace to prevail, not hate, or anger. For hate and anger lead to violence. Violence leads to tragedy. The lesson to be learned is said best from lyrics to a version of " the little drummer boy" recorded by David Bowie and Bing Crosby
"Every child must be made aware
Every child must be made to care
Care enough for his fellow man
To give all the love that he can"
Pray for healing and action that will endure so tragedy doesn't fall on another heart, another home, another neighbor, another city, in our nation, and in our world.
Amen.
