ORDINARY DAYS; EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS

Many of us are still in shock at the events of this past Monday. The words and images are etched in our minds, defying any efforts to ignore, dilute or erase them. Although we wish they weren’t there in the first place, reality often forces us to cope with sudden, unmistakably life-defying memories. But, even as we are acutely aware of the tragedy at VA Tech, most of us can only begin to imagine the anguish of grief-stricken parents, children, relatives and friends of the deceased. Nor can we truly picture the horrifying, vivid flashbacks that invade the minds of the survivors. Still, we do have a sense, however limited, of what they must be going through – and so our hearts and our prayers go out to them.

Not long ago, our hearts went out to Mary, Jesus’ mother, as she watched her son being nailed to a cross, hoisted up, and put on display for all the world to see. Innocent of the crime of which he was accused; murdered all the same. Our hearts also went out to his disciples – Peter, James, John and the others – and, maybe even Judas. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, it is not surprising that many of them ran away – afraid for their lives.

Violence, whether by crucifixion, gas chambers, bombs, guns or words – can damage the mind, kill the body and destroy the soul. Evil has no favorites. This past Monday’s rampage clearly showed that: Black and white, male and female, parents and children, citizens and non-citizens, professors and students, perpetrator and victims all were within reach of its deadly embrace.

Evil has no favorites. Perhaps more challenging is the question, “Does good have favorites?”

Is the God you and I believe in,
One who loves those who died any less than those who survived?
One who loves the beloved disciple more than Peter?
One who loves those who die for their faith more than those who do not?

How we answer those questions depends in part on what we do in the ordinary days. . . because ordinary days have a way of revealing our priorities. How we spend our time and money; who we spend them with or on; what we think about, pray about, worry about. . . and if we take the time to cultivate our relationship with God – so that when extraordinary events come – as they will – and our faith is tested – we might waver a bit – but we’ll remain rooted and grounded in that God.
Extraordinary events – especially tragedies – often prompt us to reflect on our lives.

Are we living according to our stated priorities?
Are they ultimately what are most important in life?
Or do we need to change at least some of them? Most of us know that that’s easier said than done.

After their traumatic experience, most of Jesus’ disciples eventually return to their comfort zone. Although Jesus has come to them twice before, reassuring them that he is risen, they still seek out that with which they are familiar and comfortable – fishing. But Jesus comes to them in their comfort zone. And he still finds them in the same old boat – unable to catch any fish. Once again, all their striving is to no avail. So Jesus steps in, and they experience again the abundance he offers.

It is only after Jesus feeds them that he tells Peter to feed his sheep. He does not ask Peter – or us – to feed others without first feeding us. On ordinary days, “how open are we to receiving his gift of himself?” How we cope with extraordinary events depends in part on who and what is feeding us – and so who we’re becoming – in the ordinary days.

Because, whether we like it or not, for good or for ill, one person can make a difference.

Recall that the murder-suicide at VA Tech occurred on Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day,
But, by offering his body as a barricade, a holocaust survivor gave his life so that at least some of his students could be saved.

It occurred during the week of the anniversaries of the Columbine school shootings and the Oklahoma City bombings.
But, by blocking the door with furniture, a VA Tech student helped save his classmates.

It occurred while many in our nation were reeling from Don Imus’ sexist, racist slurs. But, by offering words of comfort and hope, many in our nation are helping to heal the community’s emotional wounds.

For good or for ill, one person can make a difference.

Whether or not each person chooses to make a positive difference in our world, the fact remains that Jesus died for all – those who choose good and those who choose evil.

Still, in Jesus’ resurrection, God reminds us that:
Death does not have the last word
“Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.”
In the end, God’s justice and God’s peace will prevail.

Living into God’s dream of justice and peace for all means believing - in ordinary days or extraordinary events – that each of us is called to make a positive difference.