Violence

It may seem strange that on this website, which deals with issues of faith, I have taken so many days to write about the shootings at Virginia Tech and NASA. Violence is so difficult to understand theologically, and the impact so emotionally devastating, that I have found myself struggling for words. Over the past year, I have seen how gun violence impacts young people in this country, particularly in urban areas. The recent shootings brought back to me the feelings of mourning for the victims, empathy for the survivors and doubt about the prospects for peace.

At the same time, I felt a flash of hope for people’s ability to save one another, when I read the story about Liviu Librescu, the professor who gave up his life to save a classroom of students from death. One article in the New York Times about Librescu has received hundreds of comments from readers expressing gratitude and admiration for Librescu, and compassion for those who survive him.

My heart goes out to all of the family members and friends who have lost their loved ones. Reading the profiles of the victims, including stories and personal details, I felt overwhelmed by the sense that every one of them was infinitely special and sacred. May the Spirit bless and keep the many people around the country and around the world who are impacted by these tragedies, and guide all of us in working for peace.