Introduction
In these long weeks of Ordinary Time, the lectionary continues to ask us how we should live, what our priorities are and what our motivations might be. Given that we are all prone to putting self above others, and in spite of having good intentions, we often choose to do the wrong thing. Exploring Jesus’ teaching though these weeks continually challenges us about our lives and our choices and our ongoing need of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Context
This week in the United States of America, the worst mass shooting in modern history took place in Las Vegas. At Least 59 people have died and over 500 were injured. Amid the distress and grief, arguments about gun control look set to continue.
Americans own 265 million guns – more than one for every member of the population. The right to own guns carries a heavy weight of responsibility. There is a mass shooting (defined as an incident where four or more people are shot) approximately every ten days. America is unable or unwilling to take the steps that are needed to impose greater gun controls because of the interests of those who see ownership of guns as a right.
Some feel that action is required immediately. ’Thoughts and prayers just aren’t enough. We can’t go on like this’, says US Democratic Representative, Eric Swalwell, ‘Lawmakers cannot just watch people being slaughtered and not act. We must decide: do we want to accept these scenes or say enough?’
Reflection
Our world is very troubled and leaders often seem at a loss to know how to respond. Many stories in the news this week demonstrate the conflicted choices of governments and politicians, the ways in which the good of the many is put at risk for the interests of a few, and the actions that individuals take to damage, destroy and even to kill other people.
Jesus told stories that demonstrated the deep inner motivation of the human heart. However, in John's Gospel we are told that although the light of the world has come, people love darkness more than light (John 3.19). Today’s challenging Gospel (Matthew 21.33-46) demonstrates that we can make no assumptions about our standing with God, nor can we assume that human beings will always choose the best way.
The question for all societies is how far should we curtail everyone’s freedoms in order to protect the rights of some of the people?
Wherever God's people are, there is the expectation of justice and of lives lived according to the values of the kingdom. However, God’s people are not immune from arguments, misplaced priorities and a failure to respond to the needs of others.
‘For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his pleasant planting; he expected justice, but saw bloodshed; righteousness, but heard a cry!’ (Isaiah 5.7)
These words challenge us to look at our relationships and to guard against complacency.
In response to the events in Las Vegas, a tweet (7.38 AM 2 Oct 2017) from the Governor of Kentucky, Matt Bevin, suggests that regulation cannot solve the issue of the person with the gun: ‘To all those political opportunists who are seizing on the tragedy in Las Vegas to call for more gun regs...You can't regulate evil.'
However, that does not mean that nothing can be done. What happened in Las Vegas reminds us that we can bind ourselves together to protect ourselves from the destruction that evil can deliver unchecked. Our small choices matter in the bigger picture.
Prayer
For the grieving parents, children, friends, wives, husbands and partners of the dead in Las Vegas,
we pray for your comfort, O God.
For all those who are afraid for the future,
we pray for your comfort, O God.
For all who are traumatised by witnessing the suffering of others,
we pray for your comfort, O God.
Where there is injustice,
give us the courage to speak out.
Where words are used to deny the humanity of others,
give us the courage to speak out
Where freedom is abused,
give us courage to live differently.
The following collect may also be helpful as we consider our need of protection in responding to the world’s challenges
Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord;
and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night;
for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Questions
- Where does our own freedom clash with the freedom of other people? What is the ‘right’ balance between rights and responsibility?
- How should we respond to situations where we feel at risk?
Action
Place a large map of the United States on a table or on the floor. Invite people to write prayers – just a few words – on sticky notes, and stick these on the map. Alternatively, invite people to place lit candles (tea-lights) on the map as a sign of prayer for those suffering as a result of the shooting in Las Vegas.
Young people
When we are afraid or feel at risk, how can we avoid adding to a spiral of violence?
Diane Craven is a freelance education and spirituality consultant. She is a Reader (Licensed Lay Minister) in York Minster.
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