The word “why” can be one of wonder. It can also be a word of annoyance when it comes, usually continuously, from the mouth of a two or three year old. It can also be word of deep mourning when we lose one we love and cry to God, “Why?!”
It is this latter that is, sadly, today’s meditation. Just a day ago, yet another shooting happened in a public high school and many are dead. No, this is not about gun control because this blog is about faith, hope, love, and observances of life. No, the thoughts here are about “Why”. First, why do things like this happen and how can we wrap our minds around such evil and pain.
We are, most of us, taught to think of God as someone who has to punish us for our sins, who had to send his Son to earn our forgiveness. This is just not true, we are all amazing creations, the representation of the image of God on this earth, so God does not punish us. Second, why does God allow this to happen? This question also reflects a belief that God controls each and every movement, act, and event. If this is true, we have no free will. If this is true, we have no choices and we are created to be either good or evil.
I learned a long time ago, as a therapist, that the question is not why but what now? This is the real question of why. Why do we continue to let these things happen? You see, it is us, collectively, that have allowed a world evolve (or perhaps devolve) that there are shootings in churches and schools and clubs. We have allowed violence to rule our days. When you have to have “active shooter” drills a colleges, high schools and churches, the world has changed.
I want you to hear this though, that young, mentally ill kid is not the problem, he is the symptom. I believe he is the symptom of a world we have allowed to happen. We have created a world in which parents are detached from their kids. Parents have unresolved issues and cannot help their own children. We are no longer our brother’s keepers. We see things and are afraid to report them or tell someone.
So, dear ones, this post is not very uplifting on a day when it seems most dark. The question is not why but what now? We can change this. I believe we are called to joy, to love, to peace. Can I see God in a young man who pulls the trigger and kills so many? When I can, I will understand what the real problem is in this world. Until I can connect to the “least” of God’s children, I cannot understand how to help the problem.
We are each responsible for these terrible events. Until we actively choose to see our responsibility and get involved, they will continue. We are God’s presence in this world. If we don’t do it who will? If now is not the time, when is the time?
TMM