Just a month ago I wrote a reflection in response to a mass shooting in our country, and here we are again. This time it was at a place of worship - a familiar Sunday morning setting for most of us - evoking similar yet possibly more intense, personal emotions than past events. Last Sunday in our worship service we heard the familiar text of Jesus's Beatitudes. Pastor Steve Garnaas-Holmes approached these same Beatitudes in light of Sunday's tragedy, writing:

 

Sutherland Springs Beatitudes

 

Blessed are they who are devastated,

For theirs is the realm of heaven.

 

Blessed are they who grieve for this country,

For they shall be comforted.

 

Blessed are they who are nonviolent,

For they shall inherit the earth.

 

Blessed are they who long for a culture of peace

For they shall be satisfied.

 

Blessed are they who seek healing, not revenge,

For they shall receive mercy.

 

Blessed are they who desire only blessing for all,

For they shall see God.

 

Blessed are they who work for the healing of the world,

For they shall be called children of God.

 

Blessed are they who meet opposition

In their work for peace and justice,

For theirs is the realm of heaven.

Blessed are you when people dismiss and insult you.

Rejoice, and be glad:

Great is your reward in the heart of all things,

For in just this way

They persecuted the prophets who were before you.