Inside ML

September 11

At the risk of sounding Pollyanna-ish, I say yes, absolutely. There is much we can do. There is much we are already doing. If our work, our ministry, ever mattered in the first place, it matters more than ever now. The forces of darkness have struck us, but they have not struck us down. I have been impressed in the weeks after the tragedy by all the efforts at reconciliation and unity. Republicans are publicly hugging Democrats in a secular “sign of peace.” Jews, Muslims and Christians are standing united against terror and for tranquility. Arabs and other Semitic people are experiencing stupid and unwarranted acts of retribution. However, the majority of us are not silently looking the other way. There have been public outcries and efforts at educating those who need to learn tolerance.

The kingdom of peace and justice is more a reality now than it has been in the past. We will continue to build it, and no force in this world or any other will be able to destroy it.

ML readers know the power of ritual to comfort, to heal, and to challenge the world to justice and reconciliation. We draw strength and sustenance from our corporate prayer. Many communities have come together for special prayers at this time and all of us have shaped our regular liturgical gatherings to enable us to respond to these difficult times.

ML would like to hear how your community has responded in prayer. What liturgies have you created? What prayers have you used? What songs are you singing? In what ways have you adapted your rituals? Send your replies to Mleditor@rpinet.com, and we’ll share your comments with the rest of the ML community.ML

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