I rambled on Monday in response to the events of this past weekend, and so will not ramble much today.  What I will do is suggest that if you are still thinking and praying and responding to the terrible Pulse shooting, that you consider coming to X Compline tonight.  We will set the contemplative mood that we use for X Church, including silences, chanting, beautiful music, incense, and will be adding special prayers for the victims, the shooter, and all those affected. 

As I have reflected before, peace is more than the absence of conflict or violence.  It is a state of being that includes a sense of contentment and wholeness.  Even though the shooting subsided relatively quickly, the shattering of the peace in our nation will take much longer to return, as it almost always done.  For me, our X services are the best portal to a period of peaceful worship and reflection I’ve found.  I am looking forward to the healing balm of the liturgy tonight, and if you are able, I encourage you to join us at 8:00 pm in the Church.  The service is likely to last about 30 minutes, as Compline is a short evening service in the Daily Office, intended to be said before bed.

There are things to be done after shootings like this one, as I mentioned on Monday.  Those things will take different forms for each of us.  We must also remember to keep on living and loving and seeking the light that surrounds us.  We honor the dead by living to the fullest, in recognition that they cannot do so on this side of heaven.  Perhaps you will want to live in relationship to others by joining us on Friday for our pool party, or by going out to dinner with friends, or by doing whatever makes your heart sing.  Whatever it is, do it with thanksgiving for the gift of another day.  May God keep you in the palm of his hand until we meet again.

Tom+

Loving God, welcome into your arms the victims of violence and terrorism.  Comfort their families and all who grieve for them.  Help us in our fear and uncertainty, and bless us with the knowledge that we are secure in your love.  Strengthen all those who work for peace, and may the peace that the world cannot give reign in our hearts.  Amen.