THE TRAGIC EVENTS OF THIS PAST WEEK, at Virginia Tech, cause us to cry out, “Why?” Sadly, no answer we are given adequately answers that cry. As I have watched the events unfold I have felt helpless to do anything to help. Yes, I know I can pray, and that I have done, but I feel like there must be something more I can do.
Those who are close by the college have attended memorial services, or dropped by the campus to offer comfort. Those who knew those murdered have written blogs and sent emails. The rest of us tune into CNN and continue to ask the question, “Why?” We long for something to do, but what? There is very little I can do besides to continue to bring this tragedy before the Lord in prayer. Or is there?
As followers of Jesus Christ we are called to be peace-makers in our world. That world can be as close as our neighbor or classmate, or as far away as Africa or Asia. Statistics tell us that over 500 million people are facing the danger of battle, the loneliness of false imprisonment, the agony of torture or the pangs of deep hunger. Looking at these numbers can leave us with the same feeling as hearing about the tragedy at Virginia Tech, feeling helpless to do anything.
The problems are just too big. But, there is something you can do. You may not be able to change the world, but you can help to change one life. Maybe it means reaching out with the love of Jesus to the one next to you or maybe it means reaching out to a child in the two-thirds world who is going to bed hungry.
That’s what Compassion Sunday is all about; making a difference in a child’s life. Showing God’s love in a very tangible way. Yes, you can be a peace-maker in our world. Now the question is, “What’s stopping you?”