Being people of peace and prayer...

Editor’s note: This message originally appeared in the newsletter published by the Rev. Elizabeth S. McWhorter, the rector at St. Mary’s-In-Tuxedo Episcopal Church. It is used with permission. Even as we give thanks for the gentle rain that is falling on the parched earth here in our area, our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Aurora, Colorado as they reel with the deadly events of last night. With the latest count of 15 dead (including at least one child) and at least 50 injured, there will be more news coming forth. The violence in our world must be addressed, whether in Aurora or Syria. “What can I do?” you may ask. While hopefully none of us will ever be involved in something as horrific as last night’s event, we can, and must, be more cognizant of the potential for anger, hatred, and violence in our own lives. We must be aware of those times when, often unbidden, negative emotions come to life in our thoughts, words and actions. We must respond immediately by stopping whatever we are doing at the time; making the effort to recognize and address the situation and offer a prayer to God for the strength, courage and patience to bring peace to ourselves, and thus add no more violent or negative energy to the world. I truly believe the words of that 1950s song can someday come true: “Let there be peace on the earth and let it begin with me.” Peace must start with each one of us. As you go through your day, please pray for the victims, their families and friends; for those injured, their families and friends and the medical personnel who are attending to them; and yes, pray for James Holmes, the shooter, his family and friends, for he too is a child of God. From the daily office of Morning Prayer, you might find this prayer helpful as we go forward ever mindful of the need for peace in this world: A Collect for the Renewal of Life: A God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, page 99) Blessings to you and yours,

The Reverend Elizabeth S. McWhorter, Rector St. Mary’s-In-Tuxedo Episcopal Church