GUNS MAGNIFICAT! It has been a memorable week for gun violence prevention (GVP). An Interfaith remembrance of Sandy Hook and all killed by gun violence was coupled with advocacy training led by Rev. Nancy Nord Bence of Protect Minnesota. 85 people attended.
The same day, President Trump hosted a Christmas gala which included Wayne LaPierre, head of the NRA. The President neglected to mention Sandy Hook in any manner throughout the day. I heard that Sarah Sanders, President Trump’s Press Secretary, made the comment that nothing can be done about gun violence anyway, or words to that effect.
14 December, a mixed bag.
The Magnificat in Luke 1 lends perspective to a day I shall dub GUNS MAGNIFICAT! Luke writes: “He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly.”
I need these words to keep on keeping on! GVP seems an impossible task. The enemy is seemingly invincible. The forces overwhelming. The defenses impregnable. The opponent’s victories piling up! The enemy is massing for another assault on civility. Where is hope? When are victories for GVP?
The MAGNIFICAT keeps us pressing forward. We are reminded that Jesus is in charge. Jesus has something to say to a broken world, to deadly systems. Jesus was and is not afraid of the odds. As John Ylvisaker titled one of his songs, “You Can’t Kill Me, I’ve Already Died!” And as a Baptist faithful has said, “Jesus is Lord of all, or he is not Lord at all!”
As Paul and my daughter Shana say, “Press on!”
Blessings and Peace!
Ron Letnes