June 11, 2022
Crucified on the Cross of a Gun
A Reflection from the Interpath Traditions
by Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.
Gun violence in the United States has become a significant health issue. Gun violence is now the number one cause of children’s death. Yet, our elected government leaders continue to find themselves at an impasse. One wonders what the problem might be in passing gun control laws. Congress and the Supreme Court have no problem restricting the voting rights of minorities. They have blessed corporations with personhood and threaten to oppose anything restricting their profits at the expense of
Meanwhile, the Country keeps losing its citizens to senseless violence. The right to own a gun is not more important than the right to live. The killing must stop. Meaningful legislation restricting weapons of war and regulating firearms on the National level is long overdue. As President Biden said so well, “It’s about protecting our freedoms to go to school, to a grocery store, to a church, not being shot and killed.”
The Nation’s heart is broken. Gun violence is out of control. Yet, many of our elected officials seem to believe a gun is more precious than a person. They keep their silence as the children cry out in fear. They keep their distance as people cry out for justice. There are one hundred and twenty guns for every one hundred people in the United States. Yet, many of those charged with promoting the general welfare appear to be indifferent to the issue of gun violence. We remember the powerful words of Elie Wiesel, ” Indifference is the eptitome of evil. The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.”
Our people, especially the children, are being crucified on the cross of the gun. America is rapidly becoming a dangerous Nation. The indifference to meaningful and robust legislation has created a culture of death
Jesus said, “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them.” We must bless the children we see every day. We must not harm the children with legislative indifference. We must not hinder them from growing up and becoming themselves. One child, when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, responded, “Alive!”
Gratitude to you, Holy Community, for blessing the children you meet day by day. Thank you for giving them a chance to live. Blessings to you for advocating for the right of our children to live in peace. May the children bless you.
Notice
As things begin to return to a new normal, we at The Interfaith Peace Project are here for you in any way that you need us. The Antioch Center is now open to fully vaccinated people on Wednesdays, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. We are vigilant and will adjust to any and all recommendations from the state and county. We will continue our work through Zoom as we add in person programs. If you would like to schedule an in person or Zoom program or would like a phone appointment with any of us, give us a call. You may call or email Tom at:
Tom Bonacci
925-787- 9279
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