Anybody's thoughts on the Amish reaction to those murders?

[rug]

I am stunned and humbled.

[CBHagman]

1. As am I.

We all know that Jesus commanded us to not only forgive offenses by those close to us, but to forgive generously and consistently -- and to love our enemies. It's one thing to say that and another to actually apply it.

I was overwhelmed when I heard of the forgiveness offered by the Amish community, and heartened by the support given to the widow and children of the gunman. In this week of horror, it is remarkable to see the faith and love shown by the people of Pennsylvania, particularly the Amish community but not excluding their "English" neighbors. Apparently there has been a strong effort to protect the privacy and dignity of the grieving community, though obviously the press has gotten through often enough.

On another topic entirely, I was heartened when the priest who said mass in my parish tonight mentioned the various discouraging events of the past week's news cycle -- the shootings, the wars, the betrayals of trust -- and spoke of the contrasts reaching out in love and striking out in violence. As it happened, one of the readings was the passage about Jesus's welcoming of the children (an often misunderstood passage, due to the use of the King James Version "Suffer the little children" phrasing). The priest spoke of a child's status as one of vulnerability and dependence.

Prayers were also offered for the Amish children later in the mass.

[rug]

2. Thanks for your thoughts.

The church bulletin in my parish lists the names of members in the armed services and asks for prayers for their safety. Nary a word for those being killed and not even a hint about loving the enemy.

Christianity can be such a force for good if taken, and preached, seriously.

[CBHagman]

3. I guess I'm used to the antiwar stance.

Prior to the first Gulf war, I attended a mass during the Christmas season at which the priest discussed the concept of a just war. When Hezbollah and Israel were engaged in war this past summer, there were prayers for peace in the diocese where I now attend mass, and the former archbishop observed that more children than soldiers were being killed.

[AngryOldDem]

4. I think we can all learn from their example n/t

[Beer Snob-50]

5. It was incredible

very Christ like.