Into the Fire

I’m continually vexed by the convenient “moment of silence” to show “respect” for those suffering from a huge tragedy. A moment of silence? Exactly how does “nothing” show respect for the magnitude of life losses? Because we can’t pray for fear of offending someone, we’ve adopted this non-committal acknowledgement parenthesized by silence. Void. Zero. Noiseless.

And then on to the next item of business.

 Granted, certain rhetoric will only insult circumstance depending on who elects to do the speaking and what they choose to say. So if silence is the next best thing to shutting someone up who is insensitive to such horrendous demonstrations of loss, I suppose it’s the better choice. I find it meaningless. I find it insulting. And I find it foolishly inadequate. It speaks to pacifying those who aren’t even involved in the tragic events. It smacks of the fear of riling an opponent instead of honoring those who’ve experienced extreme loss. Nothing meets the unequivocal need presented during tragedy, but only something beyond human silence can even begin to provide comfort.

While getting people to shut up for a moment of silence might be an accomplishment in itself, it proves nothing, offers less, and can’t in any way begin a process toward justice or healing. Few human things can. I guess that’s why it incites me so much. It seems so arrogant to think that quieting people for a few moments can prove their concern, their respect, or their compassion. It’s just a mark of convenience, whittled down to a brief shushing to somehow mark an event which epitomizes evil and mocks all that is good.

Lord God Almighty, how far we fall. Jesus, you are the source of healing and, Holy Spirit, you are the Comforter and Counselor. We’re desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.