In recent weeks, our neighbors to the west have experienced the violence of the death of Corey Ruiz at the hands of Madison police officers, and our neighbors to the north have experienced the violence of a massive tornado that did significant damage in the Fox Valley. Each tragedy has its unique dynamics and impact, and I am mindful that they may stir up a variety of responses in us.
As we take note of the prayer vigils and the encampment in Madison that has followed the shooting of Corey Ruiz, I am struck by the echoes of the many situations in which people of color have lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement, including the death of Sylville Smith 10 years ago this week, which led to days of unrest in the Sherman Park neighborhood.
As I have met with and spoken to leaders in the East Central Synod of Wisconsin (their bishop is currently on sabbatical), I have been struck with how that situation brings back memories of the massive damage wrought by the storms and floods in our area last August. As it turns out, the wisdom and experience we gained and some of the funds that we raised have been a valuable resource as we have worked to accompany them in their response.
While each of us may respond differently to these and other traumatic events, based on our own life experiences, I invite us all to pause, reflect, and pray for all whose lives have been upended, for all who continue to be traumatized by natural disasters and human sin, and for those for whom the echoes of past traumas may reverberate more strongly. We are all connected, as the body of Christ in the world and as the whole human family, and the apostle Paul reminds us that “if one member suffers, all suffer together with it.” (I Corinthians 12:26) And then, after we pray, allow the Holy Spirit to move in and among so that we may respond in helpful and healing ways, listening to the stories of others, sharing our resources with those who are struggling, and working to bring an end to unjust systems and behaviors.
This City…of God
You are the God who has set us in families and clans and tribes,
in communities and finally in cities.
We give you thanks this day that you are Lord of this city and all cities.
We pray for this city today, and for Jerusalem and Tehran and
Madison and Menasha and a thousand other cities.
In all our cities this day there will be crime and sharp moneymaking
and compassion and forgiveness, and generosity, and regulations about justice and injustice.
Be our God this day and prosper our city. We pray in the name of the one who wept over the city.
–Walter Brueggemann, Prayers for a Privileged People, 2008, edited.
