Many will wonder who did this and why, while many others will wonder if they can live safely again.
This coming Sunday's London Marathon, in which our own Julie Newsam is running, will be watched with increasing concern.
For the thousands of ordinary people taking on this extraordinary challenge, and raising money for hundreds of charities, these events provide an opportunity for courage and generosity to triumph over hardship and suffering. We see human beings doing well for one another, and we can share their sense of achievement.
But we also have to note that the bombers are also people like us, whose energy and planning have gone into destroying lives and neighbourhoods.
As a wise person noted, the same human spirit that produced the music of Bach & Beethoven also developed concentration camps and nuclear weapons. Human beings like us are often in a mess.
The writer to the Hebrews writes about the struggles of life. 'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honour beside God’s throne.' (Hebrews 12.1-2)
The writer notes that Jesus himself had to endure great hardship & suffering. He is well placed to help us in the struggles of life - whether that is an external issue, such as bad housing or no job, or a deeply personal tragedy, such as an addictive lifestyle or emotional breakdown. Because of what Jesus has done for us, in dying and rising again, He alone is able to rescue and restore us. In that hope, let us keep our eyes fixed on Him today.
Best wishes,
Richard
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