Dear Saints in Santa Fe and other far-off places,

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, who often looked to the prophet Isaiah who spoke of turning swords into plowshares and imagined a world without weapons.

Now Farmington, yet another community rocked by gun violence. What’s more, I just learned the shootings happened very close to the Farmington Presbyterian Church whose building and parking lot are still cordoned off.

A statement was sent out last night by New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence, a group that had its start in our church, and of which I continue to be co-president: “Once again, our hearts are breaking as another New Mexico community is ripped apart by gun violence. Tonight, families and loved ones will grieve the unthinkable. They will continue to grieve the rest of their lives. It doesn’t have to be this way. Every death by a firearm is 100% preventable. We will continue to do everything we can to end the epidemic of gun violence in our state and nation.”

Honestly, we’re running out of words to say. Are there any words that can go deep enough to address the once unthinkable gun violence that has gripped our nation? Thoughts and prayers sound increasingly hollow, do they not, unless actions and solutions follow right behind.

You say that won’t happen? You say our country is too divided? Too numb? Too paralyzed?

Then let us turn our weary eyes on Isaiah, and prophets like him, and the bold people who stand up for children and fearful parents and safe communities and insist upon a higher vision: Of swords being turned into plowshares and guns into gardens, when there will no longer be
funerals for gun violence victims because we don’t shoot each other anymore, and when hearts and lives will no longer be broken but can thrive and prosper.

O, Isaiah, where are you? Tell us again what we need hear. Tell us again about that dream of yours. Tell us again how we might finally learn war no more.

Grace and peace,
Harry