In the book of Matthew two thousand years ago Jesus said – “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” There have been 31 school shootings since Columbine in 1999. It seems we’ve learned little to nothing in two millennia much less 13 years. How do we help, befriend, encourage, affirm, accept “the least of these” in our twisted culture of who’s acceptable and popular versus who’s deemed unacceptable and thus shunned? Katherine Newman writes school shootings are the last act in a long drama: a search for acceptance and recognition. Those ostracized looking for inclusion in a culture that deems them weak, unmanly, unattractive losers.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:3-10