Forgiving

Massachusetts, the whole country, the world, all are touched in some way by the Boston Marathon Bombing, another outrageous attack on innocent people, bringing about life-long, crippling injuries to some, death to others, and terrorist trauma to others.  Again it has happened. No warning, no way or predicting or protecting.  Total vulnerability.  Sadness, grief, and the ever present WHY? 
Ten years ago in Afghanistan, 19 year old PV1stC Evan O'Neill was gunned down in an ambush, attempting to protect his brother soldiers, asking about their safety with his dying breath.  Innocence obliterated again.  He would have been 29 today.
Almost 2,000 years ago, another young, innocent person, Deacon Stephen, was stoned to death for his firm belief in Jesus. His dying words were:  "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." (Act 8: 1a). Brave words. An echo of the words of the dying Jesus on the cross.   His story is told during the Easter season to remind us that followers of Jesus might have to follow him all the way to death; it's part of the  legacy.  As is forgiveness.  As we pray for the grieving and the deceased, then, let us also pray for forgiveness for those who have taken the lives of the innocent, over the centuries, even to today.
Bro. Rene