Act of terror yesterday in Australia. Targeted at Jewish community, at the time of peaceful celebration. Also act of heroism from fellow Australian, risking his life to protect innocent lives.
Evil massacre, inadequate protection, sad and alarming targeting of innocent people.
Also a moment of hope and inspiration. Men must be dangerous, capable of showing strength, but not evil and not aggressive. Men must have instinct to protect without questioning.
There are no Jews, Muslims or Christians in this. There is no justification or explanation.
If you are Christian, you must see Christ in everyone. You must protect life - the God given blessing to all. It’s not the time to condemn any group or religion. It’s the time to find strength and be ready to protect the innocent. Protect peace and life. If you are Christian, you live by the words - “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
One of the most important values taught to us is - ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’
It is difficult for some to reconcile this with rage that comes when evil acts like this happen, but it really is simple - do all you can to protect. Strength is justified when it protects the innocent, restrained when it risks becoming vengeance, and condemned when it serves power, pride, or ideology.
Australia must wake up and learn to be strong - support families and communities, enable vigilance, empower law enforcement and reject any justification of violence. There is never a good reason to pull the trigger other than protecting someone in immediate danger or fighting back the aggressor.