What happened at the Boston Marathon is often inexplicable and can test our faith.
As I write this, three people are confirmed dead and more than 175 people injured with 17 in critical condition. The loss of life and the sheer violence of this premeditated act are unfathomable but the best tool we have to process and deal with this is our faith and the power of prayer.
I have found some strength in the recent words of Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of Boston: "While at this time we do not know the cause of these explosions, we know that the answer to the world's darkness is to open our hearts to the light of Christ. Our faith in the Risen Christ in such times of sorrow offers us the confident hope that death shall not have the last word."
I am also reminded of Rabbi Harold Kushner's (author of "When Bad Things Happen to Good People") teachings about our theological responses to crisis. He teaches us that at times like this many often ask, "Why did this happen to us?" He suggests that we should rather ask, "What shall we do in response to the crisis?" It is in this question and our acts of compassion and justice in the aftermath of a tragedy that we can find God's presence. Let the search begin.
I hope that no matter what are your religious beliefs, that you say a prayer for the people affected by this tragedy. And to the good people of Boston, I say people all over the world are praying for their city and our country. On behalf of the Gamaliel Network, I send my deepest sympathies and prayers.