I believe this troubled time calls on us to open our minds and hearts to the innumerable connections we share with others -- in our families, communities, social systems, and on our planet -- and strive to understand what it means to be human now.

Obviously, we live in violent, anxious, fragmented times. If we can't disarm our heart and root out the seeds of anger, hatred, fear and greed, we will inevitably have more senseless killing in front of us. If we don't pull together, we'll be pulled apart.

Offer your selves, your vessel, and your boat by developing a greater, long-term relationship to life and appreciating one's meaningful part in the whole. There is no sitting back. Life is precious and tenuous; handle with prayer.