Prayers for Advent III

 "Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever.  Amen."

-Collect for the Third Sunday in Advent

It's strange, being halfway around the world when something horrible has happened in America.  It's not the distance that's strange, it's the location.  I, or should I say we, have grown accustomed to horrible things happening in Africa.  Now, the shoe is on the other foot.

Today, in every church in America most likely, something was either said or prayed concerning the shooting in Connecticut.  Not a word here in Swaziland, naturally (it's not a big enough event here to make the daily news).  It didn't surprise me, nor did it bother me; but I noticed.  I suppose this is part of the experience of being an American on the African continent, or of any expatriate living in a foreign country.

I can't help but wonder what it's like for a Swazi living in America.  Does a Swazi notice when someone in his/her village does of AIDS, and no one in an American church says anything about it?  Is the feeling the same, or is it different?  Truth be told, I don't really know what my own feeling is.  Sad?  Of course.  But something more as well.  The tragedy feels different when it's American tragedy.  I can't explain it. 

Indeed, we are sorely hindered by our sins.

"O merciful Father, you have taught us in your Holy Word that you do not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men: Look with pity upon the sorrows of them for whom our prayers are offered.  Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen."
-Collect for Persons in Trouble or Bereavement