November 22

Can it really be 48 years — almost half a century — since the assassination of John F. Kennedy in Dallas?
Those were the shots heard around the world and they still echo throughout the earth today.
Dallas was blamed because of several well-publicized incidents that reflected political unrest not long before the presidential assassination. As time went on, however, additional assassinations and attempts took place in several other cities, and the public began to understand that this issue was not a local one. It could happen anywhere. It was a sign of the times.
Recently shots were fired at the White House by a delusional young man who seems to believe he is the promised Messiah. President Reagan was shot and President Ford was the target of bullets that missed him. Other presidents have been known to be in danger of plots that misfired. Presidents were killed before shots were fired at Kennedy.
We have moved on to a new era of danger in the terrorist organizations that do not shrink from taking as many lives as possible to make political points. Bullets and explosives take the place of reasoned negotiations.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called ‘Sons of God.'” I need to ask myself, “Am I a peacemaker?” As I think back over my words and deeds of the past week, was I attempting to bring peace or stir up trouble? Do I really want to be the kind of person Jesus wants me to be?