I haven’t said anything about the shooting in Buffalo, or the church in Orange County, or any of the mass shootings last week that didn’t seam to make it into the national news. Not just haven’t said anything on social media. I haven’t said anything at all. Because anything I tried to say would come out as a scream. I am struck dumb - I have no words.

I wove on the red Star of Bethlehem stole last night, the news playing in the background.

Red is the liturgical color symbolizing the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is worn at Pentecost, at ordinations, confirmations and on the feasts of martyrs. As I wove, the words of a modern hymn repeated in my mind.

Here in southern California, we understand the power of wind and fire. Two weeks ago, wind stirred up a fire just north of here in Santa Barbara. Hundreds of homes were lost in the fire. Fire is part of our natural landscape, it burns away old, dry brush and gives a chance for fresh new growth to come with the winter rains.