When we want to acquire wisdom, we usually look to people who have lived a good many years, reasoning that experience
translates into wisdom. On the other hand, the book of Job teaches us that
suffering leads to wisdom, and unfortunately suffering is experienced by people
of all ages. The teenagers of Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in
Parkland, Florida, suffered fear and grief after living through a mass shooting
in which 17 of their classmates and teachers died. Therefore, it is
reasonable to ask what wisdom we can learn from their response to their
suffering. Here are a few of the lessons they have given us:
• Don’t be afraid to stand up to the people who provide and promote
the tools of violence, even when they have much more money and political power
than you do.
• Trust that people will listen when you speak the truth of
your suffering and support your efforts to prevent others from suffering too.
• Don’t believe that you have to be a certain age before you
can change the world.
• Honor those who have died with your silence, your tears,
your time, and your talent.
In Hebrews 5:8, St. Paul says of Jesus, “Son though he was, he
learned obedience from what he suffered.” Through their suffering, the youth of
Parkland, Florida, have learned that they must be obedient in working for the
manifestation of God’s kingdom of peace. As we meditate on the suffering Christ
and the suffering people of our world on Good Friday, may we too muster the
energy and the resolve to promote nonviolence and respect for each other through
our words and actions.
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