8.06.2014

Hiroshima Day ... Transfiguration

69 years ago the world changed. And not for the better. 69 years ago today, on the Feast of the Transfiguration, my country brought unimaginable destruction by dropping a euphemistically named atomic called "Little Boy" on the city of Hiroshima, Japan. "Little Boy" had an estimated equivalent explosive force of 12,500 tons of TNT. An estimated 140,000 people died as Hiroshima became the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack.

On August 9, 1945, a second atomic bomb called "Fat Boy" was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan. An estimated 80,000 human lives were lost in that City. "Fat Boy" was actually more powerful than "Little Boy," but its death dealing power was lessened because it was accidentally dropped on the outskirts of the city.

Out of every 6 deaths from the bombings, 5 were civilians and 1 was military.

Women, children, the elderly, families, school children ... all killed indiscriminately. When he visited Hiroshima in 1981, now Saint Paul John II said: "To remember the past is to commit oneself to the future. To remember Hiroshima is to abhor nuclear war. To remember Hiroshima is to commit oneself to peace."

We remember Hiroshima ... we still have the power to kill every living person and creature many times over. We have the power to undo creation. And each and every day, more innocent people are killed. Here, there, and everywhere.

Today is also the Feast of the Transfiguration. We remember the voice from the cloud, telling the disciples that Jesus is God's beloved son ... listen to him.

Jesus called us to be peacemakers ... do we listen?
Jesus called us to be brothers and sisters, beloved children of God ... do we act accordingly?

Transfigure us, O God, into people of peace. Transfigure us, O God. Help us turn in love to all our brothers and sisters, especially those who suffer from our violent and destructive ways. Inspire us to be peace, to build peace, and to nurture peace in our families, neighborhoods, cities, nations, and world. Give us the strength and wisdom to use our gifts, so that together we may transform our world through your promise of peace and your boundless love. Amen. Shalom. Amen.

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