Photo Source: Bill Greene/Boston Globe
Among the many stories associated with last week's tragedy in Boston were accounts of those directly involved on the scene at the time of the bombings. A friend relayed the following story told to her by a Boston priest she knew. The first explosion stunned the priest watching the marathon from the nearby church steeple. In horror, she saw some people drop while others fled. When the second explosion occurred, to her amazement she saw people turn around and rush back to help at their own risk. Hundreds of people, including medical and law enforcement personnel. Despite not knowing what would happen next, and contrary to sound judgment and professional training.
A colleague once told me to “look for the heroes” in the midst of every tragedy. They’re always there, regardless of the nature of the event or emergency. These good people do all they can to help those in need. They’re the “good Samaritans” of our world, those who act unselfishly to care for others, even at their own peril. They remind us that God is at work in the darkest moments. By finding the heroes, we're inspired to see hope pushing back against despair. I know you join us in thanking the thousands of people in Boston, across the country, and around the world who stopped, turned, and helped. You remind us to love our neighbor.