Our current culture touts the message that we are all independent and free to behave as we please; that we shouldn’t interfere with other people’s decisions and lifestyles. But human existence and our intertwined lives simply do not allow us to be untouched by the behavior of others.
Last month, I was driving north on Connecticut’s Rt. 95 and several motorcyclists screamed by me along the way – at well over 100 mph. I had no idea they were coming until they were long passed. They were swerving lanes dangerously, seemingly choosing to cut the cars that provided the most challenging maneuvers. Each time one passed, I thought, I hope I don’t see him splattered across the road up ahead!
A few days later, heading south on Rt. 95 at night in the dark, I was in the right lane and moved left to pass a couple cars. As I did that, I noticed something peripherally by the center barrier. At highway speed in the dark, I couldn’t see it well, but I recognized something long and narrow sticking slightly into my lane. As I passed, my mind asked me, “Is that a person?” I didn’t know why that thought came to mind. Then I noticed two or three cars pulled over on the right and realized there must have just been an accident. I concluded that I probably had seen a bumper. I prayed a Hail Mary for those involved and went on my way.
At home, I checked in with my friend from Yonkers who had been a few miles behind me. She asked, “Did you see the motorcycle accident?” That is when it all made sense. As she approached the crash, the emergency responders were right behind her. Later news reports show us a 31-year-old, handsome Guilford, CT firefighter. He chose to be independent and free, to disregard laws that didn’t suit him. His behavior meant that his firefighter colleagues had to witness the horror and attend to his lifeless body. I can’t forget or unsee it. Dozens of other strangers feel the same way. It is a reminder that God’s commandments are not only for our own good, but also that of our families, neighbors, and random strangers. Let us follow God’s laws so both our body and soul do not end in wreckage.
Escritura: Read 1 Corinthians 12:26. What stands out?
Llamamiento a la acción: Schedule Confession into your monthly calendar to stay on the road to holiness. Please pray for Michael, the Guilford firefighter whose life ended tragically soon.
