Celebration and devastation in Boston

Listening to the news last night and this morning, following the explosions at the Boston Marathon, and I'm struck by the awful contrasts between the victims and the perpetrators.

The runners: all having exercised discipline and trained for months, some running to raise money for good causes, some aiming for 'personal bests', all delighting the crowds and contributing to an event that brings a city together and draws in others from around the world. A celebration.
The crowds: some cheering on and celebrating achievements of friends and family members who are running - one report this morning says that one of the fatalities was a child come to cheer on a parent - others on an innocent day out to view a sporting spectacle. Anyone who went to the London Olympics, or attends a big sporting event, will know the buzz of being in such a crowd.Uplifting, exciting, joyful, innocent pleasure.

By contrast, the perpetrator(s): A group with a 'cause'? An individual with a grievance? A bad, mad or sad individual with a need to make a mark? Devastation. Twisted and distorted humanity, reminding us of the fault line that runs through our world. Our disconnectedness with ourselves, with one another, and with the God who created us and calls us to love and take responsibility.

Another contrast: Sunday's reading at our 8am and 6.30pm Communion service was John 10:11-18. 'I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.' Jesus, with the greatest 'cause'of all - come to redeem broken humanity and to restore us to God - goes to the cross, to  his own suffering and death. Courage to contrast with the cowardice of those who secretively planted explosives in order to maim and to kill. 
The perpetrators of last night's events have brought death and suffering, and bring fear to those attending (and policing) events in London this week. 
By contrast the actions of Jesus bring healing, life and hope to those who trust him and follow his example of humility and self-giving.