What is wrong with people

What is wrong with people?

Last night in what is being described as an "unfathomable" act of violence at a historic black Charleston, South Carolina church Wednesday evening when a gunman opened fire during a prayer service in what people believe is a hate crime.

Eight people were found dead inside the church. Two others were taken to the hospital and one of those died. Among the dead was the pastor.

What is wrong with people?

Let me repeat: in a church. In one of my denomination's cousins, the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.  Outside the Courtyard Marriott, just down the street from the church,  a group of pastors were praying. "We need that peace, Lord," members of the prayer circle were praying. "We need that peace you talk about in your word."

And it does talk about peace. When Jesus shows up in the Upper Room through a locked door, his first words are, "Peace be with you."

But there's also a humanity in the scriptures.

The Psalmist writes, "I cry out loud to God -- out loud to God so that he can hear me! During the day when I'm in trouble I look for my Lord. At night my hands are still outstretched and don't grow numb; my whole being refuses to be comforted. I remember God and I moan. I complain, and my spirit grows tired."

The story goes on to quote the Mayor of the town as saying the only reason someone would do this is "hate."

And that, dear friends, is the answer to the question of what is wrong with people, because it is hate that occupies many of the minds and hearts of the people living on this old world today. It is hate that makes the world go round. It is hate that empowers the desperate.

The shooter? White, young, armed. Does all that ring a bell? What is wrong with people?

The Psalmist writes, "I think about days long past; I remember years that seem an eternity in the past. I meditate with my heart at night; I complain, anomy spirit keeps searching: 'Will the Lord reject me forever? Will he never be pleased again? Has his faithful love come to a complete end? Is his promise over for future generations?"

So, what do we do? What can we do? The Psalmist concludes, "I will remember the Lord's deeds; yes, I will remember your wondrous acts from times long past." In other words, we will remember what He has done and we will rejoice in it.

What's is wrong with people? They are people, humans, and we are all capable of acts of hatred, anger, fear, injustice, wrong-doing. I would like to think I'm past all that. I am not. We are not.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!