The High Road

In a society that seems to be obsessed with violence, almost to the point of celebrating it, this was a refreshing story.  Kevin Vickers gave the convocation address at Mount Allison University this past week after being granted an honorary degree.  For those who have been living in a cave for the past seven months, Vickers was the Sergeant at Arms on Parliament Hill who shot and killed Michael Zehaf Bibeau in October of last year.  Vickers has been hailed as a hero around the world for his actions in stopping Zehaf Bibeau who had already murdered Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and was terrorizing the halls of the Parliament. 

Vickers, now Canada’s ambassador to Ireland, downplayed what happened that day by stating, “I bumped up against a moment in history.”  While others might have relished in their actions the former sergeant-at-arms called it “The loneliest moment of my life” and said that he remembered the gunman not for his evil, but for his innate human dignity. 

In the aftermath of that day, Vickers remembered “With my grandchildren in my arms, I said a prayer for Michael”.  Not what most would expect, but it sounds a lot like what Jesus expected of those who follow Him, at least according to Matthew 5:44.
Have a great week and remember: To see what is really possible, you will have to attempt the impossible.