The organization I'm working for this year just produced a documentary on domestic violence. There were some interesting comments made by folks in the documentary about the connection between violence in homes and the violence seen on innercity streets. It's well documented that children exposed to domestic violence are more likely to become involved in situations of DV as adults, whether as victims or abusers, but we don't often talk about the less clear-cut connections between interpersonal violence and violence within larger communities - cities, nations, ethnic groups, religious sects. We don't connect the violence that we perpetrate against one another in the secret corners of our lives with the violence that manifests itself in gang wars and drive-by shootings; in suicide bombings and terrorist attacks; in global warfare and nuclear proliferation; in the structures and systems that dictate length and quality of life based on race, gender identity, nationality, citizenship, sexual orientation, language, class, religious beliefs, and a host of other factors that have nothing to do with each of our inherent worth and dignity as human beings.

I really think it's important to consider that the way we treat those closest to us in our daily lives has consequences for how we exist as a society and as a human family. It's interesting to consider that the first mention of violence in Genesis is a brutal act of interpersonal violence - the murder of one brother by another. Even the story of the first sin takes place within the context of an interpersonal relationship. I've heard it said that the true weight of Adam and Eve's sin came not from their disobedience of God's command, but from the deception they employed when questioned about it - Adam tries to pass the blame to Eve, who tries to pass it to the serpent. The first lies are told, bonds of sacred trust are broken, and humankind is cast out of paradises.

It helps me to think about that carpenter's son who came to remind us that our relationships with one another are a vital part of what constitutes our relationship with God. That man who made no distinction between love of God and love of neighbor; who was himself the victim of a violent state execution, but who reopened for us the gates of paradise, of that kingdom of love and light.

It may sound trite, but I really do hope and pray that if all of us are just a little more like him, we can begin to heal the hurt in our lives, our relationships, our nations, and our world.