The Last Word : A Dangerous Item

Notes: Editor describes an incident in which he was stopped going through airport security at Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. after an x-ray of his carry-on bag revealed a unidentified metal item which they thought might be a "dangerous item". In fact, the item was a 5 inch tall brass sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. "As I boarded the plane I thought that indeed this small statue might be dangerous after all. The moment of Incarnation, for Mary and for her Son, was full of danger. But is there danger for others ? Indeed, Paul reminds us that the power of the gospels is like a two-edged sword -- a tool for breaking down injustice, sin and discord. Dangerous -- yes -- especially for those who are afraid of the new life and new hopes the Incarnation offers to the world."

Subjects: Mary, Blessed Virgin, Saint - Anglican Communion; Airports - Security measures