The good people of Boston

They were everywhere Monday: the good guys.  EMS workers, rescuers, cops, volunteers, runners who completed the race and kept running, to go to the hospital and donate blood.

People noticed the Twitter feed of former New England Patriot star Joe Andruzzi went quiet Monday afternoon.  Turns out, he was helping victims downtown.  (See picture).

That’s just for starters.  See many other examples here.

Then there’s comedian Patton Oswalt’s reminder in this Facebook entry:

This is a giant planet and we’re lucky to live on it but there are prices and penalties incurred for the daily miracle of existence. One of them is that every once in a while the wiring of a tiny sliver of the species gets snarled and they’re pointed toward darkness.

But the vast majority stands against that darkness and, like white blood cells attacking a virus, they dilute and weaken and eventually wash away the evil doers and, more importantly, the damage they wreak.  This is beyond religion or creed or nation. We would not be here if humanity were inherently evil. We’d have eaten ourselves alive long ago.

So when you spot violence or bigotry or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, “The good outnumber you, and we always will.”

And Boston’s Cardinal Sean O’Malley, traveling in the Holy Land, released the following statement:

The Archdiocese of Boston joins all people of good will in expressing deep sorrow following the senseless acts of violence perpetrated at the Boston Marathon today. Our prayers and concern are with so many who experienced the trauma of these acts, most especially the loved ones of those who lives were lost and those who were injured, and the injured themselves.

The citizens of the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are blessed by the bravery and heroism of many, particularly the men and women of the police and fire departments and emergency services who responded within moments of these tragic events. Governor Patrick, Mayor Menino and Police Commissioner Davis are providing the leadership that will see us through this most difficult time and ensure that proper procedures are followed to protect the public safety.

In the midst of the darkness of this tragedy we turn to the light of Jesus Christ, the light that was evident in the lives of people who immediately turned to help those in need today. We stand in solidarity with our ecumenical and interfaith colleagues in the commitment to witness the greater power of good in our society and to work together for healing.