When tragedy strikes in this hyper-connected age, it’s easy, far too easy, to jump to conclusions. Whether you’re a professional journalist, or an armchair commentator, it’s easy to score points by posting your opinion on why and how, and all of it filtered through your own political and social views.

I beg of you not to.

In the face of disaster, we should focus not on the cause, but what we can do to help. Figuring out motivations, assigning blame, those are things that should come later. Much later.

For now, do what brings comfort to yourself and others. Pray. Give blood. Contact your loved ones, no matter how close or far they are from the horror. That is what we should do first.

To everyone in Boston, and beyond, be safe.