Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
We all are waking to the news of the horrific events that took place in the early morning hours in Las Vegas. The depths of sorrow we feel is beyond words: sorrow for those killed and wounded, for the grief of their families and loved ones, for our nation rocked once again by senseless violence, and for the evil that can move a soul to lash out in such an unprecedented way. Words are hard to form as we try to make sense of the images we are seeing today.
I encourage you to stop throughout the day and offer prayer to Almighty God for our whole human family, that the love of God promised in the Jesus will heal our hatred and remove evil from our midst. Pray for those who have died. Pray for those who mourn. Pray for the first responders to the scene. Pray for the leaders of Las Vegas and for the doctors, nurses and clergy who are helping those killed and wounded. Finally pray that God will so move us by the images we see in the coming days, that something like this can never again happen by the work of human hands.
O God, our times are in your hand. In the midst of uncertainty lead us by your never-failing grace as we seek to be agents of healing and hope. Walk with us through difficult times; watch over us in danger; and give to us a spirit of love and compassion for those who suffer and mourn. And finally remind us that you have promised never to leave us so that even in the valley of the shadow of death your love may be felt, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Peace and Blessing,
Father Tripp+
