Happy Easter! And, to those who have a devotion to Jesus as The Divine Mercy, may these days of devotion and prayer help you to be aware of God’s grace and mercy!

As I write these words, nearly ten days before you read them, I need you to know that I am profoundly sad and deeply preoccupied by the terrible violence which has occurred in recent weeks. Just yesterday, March 31st, there was another mass shooting. It occurred in Orange, California, within a business complex. Four people were killed including a 9-year-old boy who died in his mother’s arms. Since the Atlanta, Georgia shooting on March 16th, where 8 people were killed, there have been 20 mass shootings. Each incident did not result in deaths, but in several cases 7-10 people were wounded. In all I counted 118 people shot in those 20 shootings, most were wounded and some killed.

If you think, “those poor people,” and do not think that “they” are “us,” then you are mistaken. We are God’s creatures, all of us. Whether we are peaceful or violent, and most of us can name moments when we have been both, we must recognize that the violent reactions require our response. We must act for the good, for peace and reconciliation. We cannot wait!

When Jesus rises from the dead, among his first words are: “Peace be with you.” We need to receive his offer and extend that offer to others. Too often we are prepared to respond to a betrayal with vengeance and violence. Jesus is our model. He responds with forgiveness and peace.

As followers of the Christ, let us not be persuaded by those who teach vengeance and retaliation, or encourage us to respond to violence with equal or greater violence. Let the violence and anger find an end in us. We stop it! We do not let the violent waves to continue to roll.

Rather, as the stone of the tomb of Jesus rolls back to reveal new life, let our peacefulness, our choice for reconciliation and healing be the most powerful dynamic for all people to encounter.

PEACE, BE WITH YOU! Fr. Andy