In light of the recent shootings in Virginia, Colorado, Philadelphia, etc., I think it is wise that we keep some focus on our human propensity toward violence and our Christian mandate to love one another as Christ loved us.

If someone asks you if you are a “peace-lover,” what is your answer? Many of you will say, “Of course I love peace!” with no need to explain. I think that others of you will say, “Yes, but…” Those latter persons will explain that they do love peace but are not going to accept any aggression toward their loved ones. They may assert that they are ready to do violence in response to such aggression. The person may explain that s/he has several guns for self-defense, not just for hunting. Maybe there is a pistol in the car, garage, or bedroom. Some people may be willing to admit that they are licensed to carry a handgun in their handbag, or in a holster. The state of Wisconsin has a law that permits carrying a concealed gun. Having a gun on your person is legal.

Knowing the laws about when, where, and how to carry a firearm is important. Many of you reading this article have thought about it. For sure, creating safe procedures for accessing, or making the firearm difficult to access, is part of the culture of gun ownership. Storing, cleaning, and securing both the gun and ammunition are essential parts of possessing a gun. A gun-owner MUST think about its safe use, even in a crisis.

HOWEVER, given all that we think about and for which we prepare when considering personal and family safety in relation to guns, how much thought have we given to conflict resolution? To de-escalating tensions? To keeping a balanced disposition in the midst of a crisis? Or, to thinking about the Catholic Christian moral teachings about love of neighbor, even the enemy?

Our world needs heroes and martyrs who possess the skills and courage to act with peacefulness, and to effect peace by ending the violence. A hero may not necessarily possess a gun in order to change the circumstances of a crisis. Unarmed persons subdued the shooter in the recent shooting in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

What are we doing for the sake of our young people in order to teach them and give them good examples of conflict resolution? Are we alert to signs of mental illness combined with anger and maybe addiction in our parents, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters? The volatile combination of unaddressed depression or other forms of mental illness, in the midst of a personal crisis, have often lead to violent and deadly outbursts.

Jesus says: “Love one another as I have loved you!”

Peace, Fr. Andy