Colorado Theater Shootings

This is not the time to speak of politics.

Neither side in the United States, right or left, advocates murder.

This is not the time to speak of gun control.

Banning guns would not have kept the killer from killing.

Allowing citizens to carry would not have been a guarantee to save any lives.

This is the time to pray for the victims and their families and friends.

For the deceased, may they be at peace in the arms of the Lord.

For the injured, may they swiftly and painlessly as possible recover.

For the friends and relatives, may they have some measure of comfort, sooner rather than later.

For our society, may we soberly reflect on these events and not over- or under-react.

Lord, grant these intentions in the Name of Your Merciful Son. Amen.

This is also a time to talk about the mentally ill.

If you see anything suspicious, hear anything suspicious, feel anything suspicious, report it to some authority.

If you know someone who is troubled, speak with authorities.

There is no guarantee against random acts of violence in our violence-saturated society.

Being proactive yields the best chance of success.

Be purposeful where you sit.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Be aware of those around you.

Know how to react when everything falls apart.

And pray, pray, pray, pray, pray.

Every day.