From Safari….

Somberness, like fog, blankets at least my world --- mass shootings, school shootings, assassination of Charlie Kirk, starvation and killings in Gaza, killings in Ukraine. It is sad that so many places require you to buzz in. To reduce the gun violence in our country will require additional restrictions around guns, resources for mental illness, programs to help individuals to turn away from illegal drugs, efforts at evangelization to draw others back to church.

Laws and programs will help some, but the greatest impact comes from aligning our lives to the values of the scriptures. Recently the Letter to the Colossians was read at our weekday Masses. Here are a few pertinent thoughts from Colossians 3:12-17 Let the peace of Christ control your hearts Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The gospel further challenges us to love God, neighbor, enemy, and self. Just a reminder the Greek word agape is often translated as love in the bible. Agape love is defined as a pure, willful, sacrificial love that seeks the highest good of others.

I am reminded of the starfish story---

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…” “ made a difference for that one.”

Peace in the world begins with each of us. Do your words, deeds, thoughts reflect God’s heart? Let the peace of Christ control your heart and the Word of Christ dwell within you.

Fr. Ron