I am saddened and deeply troubled by the recent shooting deaths in Tucson, Arizona. My heart goes out to all the injured, and to the families of the victims killed. I especially pray that Congresswoman Giffords is able to overcome her injuries and fully recover.
There are several articles over at the Catholic Phoenix that are well worth reading:
The Political Evil of the Tucson Shooting and the Political Courage that Must Meet It
Judge John Roll: God doesn’t bring you to a point in order to abandon you.
As difficult as it is, I also pray for the gunman and any accomplices he had. May they come to realize that hate is a festering wound further exacerbated by the poison of violence. May they come to know peace, goodness, and God's love, and come to repent of the crimes they committed yesterday. May they receive the justice they so richly deserve.
In that spirit I offer these two prayers for peace.
Prayer for Peace by Pope John XXIII
Lord Jesus Christ, who are called the Prince of Peace, who are yourself our peace and reconciliation, who so often said, "Peace to you," grant us peace. Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice and brotherly love. Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace. Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace. May all peoples on the earth become as brothers and sisters. May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all. Amen.
Prayer for Peace by Pope John Paul II
O God, Creator of the universe, who extends your paternal concern over every creature and guides the events of history in the goal of salvation, we acknowledge your fatherly love when you break the resistance of mankind and, in a world torn by strife and discord, you make us ready for reconciliation. Renew for us the wonders of your mercy: send forth your Spirit that He may work in the intimacy of hearts, that enemies may begin to dialogue, that adversaries may shake hands and peoples may encounter one another in harmony. May all commit themselves to the sincere search for true peace which will extinguish all arguments, for charity which overcomes hatred, for pardon which disarms revenge. Amen.
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