Human Dignity

Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

I am angry.  I am sad.  I am hurt.  We say we will strive for justice and peace among all people and yet we allow automatic weapons to fall into the hands of the mentally ill, the wicked-hearted, and the hands of angry men who want nothing more than to hurt someone else so they will feel better themselves as they leave lives shattered and broken like rocks on a cliff.  How can we say we respect the dignity of every human being if our children are hunkering down under their desks in fear as their lives are being shredded with the spray of bullets, if we continue to show to the nation the faces of grieving mothers and fathers as their worst fears are being realized, if we refuse to legislate safety into their daily lives?  Where is justice being served for those victims of these mass shootings?  Where is their peace in the fray?  

Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.