March 31, 2022
As March ends, we remember 5 persons whose lives ended by gun violence during this month. March 2, Chendo Lamont (BJ) Burford, 26; March 3, Juan Moore, 25; March 6, Lesha Owens, 24 and Turell Justice, 35 (both shot at a traffic light); Anthony Render, 47 (shot on the 26th and died on the 28th). We hold them, their loved ones and all victim of violence – including those in Ukraine in our thoughts and prayers. (Prayer & Scripture, Barbara Mosley, Omega Baptist) PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we ask today that you bind up the wounds of all who suffer from gun violence: those who were aggressive in these acts (perpetrators), those left alone to grieve, and those who struggle to get through one more day. We realize that every moment of our brief life is known by you! For our loved ones, for our neighbors, for strangers and those known to you – make us instruments of your peace. For our government, for our world leaders, for safety personnel and all authority figures – make us instruments of your peace. Lastly, your word in Hebrews 12:14 [reminds us]: Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior, my God, my rock in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, my stronghold. But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help, He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry reached his ears. (Psalm 18:26-27, NIV translation) REFLECTION: What phrase in this Psalm speaks to me as if I were a parent, a spouse, a sibling, a friend who lost one of these victims (or a loved one in Ukraine) to violence? Pray the Psalm again with the mind/heart of that person. RECONCILIATION PRAYER (Sister Carol Orf, CPPS – O’Fallon) God, teach us to live the Gospel of Reconciliation… Where there is hurt, We encourage forgiveness, not revenge Where there is brokenness, We seek healing, not division. In times of distress, We promote harmony, not discord. In this world, We desire to live as friends, not enemies. And to be Reconciliation, We live a life of humility, not arrogance. We seek this gift in the name of Jesus, Who suffered and died so that “all may be one.”