October 23, 2020
Marlon Lewis, 24, was shot to death in the 500 block of Whitmore Ave. on Sat., Oct. 17th. No further details nor an obituary are available at this time. The list of homicide victims continues to grow even as we are confronted with over 200,000 deaths due to the coronavirus. Let us not become insensitive to any death. Behind each one are family members, friends, and co-workers who are left with an empty place in their hearts. Life is precious. Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1: 13-18 (From the Catholic/Ecumenical edition of THE MESSAGE, a contemporary rendering of the Bible) Regarding the question, friends, that has come up about what happens to those already dead and buried, we don’t want you in the dark any longer. First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus. And then this: we can tell you with complete confidence – we have the Lord’s word on it – that when the Lord comes again to get us, those of us who are still alive will not get a jump on the dead and leave them behind. In actual fact, they will be ahead of us ... Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we’ll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words. PETITIONS Let us remember Marlon, his family, loved ones and all victims of violence. We acknowledge their pain and deep grief. They are a part of our human community and they need our love and help towards healing. Let us remember those who perpetuate violence and their families who also suffer. We acknowledge the need for both justice and mercy. Let us remember all those who work to keep our city safe. We acknowledge their need for wisdom and courage in their efforts to fulfill their call of service for the good of all. Additional personal prayers ... Lord, hear our prayer. God of life, source of hope, the violence within our world, our communities, our families, indeed our very selves, is destroying your creation. Make still the restless spirit within each of us that is self-seeking. Stir within our hearts a renewed spirit of reverence, respect and reconciliation. In union with the Precious Blood of Jesus give us the strength and courage to break the cycle of violence by realizing that peace begins with each of us. Make us instruments of that peace. Amen.