The number of innocent lives lost in recent mass shootings brings so much anguish. That is why I attended an interfaith prayer vigil and march against gun violence last Thursday along with Suzanna and Joyce Farrell. Several hundred of us gathered in the rain at Temple De Hirsch Sinai, listened to several speakers, sang Nick Lowe’s What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love, and Understanding, and then marched to St James Cathedral where a prayer service was held. Speaker after speaker, marcher after marcher said “enough is enough”. We have to do something to change our laws to end the scourge of gun violence in our nation. We have to stop worshiping the false idol of guns and gun money.
During the service at St James, the choir sang There is a Place by John Bell, in honor of the fourth graders who were massacred in Uvalde that I would like to share with you.
There is a place prepared for little children,
Those we once lived for, those we deeply mourn,
Those who from play, from learning and from laughter,
Cruelly were torn.
There is a place where hands which held ours tightly
Now are released beyond all hurt and fear,
Healed by that love which also feels our sorrow
Tear after Tear.
There is a place where all the lost potential
Yields its full promise, finds its true intent;
Silenced no more, young voices echo freely
As they were meant.
There is a place where God will hear our questions,
Suffer our anger, share our speechless grief,
Gently repair the innocence of loving
And of belief.
Working together, we can help take care of our common home.
Paul Litwin
Saint Francis of Assisi at St John the Evangelist 