Living in Love with God

Today’s Readings

Once again, we find ourselves confronted with heartbreaking news of violence in our country: a school shooting in Colorado and the shooting of Charlie Kirk on a college campus. Sadly, these are not isolated events. In recent months, we have witnessed violence in schools, attacks on politicians across the political spectrum, and acts of brutality in our cities, communities, and even in our homes. 

The readings today offer us a difficult but necessary answer. Each of us must pause and ask how we may have contributed—however subtly—to the culture of division and violence around us. Have I demonized another person—a politician, a celebrity, a neighbor, even a family member—in my thoughts, words, or actions? Do I feel agitation, even anger, when I hear their voice or see their face? In those moments, I am not living as a disciple of Christ but as an instrument of the world.

In my morning prayer, I came across a reflection that spoke powerfully to Jesus’ words in the Gospel:
“God seeks our highest good and teaches us to seek the greatest good of others, even those who hate and abuse us. Our love for others, even those who are ungrateful and selfish towards us, must be marked by the same kindness and mercy which God has shown us…Our prayer for those who do us ill breaks the power of revenge and releases the power of love to do good in the face of evil.” (dailyscripture.net)

My friends, disciples of Jesus Christ are called to be part of the answer—not contributors to the problem. This begins with opening our hearts to the transforming power of the Gospel.

So today, let us pray for Charlie Kirk, for the victims of the school shooting in Colorado, and for all who suffer from violence and crime and those who live in fear of violence and injustice. But let us also go further. Let us commit ourselves to deeper conversion: to allowing Christ’s word and grace to shape our lives. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col 3:16a), so that we may live with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another (Col 3:12-13).