The Lord hears the cry of the poor. — Psalm 34

I type this Tuesday evening from retreat. And from a place too of distraction as the horrific bloodshed in the middle east compels me to look at twitter to see if the world is spiraling to destruction. I know priests, including Fr. Lundberg, who are still in the Holy Land as of mid-week, students from Franciscan University, and have seen many reports of innocent people who are suffering the destruction of evil.

At a loss for words, I share with you our Bishop’s statement following declaration of war by Israel:

I ask the faithful in the Diocese of Arlington and all people of good will to join in prayer for peace following
a terrorist attack in Israel. Our hearts are shocked and saddened by the death of hundreds of people, and thousands more who are wounded or dispersed already. It is my hope and prayer that the international community will work together to help ensure a peaceful and just resolution for the good of all. At this time, we also pray that the victims and their families find strength and support. May we join with one voice in asking God to grant eternal rest to the deceased, console those who grieve, and guide political leaders to bring an end to the war without further violence.

— Most Reverend Michael Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington.

Very early in seminary life, I learned that sometimes my presence and prayers were all that mattered. Where I desperately wanted to find words to give meaning, I was confounded into silence in the face of the mystery of suffering. Presence matters, because love matters, and it is love that conquers death.

Back to the tabernacle for me. There are souls to pray for, and in His providence, the Lord had set aside this week for me to pray. I will see you this weekend.

pax,

Father John Mosimann