OneLife LA grieves the tragic death of the innocent

OneLife LA grieves the senseless shootings that have claimed the lives of many innocent people and wounded many throughout our nation. Our prayers go out to each victim of violence in Gilroy, CA; El Paso, TX; and Dayton, OH.

Three states. Three shootings. One week.

Any senseless murder is one death too many. We at OneLife LA are painfully aware that these shootings have become a frequent fixture in our news cycle. Despite these constant reminders of hate, we reaffirm our commitment to love. We pray for an undivided nation that sees itself as one community.

We will never let race, creed, or language divide us. Racism and prejudice and hate have no place in our nation.

With liberty and justice for all

We are reminded that each life is precious. Each death creates a gap in our nation’s fabric. Already, we have heard stories of heroism and of self-sacrifice during these terrible tragedies. We give thanks to God that we have examples of love even in these dark times.

In the coming weeks, months, and years, we will remember those who died and their stories of courage. We will seek justice and reforms to protect the innocent.

Prayer for peace

As we learn more about these events, we are grateful for Archbishop José H. Gomez’s leadership.

Shortly after the third shooting, Archbishop Gomez composed a prayer, calling on us to seek Our Lady of Guadalupe’s intercession, so that she may “be a mother to us in this hour of pain and uncertainty.”

Together, we pray:

We pray for the innocent victims in these attacks, we ask that God stay close to their families and loved ones. 

We pray for the wounded to be healed, and we ask that God give strength and guidance to the doctors and nurses treating them.   

We ask that God grant wisdom and prudence to law enforcement and public officials working to make sense of the violence and keep our communities safe. 

And we pray for peace. Peace in our violent world. Peace in the hearts of those who hate and those who are troubled. 

We pray for peace in the hearts of those who are afraid and hurting, peace for those whose faith has been shaken. 

And we pray, finally, for peace in our own hearts. We pray that we might feel God’s love and know that He will deliver us from every evil. 

We ask Our Lady of Guadalupe to intercede for us, to be a mother to us in this hour of pain and uncertainty. 

May she help us to care for those who are suffering and to be healers and peacemakers in our world. 

It is hard to understand this random and senseless violence. But Jesus calls us to trust in God, and He calls us to overcome evil with good, and hatred with love. And we know that His love is stronger than death. 

Amen.

Angelus News published Archbishop Gomez’s full statement here.