Paris, Prayers, and Peace

I do not have words that could possibly give greater consolation or insight into the outrage that occurred in Paris yesterday.

I do not think that it is hyperbole to call this France's 9/11.

As we are all connected to a spiritual reality, we can all offer our prayers.

We pray for the repose of the souls of all the innocents who were horribly murdered.  Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and perpetual light shine upon them.  May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

We pray for all who were injured and traumatized by the attacks.  We pray that Jesus, the God of all healing, bring them a speedy recovery of body, mind, and spirit.

We pray for all those who have loved ones victimized by this attack.  We pray that God help them in their agony and loss.

We pray for those who protect the innocent.  We pray for those in law enforcement and the military who do all in their power to protect us from danger.  We pray that God grants them victory in their struggle against evil terrorism.  And we pray for all those first responders who do all that they can to aid those in need.

And we must not forget to pray for the terrorists.  Hearing the news, I am seething with anger.  But Christ commanded us to love our enemies.  This does not mean that we cannot stand up to them with vigorous force.  But we must pray for their souls.  No human being is beyond redemption.  It doesn't mean that everyone will be redeemed, but everyone can be redeemed.  I pray that those who wish to do horrible violence will have their hearts miraculously touched by the merciful love of God.

Please, O Lord, grant us peace, the peace that can only come from You!