Bishop Michael F. Burbidge asked
Catholics to pray and act in light of the shootings in El Paso and Dayton
during a Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice at the Cathedral of St.
Thomas More in Arlington Aug. 9.
“We can never be numb to reports of
violence that so sadly we seem to hear every day,” he said in the homily. “We must
urge our elected officials to put aside differences and unite to eradicate the
violence around us. Yes, it will require them to address mental health care and
issues related to violence with a sense of urgency.”
The bloodshed seen throughout the country
is the symptom of an ailing culture, he said. “Sadly and humbly, we acknowledge
that our nation at this moment is seriously ill and needs a cure. We know where
that cure is found: only in Christ Jesus,” said Bishop Burbidge. “Without
Christ, we witness a lack of reverence for all of human life; a disregard for
the dignity of each and every human person and manifestations of bigotry and
racism. Without Christ, we are a divided people. Without Christ, hate and
violence will continue.”
Bishop Burbidge encouraged the faithful
to act with love and charity in the service of others. “At this Mass, we
celebrate his victory over darkness, evil, suffering and even death itself,” he
said. “Strengthened by the holy Eucharist you will soon receive, go forth and
do your part in words and deeds to bring Christ to others, the Divine
Physician, the One alone who can cure the illness we face as a people and lead
us to the peace and newness of life for which we long.”
