For the Community of Aurora
In the Gospel of John, we find Martha’s accusatory words toward Jesus: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (11:21).
As we contemplate so much tragedy and death in the community of Aurora, Colorado, our reaction may be similar to Martha’s, Lazarus’s sister, in the Gospel of John. However, like her, we are asked to hear and believe the words that Jesus proclaims to her: “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believes in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (11:25-26)
As a community of faith, we must realize that the Lord is always by our side, especially in times of tragedy and pain. More than that, we believe that Jesus calls us to place our trust in him and in the salvation that he brings to us. Our RCL Benziger community joins our brothers and sisters in Aurora, and our grieving nation, to convey our words of consolation, peace and reconciliation. Most of all, we join them in prayer so that we might find in Jesus the true Resurrection and Life that gives meaning to our lives.
And so we offer this prayer…
Loving Father, we turn to you with our sadness, our sense of loss and emptiness at the death of our relatives and friends in Colorado. We cannot understand the pain; we cannot imagine what our life will be without them. We know that you know our pain, we know that you always comfort us and grant us peace. We ask that the strength that only you can provide comes to the community of Aurora, Colorado, and may it bring healing, reconciliation and hope. Grant eternal rest to our loved ones who died in this tragedy. Though their deaths were untimely and tragic, we thank you for the gift of their lives. Grant us the comfort that only your infinite mercy and compassion can give us.
Amen.
Click here for this prayer in Spanish: Para comunidad de Aurora
Click here for Archbishop Aquila’s statement: God’s Love is Stronger than Death
