Community Corner

What Should We Do? Sewickley Pastor Reflects on Sandy Hook Tragedy

As we all ponder why, the Rev. Thomas J. Burke of St. James Church offers some perspective on Friday's mass shooting in Newtown, CT.

By Rev. Thomas J. Burke

Traditionally, the third Sunday of Advent is called “Gauete Sunday,” which means Rejoice! We are halfway to Christmas. Its color rose is a sign of hope. This is the last full week of Advent. Next Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, will leave us with only two more days of Advent. In the most difficult situations we encounter let us keep the faith.

We are all in shock about the horrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Connecticut this past Friday morning. Watching the television, reading the newspaper, or listening to the news on the radio or the Internet, we all probably have questions...why does things like this happen?

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As people of faith, let us not look at the negative, but look at the positive. Look at the life that God gives us today and cherish that precious life. Use the gifts and talents that God blesses us with, and you use them each day to the fullest.

There will always be a struggle with Good versus Evil, and the goodness shall prevail. 

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In today’s gospel, Luke, 3: 10-18, the people come to John the Baptist to seek God in difficult situations. They ask John several times, what should we do? John challenges the crowds, tax collectors and soldiers to change their behavior and to make other people their focus and care.

The gospel gives a simple challenge: make Jesus the center of our lives. Let us pray for the victims of Sandy Hook. Let us pray for all those first responders who attended to the needy. Let us pray for all the families grieving the loss of their loved one. Let us pray for end of violence and Respect all Human Life.

What Should We Do? 
 
Turn to God and Pray!
  

The Rev. Thomas J. Burke is pastor of St. James Catholic Parish in Sewickley.

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