Pray for Victims of Violent Crime: 18 people shot in Arizona, including a Congresswoman, a child and a judge

God of love,
We pray for healing for Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford, and all those who have been injured in Tuscon, Arizona
and for comfort for the families of all those who died in the tragedy.
We are one people, one world in your Heart of Love. Make us instruments of your peacewhere there is hatred, may we sow love, as St. Francis prayed.
The New York Times today reported, "Under Siege, She Offers Thousands a Refuge of Hope," by Mohammed Ibrahim and Jeffrey Gettleman:
On May 5, 2010, 750 militants surrrounded Mama Hawa's hospital in Somalia. The gunmen confronted her:" Why are you running this hospital... You are old. And you are a woman!, But in spite of the destruction , she challenged the gunmen, "if I die, I will die with my people and my dignity. You are young and you are a man, but what have you done for your society.?"In the end because of her courage and the outrage expressed by her people at the violent behavior of the gunmen, they backed down and issued an apology for their destructive behavior.
In the face of hate, anger, and outrage may our response always be non-violent and peace-filled. May we be confident that God's strength within us, will in the end, overcome evil. As Christians, may we reflect Jesus forgiveness and compassion for all. May we build bridges of understanding and mutual respect toward all our sisters and brothers in the family of God as we work for peace, justice and equality in our world.
Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP