Priests have a unique window into the dark reality of human suffering, and we know firsthand how prayers and genuine compassion can help heal those wounds.
The recent tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, should be a mobilizing event for all believers to lift our heartfelt prayers for all the victims, families and friends.
Unfortunately, if you go on social media — the nonbelievers have a much different response.
One of their more popular memes after a national tragedy is to post photos of the inside of a large empty truck with the phrase, “The first truckload of your thoughts and prayers has just arrived.”
There is a time and place for practical action and legal considerations, but our first thought should be to pray for those moms and dads, friends and relatives of those poor teenagers whose lives were dramatically cut short just a few days ago. Imagine the pain these folks feel now and will feel for years to come — sleepless nights, empty bedrooms and the void that will be experienced at every family gathering from now on.
There is a deep wound — and we can help it to heal with our prayers. God listens, and His paternal heart feels all of this pain in an intimate way — but mysteriously, He often relies on our prayers for His merciful love to be cut loose.
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Jesus reminds us: “Where two or more are gathered in my name, I will be in their midst” (Matthew 18:20).
There is something beautiful and special when people come together in a prayer vigil. Lighting a candle is a simple way of showing solidarity and extending one’s prayers for those being remembered. The word “vigil” is derived from the Latin word vigilia, which means waiting or watching — and this prolonged experience can be very helpful for bringing closure and healing to those who were personally affected by a tragedy.
Most of us are unable to attend the vigils down in Florida, but we can accompany people spiritually with our prayers. I ask all of you to please storm heaven with your prayers. Use your own words and make it real.
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My prayer is this: Lord Jesus, please bring peace, comfort and healing to all those affected by this recent calamity in Florida. In a special way, soothe the hearts and minds of those parents and siblings who lost their teenage children. Remind them that through faith, we believe they can be reunited once again with them in heaven.
Please, Lord, let your grace enter their weary souls — and fortify them for their journey ahead. Amen.
Father Michael Sliney is a Catholic priest based in the New York City area.
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