Dear Beloved of El Camino Real,
Just a few minutes ago, we learned of another tragic school shooting, this time in Texas. For those who oppose gun violence, this is another example of our failure as a society to protect our youngest and most vulnerable. For those who have school-age children and grandchildren, the tragedy is visceral, appalling and sickening.
Those 18 children woke up this morning thinking about their school day, and this was not in their imaginations.
Those 18 children went to school thinking of the homework that was done or not done and how they would explain the latter.
Those 18 children played with their friends, traded friendship bracelets and jokes and dares, and passed notes in class.
Those 18 children, unimaginably, will not come home tonight.
Write to your congresspeople about weapons bans using the links below. Vote for safe gun laws. When you see violence in any form, point to it and speak out against it. As followers of Jesus, we are not violent people, and our love must be fierce in defense of those most vulnerable.
Please pray for these children, for their families. Listen to the cries and wailing that echo throughout our country, the unspoken question being asked, “How long, O Lord, how long?”
We cannot be complacent in our response to this tragedy. For our answer must be, “No Longer.” I commend you to brave speech and firm stance against any violence.
Click the name of your US Representatives and Senators for our diocese to contact them.
California Senators:
Representatives:
District 17: Ro Khanna
District 19: Zoe Lofgren
District 20 – Jimmy Panetta
District 24 – Salud Carbajal
