I felt drawn to church today, especially as I thought about the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. I can’t even imagine what those children and parents are going through. I also can’t imagine a person allowing evil to have such a grip upon them. I went to the noon Mass, which had many more people than I had seen in the past. It seems there was a lot of solidarity and people wanting to do something helpful. The mayor of Minneapolis said, “And don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying.” His statement struck me. I don’t know if he was discounting the power of prayer, was just frustrated and saddened, or asking that more be done in the political realm. Whatever the case, I feel that our response should be both/and. Prayers do have power. I have seen it. So, praying is doing something tangible in my opinion. At the same time, it is horrifying that children are killed going to school and praying in a church. So, action does need to be taken in other ways as well. At Mass, our pastor said that he knew the pastor at the parish of the Annunciation and that they were in seminary together. He said he could not imagine what he must be going through right now as he tries to minister to his parish. He will be collecting notes of prayes, love, and encouragement from our parish to send to his friend. He said it is the least that we can do and was certain that it would be meaningful. I was glad I went to church. I felt connected to the bigger Catholic church. And I do pray that all those effected by this tragedy will be able to feel the love and support of people across the nation.

I Found God today connected in prayer.