Words of compassion and sorrow that don’t lead to action, especially by those who have the ability to act, are empty. They are hypocrites; their words of compassion and sorrow are shallow, and they not only continue to but also exacerbate the problem of gun violence.

The men and women who say that the murders of schoolchildren are not the times to discuss the easy access to weapons endanger their souls, in my opinion.

“See, on your fast day you carry out your own pursuits,
and drive all your laborers.
See, you fast only to quarrel and fight
and to strike with a wicked fist!
Do not fast as you do today
to make your voice heard on high!
Is this the manner of fasting I would choose,
a day to afflict oneself?
To bow one’s head like a reed,
and lie upon sackcloth and ashes?
Is this what you call a fast,
a day acceptable to the Lord?.

Fasting is not genuine without reforming one’s way of life.
A true social morality will ensure prosperity.
Is this not, rather, the fast that I choose:
releasing those bound unjustly,
untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking off every yoke?
Is it not sharing your bread with the hungry,
bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house;
Clothing the naked when you see them,
and not turning your back on your own flesh?
[Isaiah 58: 3-7]

When I pray for the victims, I know they are with God; when I pray for their families & friends, I know that God is already comforting them. I now pray for our leaders, that they may consider whether their acts are acceptable to the Lord (they are clearly not concerned about what the people want). May they do the Lord’s will, not that of political donors and corporations.