My Thoughts On Las Vegas

When I woke up yesterday in the wake of a terrible massacre in Las Vegas, I thought about all of the innocent people that lost their lives because of an evil coward. How many men, women, boys and girls will never see another moment on this earth because of one man’s cowardly act? I can’t fathom the pain and suffering that’s happening because of this.

Naturally, the first place many people go is to question or challenge the existence of God. Wouldn’t God protect his own from danger or from suffering? It’s true God allows us to suffer. Sometimes we suffer for the greater good in our lives. Other times there is no apparent reason for suffering, but this doesn’t mean that there isn’t one. While we may think we know what’s best for us, God allows us to suffer so that he can reveal what he says is the best for us.

So, how do you comfort someone who lost a loved one in such a horrific manner? Many say there aren’t any words that will heal a wounded heart from such a loss. It’s true that nothing I could say to someone will totally heal them from such a tragedy. The one thing I can say is that we have to keep trusting God, even in the midst of suffering. God hasn’t left us, he hasn’t failed us, he hasn’t forsaken us. He is with us all the time. Jesus died on the cross for us not to save us from the suffering of this world, but to prevent us from losing eternal life. He never said that we would be without suffering while on earth.

So after the worst massacre in modern American history, I am heartbroken, I am speechless, and I am angry. I spent most of the day yesterday so mad at the murderer for taking so many innocent lives. I remain angry and upset today. I’m sure more debates about gun control will spawn from this incident. That’s ok. At least we are talking about it, raising awareness, and taking action to protect the lives of millions of people. It’s a joint effort we must all take part in – regardless of our stance on gun control. In the end, no level of gun control can completely protect us, but we can take steps in the right direction to prevent very dangerous people from getting their hands on guns.

If you are a parent like I am, the most important piece of advice I can give you is to never take one single moment with your family for granted. Spend time with your spouse and your kids. Love every moment you have as if it were your last. The families involved in this shooting never got the chance to say goodbye. There are kids that said goodbye to their moms or dads before the concert and will never see them again. Life is short. Don’t miss out on every single wonderful opportunity with your loved ones.

Please join me in offering up prayers for the 50+ souls that were lost yesterday, and for the grieving families that must face rough roads ahead. Please also pray for law enforcement, our government, and those that work with the families involved in this tragedy. May God bring them peace, comfort and hope even in the midst of such a tragic event. I ask our Blessed Mother to intercede for us and lift our prayers up to her Son.

Eternal rest grant unto them , O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.