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Lafayette is a place of great faith.
This is how Lafayette's Bishop Michael Jarrell began the second paragraph of his sad statement on the July 23rd shooting in his city's Grand Theater.
His simple sentence makes much sense. On one level, Lafayette displays as entrenched a Catholic culture as any in the States. Statistically it's borne out, with its population usually declaring itself nearly %50 Catholic -- or more than twice the national average. Annecdotally, it's found true as well: on a recent retreat I stumbled upon a religious articles store-sized display of votive candles.
In a Walgreens.
Bishop Jarrell's line in his statement is also perceptive in another manner: in the face of tragedy, it's the most we can say.
Words have spilled forth attempting to detail indications in the shooter's past of this display of violence. We offer his soul -- one apparently affected mental instability -- prayer.
But we're still left with two moviegoers shot dead unawares, nine more wounded, and a nation scarred. Again.Lafayette is a place of great faith.
As Catholics, we are called to do our darnedest to supply legislation to promote the protection and flourishing of all life.
Before even this, though, before any practical efforts, we are people of a faith in a crucified king. He is our great witness of faith. He is the bestower of any great faith.
In the face of sin, we suffer in a cruciform manner: arms outstretched in vulnerability and humility, seeking to heal ourselves and others.
The shock of life being regarded as cheap hopefully makes us realize its preciousness.
How precious.
With grace flowing more than sin.
All summations of our great faith, that we draw close to share with Lafayette.
Lafayette is a place of great faith.
One way to draw closer to a cruciform, suffering love is to know those who suffer. Even more than Louisiana residents, the victims of the Grand Theater Shooting have a fuller tie, a more complete name. Learn about Mayci Breaux and Jillian Johnson in articles linked below.
"Mayci Breaux: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know," heavy.com
"Jillian Johnson: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know," heavy.com
Fr. Peter reflects in his June 24th homily on our biblical call in the day's readings: You shall not kill.