August 29th, 2025 | Rev. Dr. Mark Charles

This past week, our hearts have been heavy with news of violence and destruction in our world. We have seen renewed, tragic violence in Ukraine and Gaza, bringing grief and loss to communities already suffering. But closer to home, we've been confronted with a pain that is perhaps even more acute: the senseless shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.

The loss of two children—an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old—and the injury of 17 other people, many of them also children, is simply lamentable. It is a heartbreaking reminder that this is the 339th mass shooting in our country this year. The numbers are staggering, but behind each one is a family grieving, a community shattered, and a heart in need of healing.

As Christians, our first response must be to pray. We must lift up those who have suffered loss and trauma, asking God to bring comfort where there is pain, and peace where there is chaos. I ask you to join me in holding the families and the entire Annunciation Catholic Church community in your prayers this week.

But our faith also calls us to more than just prayer. The gospel reminds us that we are called to be people of action—to not just stand by, but to actively work for a world that reflects God’s kingdom of peace and justice. To pray for an end to gun violence is to pray for a world where such tragedies are not repeated. But to act is to put our hands and our feet to that prayer.

A gospel-centered response to such violence is not partisan; it is pro-life. It promotes life and healing. It calls us to seek out and address the roots of violence in our society, and to advocate for a world where all God’s children are safe.

As we gather this coming Sunday, let's come together to seek hope and to pray for peace and justice in our world, and then let's leave inspired to act for it.

See you Sunday.

Blessings,

Pastor Charlie

PS - I commend to you Bishop Berlin’s writing in response to the tragic events that took place in Minneapolis this week. You will find them here.