Day 189: Je Suis Paris

"The continual looking forward to the eternal world is not a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do"

-C S Lewis

Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Quotes/Evangelical/C/C-S-Lewis/The-Continual-Looking-Forward-To-The-Eternal-World.aspx#Uf51ewTZgvlefzm5.99

I am so glad today was Saturday. My heart was heavy after the news of the violence in France yesterday. Mass was where I wanted to be.

Saturday mass at St. Ignatius Catholic church is a small, but very devout prayerful group. We prayed for the victims in France. We prayed for violence to cease and suffering to end all over the world. Then we joined hands and recited the Lord's prayer.

When it was time to pass the peace we hugged. Everyone's eyes were filled with tears.

I walked for awhile afterwards. Crying. It felt good to let it out. Every time an act of violence erupts, I grieve. And then I want to be a better, kinder person. But after the dust settles, I know that in a few weeks, days or maybe even hours we will hear about another senseless act of violence against the innocent.

And the cycle begins again. But for some people, the dust never settles.

I hope to remember this and keep giving, keep praying keep loving. Keep hoping for a better world.

Today, there was a female lay minister presiding over Mass. She is so wonderful. Her messages are kind, well thought out and always appropriate. She always remembers my name.

She spoke today about constant prayer. About how we needn't fear pestering God. He is so much bigger than that.

She ended by saying "We do have the power to pray for our brothers and sister around the world. One weapon we have against evil is kindness. We can be the light in the darkness".

Praying. Maybe not without ceasing. But a lot.

For peace. For France. For all who suffer.

And continually having faith in love and kindness. And willing to work for a better tomorrow.

Talk to you tomorrow.

I hope you had a good Saturday!

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