By Pat Haggerty

We are all experiencing a myriad of emotions following the horrific massacre in Orlando.  We sense anger, bewilderment, pain, loss, frustration, emptiness and sorrow.  Why did such a senseless act have to occur?  We can look at and for many reasons.  Yet, that doesn’t put a balm on our hurt and the hurt of our nation.  The pain that some are experiencing is worse than others.  For the parents, families, and friends of the slain victims, the pain must be nearly unbearable.

What we have to do now is for each of us to take our own action.  To think about this incident with all of its ramifications and decide what we can do from this point on.  This will involve some soul-searching and deep reflection.  Does it mean we will be more tolerant?  Does it mean we will be more accepting of diversity?  Does it mean we will help with funding for those injured?   Does it mean we will be pro-active in terms of specific legislation?

However this affects us, it should certainly motivate us to be more loving.  For those of you who saw Lin-Manuel Miranda during the Tony Awards, you know he wrote an impassioned sonnet as an acceptance speech.  It has come to be known as the “Love is Love” speech.

More importantly, we have all been given a special commandment to love, as John explains in his gospel:  “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (12:12)  Jesus gave us examples of his love throughout his public ministry.  He loved the marginalized, the poor, the ill, the sinner.  He showed us what love looks like.

In the second reading for the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, we hear the words:  “Through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus.”  We need to look upon all of our brothers and sisters as children of God.  As his children we are all united in his love.

During this time of tragedy and sadness we can find solace in God’s love and care and extend this love to those experiencing loss and pain.  We must look for some element of transformation and change through this senseless act.  We need to consider renewing our fervor as Christian men and women---of renewing our sense of loving and caring.