Shootings are a problem in America. Mental health is a problem in America. Loneliness is a problem in America. Fear is a problem in America. Selfishness is a problem in America. On and on the list goes. In summary, sin is a problem in America.

St. Paul says, “the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23a KJV) and he is absolutely right. There is much that can be said and analyzed about shootings, especially in our schools. Christians should prayerfully reflect on this problem. America’s history with individualism and guns makes this difficult for many. We have an emotional response to discussions about individual liberties, especially when it comes to guns.

But, as emissaries of Christ’s eternal kingdom, we do not have the option of turning away. Satan wants us to be agents of death. In our baptism, however, we are set apart to be agents of hope, love, and life. We are called to set aside our desires, our inclinations to sin, and throw them all at the foot of the cross. I don’t have all the answers, but I do know that if the Church truly reflected and discerned God’s will for us around gun violence, the solutions would be uncomfortable for everyone.

So, my dear sisters and brothers, join me daily as we pray, “O Lord, guide those who govern us; and lead us in the way of justice and truth.” Ask God how you can help our governments better prevent gun violence. Ask God to change your heart where you might be holding on to old ways of thinking. But, above all, remember that the root cause is sin. Our only hope against sin is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ask God to lead his Church to be a light unto the nations. Ask God to guide you into ways where you can be the person that shines God’s light into a dark soul. Be the mirror that shines God’s light into a sinful heart. Pray that God uses you to be the friend to pull another away from the path of darkness.

O God, who hast made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and didst send thy blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after thee and find thee; bring the nations into thy fold; pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of thy kingdom; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Prayer for Mission, BCP 2019