“May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all.” Those are the words of St Paul to us from the first letter to the Thessalonians. As we reflect upon the senseless killings in the movie theater in Colorado, it is easier for us to see evil and sin in the world than love. We know that there is evil in the world since Jesus told us that the devil is the prince of this world. But, rarely does evil present itself as vividly as it did during this massacre. Most of the time, evil tries to masquerade as good. Several weeks ago, about 25 of us from St Francis prayed the rosary at the entrance to the Sharonville abortion clinic. We stood in the LaRosa’s parking lot, in the pouring rain and prayed for about an hour. Next to us was a sign for the abortion clinic which read “Women’s Med” and had the name of three doctors on it. A long driveway leads back to a building behind LaRosa’s, nestled in the woods. As I stood there praying the rosary, I had to wonder how many babies would be killed that day, or that week, or that year. And where are the cries of horror for these lives ended while in the safest possible safe place, a mother’s womb? The web site for the Sharonville abortion clinic reads as follows: “Our Center is decorated with your comfort and privacy in mind. We encourage you to bring a relative or friend. Our reception areas provide a quiet spot for reading or watching television. Our patient educators provide helpful information about your medical procedure and answer any questions you might have. They will take the time necessary for you to understand your options and our procedures. While you relax a short time in recovery, we discuss your post-op instructions and offer refreshments.” Doesn’t this sound pleasant? The evil in Aurora Colorado is not the way of Christ. The evil at the abortion clinics throughout the country also is not the way of Christ. Both provide vivid proof to us that evil does exist and that we must be vigilant in our efforts to do good and to avoid evil. Sin, evil, and death do not have the last word. Jesus has won victory over death through his resurrection. But, in this life, all of us, individually, as a community, and as a nation, must continually battle against evil, especially evil that masquerades as good. The outcome is clear; Jesus has already won the victory, while we, in this life, continually battle against the wickedness and snares of the devil. We pray for the victims of the deadly shooting in Colorado. We also pray for the victims of abortion, especially the babies, their mothers and fathers, and the staff of the abortion clinic in Sharonville. And I encourage all of you to join with others from the parish praying outside of the abortion clinic in Sharonville on the second Saturday of each month. Our battle against evil and the culture of death can only be won in this life through prayer and vigilance.

Senior saints will meet on August 14th, 12 PM, at the 180 Club, 30 N Broadway

Tongues of fire; a strong driving wind; frightened men gain the courage and the power to speak boldly; the people are astounded and amazed!