Today I went out into public after work for the first time since Friday. I needed to pick up a prescription and get some food. Since it was late, I decided to go to Stew Leonards, normally a happy place that is filled with music and large puppets that entertain the children. As I got out of the car in the dark, I noticed that the rain had started again. The sun broke through for an hour or two this afternoon, but even the sun didn’t shine so brightly today. Something felt different, people’s faces were somber, and their steps lumbered. I saw a young child run through an aisle and I wanted to reach out to her. I looked at her mother and hoped that she hugged her baby tightly today. I wondered how many times our Sandy Hook babies walked through this very same store, skipping and singing.
Nothing is the same. We are changed. We are wounded deeply. We are violated. Our hearts have been ripped apart.
There’s a cloud over Newtown. It’s not going to go away anytime soon. We weep…..we grieve…..we pray…..
We must love, love like we’ve never loved before. Love our families, love our friends, love ourselves, and love our enemies. It is only love that can absorb the pain. It is only love that can absorb the sorrow. It is only love that can eventually heal. And, it is only love that can stop this evil.
Reflections on the Journey 
Andie, this evening in Markham, Ontario at an RCIA meeting I asked people to bow while I prayed and we had a moment of silence for those who died at Newtown and for those who are left to grieve. Please know that the Body of Christ mourns with you and none of us will be the same for when one suffers, we all suffer. May God’s healing grace be with each person who feels the pain from this tragedy which, as you have written, only love can heal.
Thank you Lynda. We all feel as though we need to do something….how blessed are those who know that prayer is the best ‘doing’ thing of all.
Andie, I’m grieving for everyone involved. This tragic incident will haunt many of us throughout the coming weeks and months. One of the most consoling things I’ve heard since the unthinkable tragedy in Newtown is a quotation from Mr. Rogers about scary things in the news. This is the quotation: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'” This is what I have been seeing, people helping, lots and lots of helpers. As St. Paul has said, “Nothing can separate us from the love of God.” God’s love is manifested in these helpers.
Thanks so much Ruth Ann. It’s amazing how people from near and far feel the pain! Yes, there has been so much generosity in prayers and support. A friend from Sandy Hook told me that all of the funerals have been paid for by donations. His light shines through the darkness.