God of mercy and justice, in earth’s darkest places, the innocent are victims of violence and oppression, without hope for relief or reckoning. In the dome of the sky, darkness has been the default setting for innumerable millions suffering for innumerable years. Today, we mourn victims of war crimes in Ukraine and a mass shooting in Sacramento. When we sing, “Let there be light,” may we also pray, “Show us how to use our influence, authority, and privilege to banish just a little of the darkness every day.” Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
—JHT
Episcopalians United Against Gun Violence (Facebook page)