Orlando

by Fred Vilbig

As you have heard, last weekend, a man (who his ex-wife described as mentally unstable) killed approximately 50 people in Orlando, Florida. The only decent reaction to that should be a profound sorrow. Each one of those people was a loved brother or sister, son or daughter, and friend to many other people. If you have ever had a family member or close friend die, you will understand that the loss of another person is profound. People, each one of us, are a beautiful gift from God. Even if you disagree with their lifestyle, as the old Latin adage goes, you should hate the sin, but love the sinner.

I think it is profoundly sad and unjust, but politicians and political pundits have already begun to use this senseless act of violence to advance their political agenda. We haven’t even buried and mourned the victims of this horrendous loss of life, and some are using them, objectifying them to advance some cause. This is an instance where we in America make people into things. We objectify them to advance our pet project.

As Catholics, we should not, no, we cannot do that.


We cherish human life from conception to natural death. In addition, we believe in eternal life. We believe that by the choices we make here on earth we choose where we will spend each eternal life, in heaven or in hell. And every single human being, no matter how old or how young, no matter whether they are saints or sinners (and aren’t we all sinners?), is precious in the eyes of God. We are not here to judge. We are not here to condemn. We are here to love with the love of Christ.

As Catholics, our response to this action should be prayer. We should pray for all of those who were killed and for their families. We should pray for all of those who were injured. We should pray for all of those who directly or indirectly witnessed this attack. We should pray for the first responders and those who treated the injured at the hospital. And yes, we should pray for the perpetrator and all who were complicit in this crime. We should pray. With regard to the injured, we should pray for their full and speedy recovery. With regard to the dead, we should pray for the repose of their souls in the Presence of God. As Leon Bloy once wrote, “The only real sadness, the only real failure, the only great tragedy in life, is not to become a saint.” Please pray that God in His infinite mercy will grant each and every one of those poor souls (as we all are) eternal life in His Presence. That is how we fight evil. That is how we bring the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth.