How should we respond to tragedy?A young Catholic's perspective.

Our nation and the world at large has sustained several recent disastrous events. These aren’t the first tragedies that we’ve suffered and they definitely won’t be the last. Sadly, this world is home to individuals who act on their free will to inflict undue harm. So now the question is, how should we as Catholics react to the horrible occurrences that have transpired?

1. Pray.

The initial reactions are going to be that of shock and grief. The first thing that should be done is an offering of a prayer intention for the souls of victims, the well-being of the survivors, their families, first responders, and yes even the suspects. In paragraph 2635 of the Catechism, the Church affirms the significance of intercessory prayer- "Since Abraham, intercession - asking on behalf of another has been characteristic of a heart attuned to God's mercy. In the age of the Church, Christian intercession participates in Christ's, as an expression of the communion of saints. In intercession, he who prays looks "not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others," even to the point of praying for those who do him harm." Pray for the victims as well as the perpetrators. The teachings of Christ echo the importance of praying for our enemies. Light a candle, pray a rosary, make a visit to an adoration chapel, just simply do whatever it is that helps you turn to the one triune God for strength and consolation during a time of trial.

2. Avoid circulating rumors.

The mass shooting that occurred in San Bernardino which left 14 dead is minutes from where I live. Two cities over, my place of employment took precaution and closed for the rest of the day on December 2^nd, 2015 upon hearing of the news. Refrain from contributing to unconfirmed reports regarding the unfolding event. There is enough chaos and concern caused upon hearing of the emergency. Don’t make it worse by spreading rumors that are completely or partially inaccurate because it becomes difficult to focus while huddled around a Television news broadcast and attempting to find out if family members and friends are safe and unharmed.

3. Don’t be so quick to politicize a tragedy.

There will always be a time and a place to talk policy. Two minutes after a mass shooting or another disaster is not an appropriate time to discuss politics, start a war in the comments section on social media, advance a political agenda, or voice your endorsement of a particular political candidate who you think can “change things.” The bodies of the poor victims have yet to be removed from the crime scene, some people are still unaware of the cross they have to bear now that they have lost a family member. However, too many times do the media and individuals on social networks “jump the gun” on throwing the word “terrorism” around or pointing the finger at potential scapegoats before all the facts are even gathered.

4. Be mindful of the way in which you talk about victims.

Whatever the situation is, whether the victims are at a gay club, have a troubled history, or are a police officer, it is not appropriate to cast blame and behave like some who are quick to say that the “wrath of God” is what claimed the lives of the victims of those who were injured or killed in Orlando, or that a victim has a rap sheet therefore it’s somehow their fault that someone now has to live without a father, mother, brother, sister, son, or daughter. Nor is it appropriate to demonize members of law enforcement or rejoice in the fact that officers have been gunned down as if it’s some version of twisted justice. Everybody has the right to due process under the law, let’s avoid unjustly trying people in the court of public opinion.

5. Trust the Trinity.

St. Paul teaches that "we walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) part of that entails trusting in the God who has the power to guide us and who graced us with the redemption to potentially live with him for eternity in his heavenly kingdom. The Catechism of The Catholic Church teaches that "we firmly believe that God is master of the world and of its history. But the ways of his providence are often unknown to us. Only at the end, when our partial knowledge ceases, when we see God "face to face", will we fully know the ways by which - even through the dramas of evil and sin - God has guided his creation to that definitive sabbath rest for which he created heaven and earth. (CCC 314).

6. Stand together as a community. Stand together as a Church.

St. Paul alsol tells us in his first letter to the Corinthians (12:25-26) that as one body of Christ we must stand together “so that there may be no division in the body, but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.” We must unite in prayer and deed during times when our communities are desperate for peace, order, and the desire to feel safe. We must show that we care for our brothers and sisters, not by changing the filter of our profile photos on Facebook but by showing solidarity through living the beatitudes and the works of mercy that we carry out especially during this Jubilee year. We must have faith that all touched by tragedy have the capacity to heal and find hope in Christ and his Church which is made up of missionary disciples- us.