We walk with the victims and survivors of violence

By Archbishop Gregory Aymond

Archbishop Gregory Aymond delivered the following homily at the annual Mass for the Victims and Survivors of Violence at St. Louis Cathedral on Oct. 27:

There are some phrases that we should never use – for example, “I know exactly how you feel.” 

We can try the best we can, but no one fully understands another person's feelings, especially when it comes to the death of a loved one through violence. But, we can come in prayer. And, that is what we do today for the victims whose lives were taken and also for the family and friends of those who remain in tears, with holes in their hearts, from what has happened.

There are some stories that can cause great pain and many tears. Each year, we designate a Sunday in October in the Archdiocese of New Orleans to remember the victims of violence. 

And, not just them, but also their families and friends.

Before the liturgy began, some people brought up pictures of loved ones whose lives were taken because of violence. There are many more whose pictures do not appear here, who have been killed in this city because of hatred and revenge or a stray bullet that took their lives.

But even though their pictures are not here, we know their faces are deeply rooted in the hearts of their family and friends and survivors. This is true for all of those who come in sorrow today. 

As Christians, we come to say today, “Peace, not violence.” We come to say today, “Respect and not hatred.” We pray for all those who have lost their lives because of the violent acts of another, and especially those who have experienced this through the taking of the life of a parent or a spouse, a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister, a family member or a grandchild, a coworker, a friend or a neighbor. 

Today, we remember that the victims are many. 

First of all, those who have lost their lives, we pray for them that they can have eternal peace in God's kingdom, that they may have eternal life and they see God face to face after their life has been taken. 

Secondly, we also pray for those who have lost loved ones that God may comfort you, wrap you in his arms and remind you that he is the Prince of Peace and that he comes to comfort you and that he will wipe away your tears, no matter how long it’s been since you have lost a loved one. And, for some people, this pain never, never ends. 

And thirdly, we remember those who were victims of violence and have survived. We know you still have scars, whether it’s physical, emotional or spiritual. Many of you live in fear as you have flashbacks to what happened and nightmares at times of what took place in your life. We not only remain with you but we went to walk with you in this journey. 

We remember today that it is never God’s will to harm or take the life of another. This is the action and the influence of an evil spirit that is alive in our world today. Jesus wants peace and not revenge. He wants us to settle arguments by words and not by weapons. 

We’re also grateful today for law enforcement, which is in the midst of all of this and tries to bring justice and peace.

In today’s Gospel, we saw Bartimaeus, the blind man who is alone on the side of the road calling out for Jesus to help him so that he can regain his sight. Others tell him to shut up, that he’s disturbing the crowd. He feels alone and he feels very discouraged. 

He cries out louder and louder: “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me. Come and heal me.” 

Isn’t it interesting that as people tell him to be quiet, Jesus stops and he calls him over and he heals him. All of a sudden, he can see Jesus and all those around him and the environment around him. 

Death and loneliness

When we experience the death of a loved one – at any time, but especially in times of violence – we may begin to feel like Bartimaeus, alone, alone. No one is listening. We may be thinking Jesus will just pass us by as we have our tears and our sorrow. Let me suggest that that is not the case. Jesus calls you over, he embraces you and heals you. And he says, “You are not alone. I am with you.” 

Whenever we go through tough situations, especially death, the Lord cries with us and doesn’t just look at us. Bear in mind, for those who are in grief today, the Lord Jesus does not pass you by. He wipes away your tears and he says, “Lean on me. See me touching the sadness and the weight of your heart.” 

For those of you who have lost loved ones in general – and especially for those who have lost loved ones through violence – we don't know what you are feeling. We can’t imagine how you feel. But, today, we lift you to the Lord.

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