Death in Orlando: Love and Solidarity

The 49 folks killed at an Orlando entertainment venue late Saturday night/early Sunday morning, and the person who killed them, are still dead. Others are hospitalized, and may or may not survive. A whole lot of folks are mourning the loss of family and friends.

Repeating what I wrote Sunday afternoon, I should love God, love my neighbors, see everybody as my neighbor, and treat others as I want to be treated. (Matthew 5:43-44, 7:12, 22:36-40, Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31 10:25-27, 29-37)

That's everybody. No exceptions.

Acting like love matters is — another topic. (March 9, 2016; July 27, 2014)

Folks living in and around Orlando are doing what they can to help survivors. Prayer seems like a good idea, too. No pressure, of course.

Here's what a Bishop, an Archbishop, and someone at the Vatican, had to say:

"A sword has pierced the heart of our city. ... Jesus calls us to remain fervent in our protection of life and human dignity and to pray unceasingly for peace in our world....

"... Priests, deacons and counselors from the Diocese of Orlando and Catholic Charities of Central Florida are serving at the Aid Center established by the City of Orlando. They are on site helping victims and families on the front lines of this tragedy....

"...We pray for the people of the city of Orlando that God's mercy and love will be upon us as we seek healing and consolation."
Bishop John Noonan of Orlando (June 12, 2016)

"...The merciful love of Christ calls us to solidarity with the suffering and to ever greater resolve in protecting the life and dignity of every person."
President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville (June 12, 2016)

"...The terrible massacre that has taken place in Orlando, with its dreadfully high number of innocent victims, has caused in Pope Francis, and in all of us, the deepest feelings of horror and condemnation....

"...We all hope that ways may be found, as soon as possible, to effectively identify and contrast the causes of such terrible and absurd violence which so deeply upsets the desire for peace of the American people and of the whole of humanity."
Director of the Holy See Press Office, Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J. (June 13, 2016)

More of my take on love and life:

• "Mass Murder in Orlando"
  (June 12, 2016)
  Particularly
  • Love
• "Hate People? Not an Option"
  (September 6, 2015)
  Particularly
  • Love: NO EXCEPTIONS
• "Sex, Satan, and Me: Getting a Grip"
  (July 12, 2015)
  Particularly
  • Respect, Dignity, and Drunk Driving
• "Love!"
  (January 31, 2016)
  Particularly
  • "...Love One Another"
  • Best - News - Ever
• "Hate People? Not an Option"
  (September 6, 2015)
  Particularly
  • Love: NO EXCEPTIONS
  • Human Life
  • Death and Decisions
  • Recap