Today hearts are broken, they are shattered, and feel heavy. The burden of young lives lost upon shoulders never meant to bear such a burden. We are united with Christ in his suffering, and we are united with Christ in the Resurrection. But until then the church cries out, all creation cries out, “How long, oh Lord?” 

How long, oh Lord, must we wait? 

How long, oh Lord, until you return? 

How long, oh Lord, must we feel this pain, this grief, and mourn? 

How long, oh Lord, elevate the meek, until you humble the proud? 

How long, oh Lord, until you bring unity to your creation and cause division to cease?

How long, oh Lord, until you give those who suffer reprieve, until cancer and terminal illness no longer slowly drain life? 

How long, oh Lord, until our babies born into eternity are raised from the dead? 

How long, oh Lord, until our children who entered classrooms that were tombs will be brought back to life? 

How long, oh Lord, until the tears of parents will bring justice? 

How long, oh Lord, until our firearms are melted down into plowshares? 

How long, oh Lord, must we live within this body of death? 

How long, oh Lord, until you come again? 

How long, oh Lord, until resurrection?

How long, oh Lord?

Please, Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy… and come quickly.