Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

Once again we learn of yet another mass shooting, this time in San Bernardino, California, where the lives of 14 people were taken, and at least 17 more have been seriously injured. While the employees of the Inland Regional Center, which serves those with developmental disabilities, were enjoying a holiday gathering, they soon became victims of gunfire. People are just now learning the fate of their loved ones with whom they planned to celebrate Christmas in a few weeks and, instead of joy, their hearts are filled with inconceivable sadness and grief.

This is all too frequent a scenario, but one to which must not become accustomed or desensitized. It seems that every day we read the news and learn of another act of similar violence in the world. The pervasive question, “When will this end?”, is only known by the Lord, but we must not become victims ourselves by living in fear. We have received the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection, and we must always remember that God is with us at every moment in our lives.

Our clergy in southern California are working with local law enforcement to provide support in whatever way they can. I ask that all our faithful throughout the Metropolis take a moment to offer a prayer for the repose of those whose lives have been lost, for their grieving families, and for yet another community torn apart by violence.

During the Christmas season we often hear the refrain “Peace on earth”. I pray that these words will be fulfilled and that peace will not be an elusive dream but a reality for all people.

With Love in Christ,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco