Holding on to Hope in the Midst of Tragedy (Morning Air)

John Morales welcomes Monsignor James Shea, president of the University of Mary, to respond to the tragic school shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. With many of his students from the Twin Cities, Monsignor Shea says the grief feels especially close to home. He calls the news “devastating and deeply disturbing,” but insists that it is precisely in such moments that the Catholic Faith shows its true witness. Msgr. Shea mentions Archbishop Bernard Hebda’s immediate pastoral response as a source of real comfort. Archbishop Hebda spoke as a man of the Gospel, reminding us that the ultimate answer to evil and violence is not found in worldly solutions alone but in the hope of Jesus Christ. Monsignor reflects on the “mystery of iniquity” that runs through every human heart, quoting St. Paul’s call to put on the armor of God. He reminds you that the devil is the “father of death,” but Christ has already conquered sin and evil on the cross. Christian hope, he stresses, is not naïve optimism. It is realistic and deeply rooted in the truth that darkness will never triumph over light because Christ’s victory is definitive. Monsignor Shea urges you to pray for the victims and their families; he encourages all believers to hold fast to the mercy and grace of Jesus, who alone can heal the human heart and bring peace in times of unspeakable suffering. Relevant Radio is joining Msgr. Shea in this important prayer for all who are affected.  The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.