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CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – Two days ago on Sunday mass was held at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis. It was in a different part of the building – the sanctuary is still a crime scene from last week’s shooting.
Again we hear some politicians saying that our prayers for the victims are not enough. They say action – like more gun control laws – are needed. Their comments only show their ignorance and their lack of faith. Minnesota already has a 30-day waiting period for a gun license. And yet the Minneapolis shooter was still able to purchase 3 guns legally. His mental health stuggles, posted on numerous social media channels, who either ignored of not seen. I ask you what other constitutional rights require a 30-day waiting period. I don’t have to apply a month in advance to exercise my free speech rights. You don’t need to apply 30-days in advance to register to vote or to ogranize a protest.
I led the closing prayer at The Cross last Sunday, and I prayed for the upcoming school year. I had three requests: first, that all students feel safe when they are in school. Second that it be a year of intellectual growth for our students. And third that students be kind towards their classmates who are lonley and don’t have many friends.
For the prayer-is-not-enough crowd, I’ll give them this. All three of my prayer requests require action. Adults indeed need to do more about school safety. Students need to be attentive in class and study if they want to achieve academically. And reaching out to the unpopular kids requires intentionality and some courage.
A farmer may pray for the right amount of sunshine and rain, but they won’t grow a crop if they don’t til the field.
And so it is with the new school year. I have high hopes for our students. But it won’t happen without effort and work.
Have a great back-to-school.
Chris Conley
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