TODAY is the 5th Anniversary of the Sandy Hook shootings in Newton, Connecticut. 20-grade schoolers aged 6 and 7 and six adult staff members at the school were killed. Let us not grow complacent or used to such human-instigated tragedies. Let us remember ourselves to these innocent victims and to the numerous and unnecessary victims of violence in our country and throughout the world. Let our hearts turn with compassion toward their families who grieve their loss and honor their memory. Finally, let each of us consciously and intentionally find a way each day, no matter how small, in thought, word, or deed to practice the making of peace and to embody the way of nonviolence in our personal sphere of influence and living.

For an Advent reflection on the Sandy Hook shootings from five years ago — “The Carol of the Season: ‘I Am with You'” — click here.