Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, facing arrest and death, commanded Peter to sheath his sword.  He said, “Those who live by the sword will die by the sword.”  Then, he exemplified a nonviolent response to his enemies by praying for their forgiveness as he hung in agony on the cross.  We are called to follow the way of the cross, never giving way to rage, anger, or bias, practicing radical hospitality even to our enemies.

Jesus extended loving hospitality to all, including the social outcasts of his day. His nonviolent way of responding to his tormentors and executioners during his trial and death are in sharp contrast to the rage and violence of the Orlando perpetrator, and also, the hostility on the part of some in our society that is being directed toward all people of the Islamic faith. 

As we strive for justice and peace among all peoples, as our baptismal promises call on us to do, let us, also, avoid rage toward the perpetrator, praying for him as we pray for those killed and traumatized by his actions.