Markings of the "Evil One"

After reading an article in the NY Daily News today, I wondered how much influence the "evil one" had on the horrific actions of the alleged killer in the mass murder in Arizona. This disturbing story is upsetting on so many levels. Judge John Roll who was killed had just left Mass, when he went to the event sponsored by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. The young girl, Christina, (who was the granddaughter of Dallas Green) had received her First Holy Communion recently. Dorwin Stoddard, who was killed protecting his wife from the gunfire was a devoted Christian and a longtime minister of the tiny Mountain Avenue of Christ Church. All so good, all targets.

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who is Jewish is loved by her faith community. Her first name is the same as the archangel Gabriel. There are references to the angel Gabriel in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament.

In the article, "Frightening Shrine in Madman's Yard," the presence of the occult in the life of the killer is mentioned. "A sinister shrine reveals a chilling occult dimension in the mind of the deranged gunman accused of shooting a member of Congress and 19 others. Hidden within a camouflage tent behind his home sits an alarming altar with a skull sitting atop a pot filled with shriveled oranges. A row of ceremonial candles and a bag of potting soil lay nearby...." There was a photograph in the newspaper and it was chilling as well. It was noted that, "The discovery of the 'shrine' raises the possibility that he may have been driven by other forces." The "forces" are clearly evil and I would imagine, (though I'm no expert) that the "evil one" must "prey" and influence those who have lost their grip on reality- the psychotic and deranged.

I wonder where his parents were and why they didn't take action to help him? According to reports, after his professor complained about his rantings in class, college officials made it clear to them that he needed help. He was expelled from college. A neighbor was quoted as saying, "It was obvious to everyone that he wasn't a normal guy." How did they allow a 'shrine' to the occult to exist in their backyard?

I spoke to Catholic parents yesterday in Queens, as I've done for the past few years and one of the things that I told them was "always know what your children are doing, be aware of who their friends are, be very observant." I also told them to pray with and for their children, as well as other advice on keeping their children away from evil and on the path of goodness and love. "You get one chance to get it right."

I observed a moment of silence today with the rest of the nation who did so. I prayed for the recovery of Rep. Giffords, for her family and for all those who lost loved ones. Those so brutally killed are in a better place, one of peace, but the loss that the living feel is painful and confusing. Sadly, their lives will never be the same.

This world needs prayer and healing more than ever. It's a difficult world to raise children in. The gift of faith and belief in eternal life, in the midst of crisis, is worth more than anything else.

NJA