Father sky, your tears have been heavy upon Mother Earth. Trying so hard to wash away the blood stains from gun violence and wars all over this sacred land. Mother earth you soak up those stains that will never be completely washed away. The lifeless bodies you embrace into the depths of your womb and release their spirits up to the heavens. Deep down we know that asking for your forgiveness is not enough. We know we are called to protect you, Mother Earth, everything that has sprouted from your essence. The lands, the seas, the animals and trees, the people freshly born into this world and the older ones maybe in a nursing home awaiting their next journey beyond and all those in between, We must care for the immigrants and not blame them for the crisis in their homelands that force them to migrate and leave the only place they have ever known. We must embrace the children, care for them and teach the children. Let the children know that we are protecting them with love and knowledge and action for a more equitable world and just world for them. Let us not shame them, blame them, disregard the knowledge that our youth bring to us and the greater world. Let us not shame the homeless person with the cardboard sign on the corner of the off ramp. Let us not shame and blame those living with mental illness, substance use disorder or any kind of chronic health issue. Let us embrace everyone with love and dignity. We hear and see your cries Father Sky and Mother Earth. We know you hear ours too. We know you are calling us to take action as we weep and mourn. We commit to you both that we will use our voices, our minds, our hands and feet to make changes in this universe that we are a part of. We will build a community that will change your tears of anger and mourning Father Sky to tears of joy. Tears that will not make Mother Earth’s rivers overflow and flood. Tears that will give what she needs to bring food and water. Safe water to us all. As we grieve, we know we are called to take action. We are called to use our anger to better this world. Father Sky, Mother Earth we ask for your blessings upon our spirits. We promise to do the work. We vow to not break that promise. 

Amen.