All That We Can Do

Every morning the news comes on the radio to wake me up.

Many days I listen for a minute and fall back to sleep.

Not yesterday.

The news came on and immediately I was awake. It was horrific. A ship had hit the Key Bridge, and the bridge had collapsed. People and vehicles were in the water. It was pitch black, and rescue crews were on the scene.

What a nightmare.

Listening and reading and watching the news, I felt so helpless. There was only one thing most of us could do—and that is pray.

In today’s world, prayer is often criticized as weak. People mock those who send “thoughts and prayers.” On one hand, I understand. We want to see concrete action. We want to witness instant miracles and transformation. We believe people should show up and put their beliefs to work.

But prayer matters. Prayer is so powerful. Telling someone you are praying for them—and following through—can be an extraordinary gift.

I happen to believe prayer changes situations. It invites God into the story. It tells him we need him, and we are open to his work in our lives. Prayer also changes us, putting us in a space where we might find greater clarity and purpose, so we know how to act.

Prayer can move mountains. And sometimes it is our only path forward.

I can’t save lives. I can’t help rescue workers see through dark choppy waters. I can’t give wisdom to officials who are guiding a search and rescue operation. But God can. And God knows what’s needed in a way we can only guess.

Most of Baltimore—and much of the nation—held those affected by this tragedy in their thoughts and prayers yesterday. And it mattered. It matters still, as we figure out what happens next for the bridge and our community. And it certainly matters for the families and friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives—and for the survivors, too.

Late in the day, I went to the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen to pray with others at a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Lori. The crucifix over the altar was covered with a purple cloth because it is Passiontide. It struck me that so often we cannot see Jesus, but he is always there. He is suffering with us. He is weeping for us. And he is loving us and holding us close to him.

Today there is not much we can do, but we can pray. And that is important. Prayer has an impact—often unseen, but real.

Please join me in praying for those affected by the bridge collapse, for Baltimore, for Maryland, and for those who will help find a path forward.

Amen.

To support the families of the victims of the Francis Scott Key Bridge tragedy, click here.

Also see

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Question Corner: Are parish priests allowed to do confirmations?

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