ON THIS 16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME THE "DAWN" ENLIGHTENS THE "DARKNESS"............

The Catholic Bishops of the Archdiocese of Denver in Colorado, where the town of Aurora is located, are Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, and Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley.  On Friday, they released a statement addressing the mass shooting in Aurora two days ago, which is being shared with congregations throughout the Denver Archdiocese today.  After stating, "Our hearts and prayers go out to  those impacted by this evil act", the two Bishops go on to define and describe the meaning and hope they have for Aurora, Colorado saying, "In the choas of the of the moment, people poured into the darkness of the night - the darkness of confusion, ambiguity, of despair.  We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters cast into that darkness.  They do not stand alone.  As Catholic Bishops we, "weep with those who mourn".  But in Aurora whose name means the, "dawn", the sun rose this morning.  In a city whose name evokes the light, people of hope know that the darkness may be overcome".  That hope for the people of Aurora, Colorado, our nation, and the world, especially believers in Faith of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Shepherd, is discovered in God's Word from St. Paul, where he writes, "Neither life nor death, can separate us from the love of God".  That is the hope all of us can have on this Sunday, as we cope with the stark acuteness of shock, pain, and grief, felt; and the peace, healing, and empathy, needed;  by so very many people in the Aurora community and around the globe, as a result of this tragic happening.  Just as Jesus in today's Gospel Proclamation  from Mark the Evangelist, with compassion for his Apostles sends them on retreat to rest and relax; only to discover the people have followed them, Jesus did not dismiss the crowds, but took pity on them and ministered to them.  So too, is Jesus available to us now in these dark hours, to provide the light, consolation, and assurances of faith, needed.  In Aurora, the Archdiocese of Denver's Counseling Services of their Catholic Charities ministries, is and will be, providing assistance to the victims and members of the community.  They will alaso continue praying for and supporting the community, which will include the Invocation prayer led by Auxiliary Bishop Conley, at the Memorial Vigil being held in the Aurora Municipal Center this evening.  May all of us continue to pray and sympathize with those directly affected by this grave sadness in their lives and learn each day to become more like Jesus in the love and peace we impart and share for one another............Fr.  Troy