Lord Jesus,
Everyday I try to make sense of capital punishment.
But I can’t understand how we are teaching non-violence
through state-sanctioned killing of those who have killed.
By your grace, allow me the ability to listen to people
whose opinions and beliefs are different from my own.
May others see, through me, a Gospel of Life
in my words and actions.
Teach me to radiate your message of love and peace
while remaining kind and humble.
Give me the patience I need in this work
to know that all of your children are worthy of respect.
Please warm the hearts of Catholics and all your faithful people
so they see that defending life means defending all life.
Help them to choose life for all people – whether guilty or innocent.
In your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
