January 2025 - Pray for New Orleans

Pray for New Orleans

“If one member suffers, a suffer together with it.” I Corinthians 12:26

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Grace and peace from Jesus Christ be with you.

As we begin the new year, our hearts ache over the tragic terrorist attack in New Orleans. I pray for the victims, their families, and the entire community, asking God to bring them healing and peace.
 
I am grateful for the first responders and community leaders dedicated to providing aid. May God guide their efforts.

As United Methodists, we believe in a God who redeems and restores, calling us to be instruments of peace. Our tradition urges us to “do all the good we can” in every way possible. In this spirit, let us respond with:

· Prayer—Pray, individually and collectively, for the victims, their families, and the city of New Orleans. Pray for comfort, justice, peace, and healing.

· Compassion—Refrain from harsh judgments and sterile debates and instead seek to be a healing presence for those grieving and weary   during this time.

· Justice and Peace—Continue addressing the root causes of violence in our society and work tirelessly to build communities where all can live safely and with dignity.

 Evil does not have the final word. Scripture reassures us that Christ’s light overcomes darkness,  and nothing can separate us from God’s love. Let us draw strength from the Holy Spirit to embody God’s love and boldly share Christ’s hope and peace.

As we start this new year, let us recommit to loving God and our neighbors as Christ loves us.

May the Lord bless and keep you, empowering us to be agents of Christ’s peace in these troubled times.
 
Paz,
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
The United Methodist Church
Serving the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area