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We also need to pray with and for one another, and not shrink from doing so across sectarian lines. We need to engage in corporal works of mercy in Jesus's name, to show his limitless love to those in need. We need to act as though the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, His Passion, His suffering, His resurrection make a difference and the biggest difference in the history of the world. The world needs to see our Christian witness displayed for all the world to see.

When the shooter at the Oregon Community College asked his victims who were Christians to raise their hands, he did not distinguish between Catholic, Orthodox or Reformed Christian. Just being Christian and raising your hand merited a bullet in the head in his twisted mind. Those who would not raise their hands or respond at all to the question were kneecapped and crippled for life.

Either fate seems gruesome but those who were shot in the head are probably now with their Savior and ours as martyrs for their respective faiths. If I had been there, I hope I would have had the courage to get the bullet in the head but I am as cowardly as the next guy and might not have mustered the courage.

We are entering dark times for Christians. I would like to recommend good Christian reading as preparation for those times.

First, of course, the Holy Scriptures in as conservative a translation as you can find: The Catholic Douay-Rheims Challoner edition of the late 16th century or the magnificent King James Bible of James I Stuart, the single greatest work in the English language (Protestant or not it rings with the Voice of God),

Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis (15th century spiritual advice by a monk living in community written for his brother monks and just as wonderful advice to the rest of us to this day) which should be read about three pages a day and then be the subject of meditation and prayer,

Anything by Gilbert K. Chesterton,

Anything by Hillaire Belloc

Anything by J.R.R. Tolkien,

Anything by his Oxford colleague Charles King,

Anything by C. S. Lewis,

For the hard times ahead: Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross, reportedly a dangerous book for the unprepared soul, it is claimed that it almost frightened Mother Teresa out of Catholicism (and belief) during her own dark night of the soul,

The works of Reformed Christian Frank Schaeffer,

Feel free, each of you and anyone else reading this to recommend books that you have found valuable.

God bless each of you and yours!