I recently saw a heartbreaking, yet powerful, photo. The image showed a funeral procession; but not one of a single black hearse going down Main Street of an American town. Rather, the procession was a long line of white cloth-covered caskets extending past the constraints of the picture. On either side of the caskets were crowds of people lining the skinny passageway that allowed just enough room for the individuals carrying the deceased to maneuver through. This was the scene in Sri Lanka yesterday in the aftermath of the horrific terrorist attack that took place on Sunday.

What a sad scene. This picture will stay with me.

I just wanted to briefly say a few things. First and foremost, I don’t think this tragedy has received enough coverage. Over 300 people perished solely because of their religious beliefs. On Monday, I looked at Sidney in disbelief as NBC Nightly News spent two minutes on it before abruptly transitioning to the Mueller Report. Let us not forget the magnitude and savagery of this attack.

Next, I wanted to dig a little deeper into who the victims were. The individuals who lost their lives weren’t just able-bodied adult men like myself. Instead, they were children, women, and the elderly. Boys and girls receiving their First Holy Communion were murdered in cold blood. How could anyone have the heart to viciously slay an innocent child?

Finally, these victims weren’t just “Easter worshippers.” They didn’t casually wake up and head to the church for an annual holiday service. The people who were in the pews of St. Sebastian’s and St. Anthony’s were dedicated and proud Catholics. Despite the politically correct broad generalization that some folks might give to these people, let’s not insult them any further.

It is a popular opinion these days to say that “thoughts and prayers” don’t matter. Don’t believe it. The power of prayer is real and impactful. Let us pray for those who lost their lives and recognize them for who they were. Don’t Blink.