“Gathering God, draw us out beyond our cramped circles of care. Draw us toward the neighbor, the other, the outsider, the hurting one. May we practice compassion. Amen.”

― Walter Brueggemann, A Way other than Our Own

Palestinians say at least five people killed by Israeli gunfire near Gaza aid centers

Palestinian health officials and witnesses say at least five people were killed and others were wounded by Israeli fire as they headed toward two aid distribution points in the Gaza Strip run by an Israeli and U.S.-backed group. Israel's military said it fired warning shots at people who approached its forces. Four bodies were brought to Nasser Hospital in Gaza's southern city of Khan Younis. Palestinian witnesses there said Israeli forces had fired on them at a roundabout that is around a kilometer (half-mile) from a site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in the nearby city of Rafah. The Israeli military said it fired warning shots at people it said were suspects who had advanced toward its forces and ignored warnings to turn away. It said the shooting occurred in an area in southern Gaza that is considered an active combat zone at night. The past two weeks have seen frequent shootings near the new hubs where thousands of desperate Palestinians are being directed to collect food. Witnesses say nearby Israeli troops have opened fire, and more than 80 people have been killed, according to Gaza hospital officials. Israel's military has said it fired warning shots or, in some instances, near individuals approaching its forces.

God of peace and justice, we pray that the violence at these distribution sites might cease immediately. The information being shared with the public is often contradictory or unclear, but what we do know is that civilians are being shot and killed while seeking food to survive the famine they are living under. May food and peace break through, Lord. 

Pope Leo criticizes political nationalism and prays for reconciliation and dialogue

Pope Leo XIV criticized the surge of nationalist political movements in the world as he prayed Sunday for reconciliation and dialogue — a message in line with his pledges to make the Catholic Church a symbol of peace. The pope celebrated Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square in front of tens of thousands faithful, and asked the Holy Spirit to "break down barriers and tear down the walls of indifference and hatred." "Where there is love, there is no room for prejudice, for 'security' zones separating us from our neighbors, for the exclusionary mindset that, tragically, we now see emerging also in political nationalisms," the first American pontiff said. The pope also condemned wars, which "are plaguing our world," and asked the Holy Spirit for "the gift of peace." "First of all, peace in our hearts, for only a peaceful heart can spread peace in the family, society and international relations," Leo said, then prayed for reconciliation and dialogue wherever there is war in the world. Soon after becoming pope, Leo pledged to work for unity and peace. His first message, "Peace be with you all," set the importance of peace as a pillar of his papacy. He has also appealed for a genuine and just peace in Ukraine and a ceasefire in Gaza.

God of all people and nations, your gospel draws us together to be in fellowship with one another as we commune with you. We pray that selfish desires, whether from individuals or nation states, might cease and that your will be done.

Tensions flare between protestors and law enforcement over immigration, ICE in LA

The Trump administration has deployed the California National Guard in response to protests in Los Angeles that began Friday evening over immigration enforcement operations, which resulted in some clashes between demonstrators and authorities, the White House said in a statement.The protest continued through the weekend to Sunday evening, where demonstrators halted traffic on the 101 Freeway as Los Angeles police deemed it an unlawful assembly. This comes after President Donald Trump signed a memorandum "deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness" in California as demonstrations opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations continue in the state, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. California Gov. Gavin Newsom asked the Trump administration to rescind the deployment, saying the federal government was moving to "take over the California National Guard," calling the move "purposefully inflammatory" and saying it will "only escalate tensions." Police Chief Jim McDonnell told a media briefing on Sunday night that the protests were getting out of control. Asked if the National Guard was needed, McDonnell said police would not "go to that right away," but added, "Looking at the violence tonight, I think we've got to make a reassessment." In a social media post, Trump called on McDonnell to do so. "He should, right now!!!" Trump added. "Don’t let these thugs get away with this. Make America great again!!!"

It is a startling time in America, Lord; a time in which tensions between citizens and government are high, trust in institutions is low, and the country appears to be faltering. We pray for peaceful protest, the just carrying out of laws, and, ultimately, a humane and proper immigration system that meets multiple needs and demands in our economy and society without solely being punitive for punitive’s sake. Guide us, Lord. 

Canada job crisis: Canada’s unemployment rate hits 9-year high as inflation rises, factory losses, and youth struggle

Canada is already facing problems with a slowing economy and rising inflation, and the job market is now flashing new warning signs. According to Statistics Canada, the unemployment rate reached 7 percent in May, marking the highest level since September 2016 (excluding the Covid19 years of 2020-2021). But despite the rising unemployment rates, the broader picture isn’t all bleak. Full-time jobs rose by 58,000, largely resulting in the loss of about 49,000 part-time roles. The manufacturing sector lost another 12,000 jobs after April’s losses, but the wholesale, retail and information, and culture sector led the gains. Young people entering the workforce faced added hurdles as youth unemployment even rose to more than 20 percent in some surveys. Michael Chen, 22, said, “I’ve applied to dozens of summer jobs, but I haven’t heard back.” Meanwhile, the average job-seeker spent nearly 22 weeks looking for work, up from 18.4 weeks a year ago. BMO’s chief economist, Douglas Porter, called the rise in full‑time jobs “a silver lining,” but cautioned the climbing jobless rate could still spell more monetary easing from the Bank of Canada. Canada’s Q1 GDP grew 0.5 percent, driven by export activity, a likely response to new US tariffs. But April’s merchandise exports plunged 10.8 percent, leading to record deficits. Those tariffs have taken a toll on manufacturers and trade‑reliant communities.

We pray for a Canadian economy which falters. For the right and proper distribution of resources, as well as fiscal policies and legislative attentiveness to the most vulnerable, we pray for alignment that might right the ship for Canadian families and businesses. Direct your people and institutions, O Lord.

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