Thoughts, Prayers, and Real Solutions After the Catholic School Shooting

In the wake of the tragic shooting at the Catholic school, we’ve heard it all—from wild conspiracy theories about “ Jewish lab-created trans terrorists” to politicians immediately blaming firearms, and even mocking those who offer “thoughts and prayers.”

Let me make one thing clear: prayer works.

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The Attack on “Thoughts and Prayers”

It infuriates me when people—especially politicians who claim to be people of faith—treat prayer as worthless. James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Prayer is not some empty cliché. When we pray for grieving families, we are asking God to comfort them in their darkest hour.

There is no “immediate” government policy that can reach a parent whose child has just been killed, but prayer can bring the peace of God that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Now, Scripture also tells us, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). Prayer alone isn’t the end of our response. It must be coupled with action. But prayer is always the first step and should never be mocked.

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The Gun Debate: Focusing on the Wrong Thing

Politicians rush to blame firearms as if more laws would have prevented this tragedy. Let’s talk facts for a second. Murder is already illegal. Carrying a gun on school grounds is already unlawful. Background checks already exist.

Case in point:

• The Parkland shooter (2018) had multiple red flags, police reports, and even FBI tips, yet still legally purchased a firearm because bureaucrats failed to act.

• The Uvalde shooter (2022) passed background checks despite clear behavioral issues.

Gun legislation doesn’t stop evil. It only gives prosecutors something to charge after the crime is already committed. As Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Evil men will always find ways to commit evil acts. Restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens only creates softer targets.

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Securing Schools: A Real Solution

Why do these murderers target schools? Because schools are “soft targets.” No armed resistance. No real deterrence. They don’t attack places like Disneyland—because Disney ensures weapons don’t enter, and security is armed.

Proof that security works:

• The Pearl High School shooting (Mississippi, 1997) was stopped when the assistant principal retrieved his firearm and held the shooter at gunpoint until police arrived.

• In Texas, districts with armed teacher “guardian programs” (such as Harrold ISD) have not experienced a single shooting incident since the program began in 2007.

It wouldn’t take much to replicate that across the country:

• One controlled entrance/exit.

• Armed, plainclothes teachers who volunteer.

• Uniformed officers with marked patrol cars.

These killers don’t want a gunfight—they want defenseless victims. Proverbs 27:12 reminds us, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Securing schools is prudence in action.

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The Real Issue: Mental Illness

The deeper problem here is mental illness. No sane person slaughters innocent children. These shooters are deeply disturbed.

Examples:

• The Virginia Tech shooter (2007) had a long record of mental instability, yet was not committed, allowing him to purchase weapons.

• The Nashville school shooter (2023) identified as transgender and had documented emotional struggles that were untreated or ignored.

Sometimes mental illness expresses itself in gender confusion or other identity crises, but at its root, it’s instability. Instead of pulling young people out of psychosis, society is often pushing them further into it—through social affirmation of delusion, through drugs that cloud judgment, and through broken families that leave them isolated.

Parents must also take responsibility. How can you not know your child is stockpiling ammo, writing manifestos, and plotting mass murder? In the Old Testament, God held parents accountable for their children’s rebellion (Deuteronomy 21:18–21). While we don’t live under that same law today, the principle remains: parents have a duty to know what’s happening in their homes.

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Where Do We Go From Here?

We cannot legislate away evil, but we can confront reality:

• Prayer is powerful, but it must be matched with wise action.

• Gun control is a dead-end debate; securing schools is common sense.

• Mental illness—not firearms—is the common denominator in these tragedies.

• Families must be vigilant and accountable for what their children are doing.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil.” Yes, we fight against mental illness, broken families, and misguided politics, but ultimately, this is a spiritual battle. Our response must be spiritual first and practical second.

Thoughts and prayers are not empty. They are the foundation of hope and healing. But faith without works is dead. Now, it’s time for America to pray and act wisely.

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Final Word

If you believe prayer is still powerful, if you believe schools should be secured, and if you’re tired of politicians focusing on the wrong things—share this message. Let’s push for real solutions, rooted in truth and common sense, not political games.