The devastation of gun violence in this country is heartbreaking. Congress has failed to act for far too long. Meanwhile, our children are dying in school and people are killed shopping at their local grocery store or in their place of worship. Gun violence shades every aspect of life in America. And it's no wonder; our country is flooded with guns. It’s easier to buy a gun than many other regulated goods, including Sudafed (which requires an I.D. and there’s a limit on the amount you can buy). Nearly half of the civilian owned guns in the world are owned by U.S. citizens. And yet, with all of the death and carnage caused by these weapons, our Congress still doesn’t budge.

With each devastation, communities are torn apart and left to pick up the pieces. And we grieve, and grieve and grieve. We cry out in lamentation, “how long, oh Lord” will these attacks keep happening?

Right now in both the House and the Senate there is discussion of some common sense gun violence prevention legislation that could make a real difference in curbing the violence. This includes background check legislation and Red Flag Laws, also known as extreme risk protection measures (which help keep guns out of the hands of people who might harm themselves or others). This is a first step, but much, much more should be done. Congress should also be pushed to pass a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

Our faith gives us rituals and voice to grieve with those who are mourning. But it also instructs us to let our prayers become actions. To not just lament but work to build a world restored. We are not powerless in making these changes; we can take steps to reduce gun violence. Tell your elected leaders to take immediate bipartisan action.