Can Prayer Heal Penn State?

By: Jennifer Hong
12/05/2011 03:38 AM ET

Can Prayer Heal – Can the power of prayer or faith heal the Penn State scandal? An hour of quiet meditation, singing without accompaniment and Scripture about doing right and loving one’s neighbor was just what the community needed, said one member of ‘Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church.’

The church held a prayer service Sunday afternoon for local victims of sexual abuse and for members of the community, of all faiths, who have been hurt by that crime in some way.

About 45 people gathered to pray and be together.

Deacon David Lapinski referenced the ongoing case affecting Penn State and the greater community. Former football coach Jerry Sandusky is charged with 40 counts related to alleged child sexual abuse, bringing chaos over the past month with national media descending on the region, allegations of abuse and cover-up, and the removal of top Penn State officials from their positions.

Transitioning from the Bible stories of Cain and Abel and the good Samaritan, Lapinski said people can’t decide guilt and innocence and should not interfere with the legal process.

In the story of Cain and Abel, the brothers both give offerings, but God favors Abel. Cain then kills his brother and, when God asks of Abel’s whereabouts, Cain asks, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

In the story of the good Samaritan, a man is injured at the side of the road and both a priest and Levite walk by, avoiding him. The Samaritan stops to help him, though Samaritans and Jews typically did not get along.

“We also can’t know what’s in the heart of another person,” Lapinski said. “Let’s not presume to know the whole story. That may not come quickly. I pray it does, though.”

For those who may not know what to do when facing such a situation, he said those of faith can pray, use their talents to help comfort those who are hurting, and donate to charitable causes.

Source: Can Prayer Heal