I’ve always loved this reading from Wisdom – Wisdom 3:1-9. I frequently use it at Requiem Holy Mass. For me, it and verses 10-12 are a great reflection for this sad day.

It is also fitting to remember that justice is the justice of God, not the justice we determine. We fail to see as God sees and for that reason we should all pay close attention to the last three verses.

But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.
They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction
and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace.
For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality;
Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself.
As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble;
They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD shall be their King forever.
Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect.

But the wicked shall receive a punishment to match their thoughts, since they neglected justice and forsook the LORD.
For he who despises wisdom and instruction is doomed. Vain is their hope, fruitless are their labors, and worthless are their works.
Their wives are foolish and their children wicked; accursed is their brood.

I pray that the Lord grant us wisdom and peace, that He look on us in mercy, and that He bring about the repentance and conversion of evildoers.

For all who died, Eternal rest grant onto them O Lord.
For all who suffered injury and loss, Hail Mary…
For all those who selflessly sacrificed for their brothers and sisters, Hail Mary…
For police officers, firefighters, public servants, and the members of our armed forces, Hail Mary…

Have mercy on us O Lord.