As racial tensions continue to grow, the pastor of the Gesu Catholic Church in Detroit said he wants forgiveness and God's mercy for not only the nation, but the entire world.

The Rev. Phillip Cooke's reflection came on the heels of more protests and destruction following the police-involved shooting of Jacob Blake, who was shot at least seven times with his back turned toward police officers. Cooke remarked about hearing Blake's mother, Julia Jackson, talk about the need for prayers and an end to destruction and violence resulting from protests. 

"I am amazed that a mother, who watched her son receive violent blows, turn to God in prayer and demand that we cease the violence and damage," Cooke said in his weekly column for the Sept. 6 parish bulletin. "Revenge and hate do not live in Ms. Jackson's heart."

Cooke noted that he is praying for everyone during this "crucial time" in our history; and encouraged us to think about how to find the courage of love, just like Ms. Jackson.