“Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, …”
(Eph. 3:12-13)
Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you…”
(Lk. 6:27-28)
My intention this week had been to write about the upcoming “New Jersey Mass, Rally, and March for Life” that will be taking place on Thursday, Sept. 25, in Trenton, our State Capitol.
I still would like to invite readers to consider attending and inviting others to attend the Mass, Rally, and March, but reflecting on the events of this past week, especially the tragic and shocking killing of commentator and activist Charlie Kirk, I will take a different approach than I had originally intended.
First, as we pray for the repose of the soul of Mr. Kirk, we pray for his wife, Erika, their two children, family, and loved ones. Before his life was taken in a senseless act of violence on this past Wednesday, Sept. 10, I had not been aware of the extent of Mr. Kirk’s popularity and influence, especially on college campuses and amongst young adults.
I do not know enough about Mr. Kirk to speak about the content of his message or about his political or religious beliefs. Much of what I have heard and read indicates that he was a man of sincere Christian faith. The killing of Charlie Kirk has been described as an assassination and an “act of political violence.” To the best of my understanding, from what is being reported, it seems that those descriptions are accurate. Some have expressed concern that our nation seems to be increasingly divided and that we may be approaching a “tipping point” that could lead to further “acts of political violence.” I believe that each of us has an opportunity to make a difference. Each of us can choose to be instruments of healing, unity, and peace. There have been times when our nation has been united.
The day after the murder of Mr. Kirk was the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, which fell on a Thursday this year. The Readings at Mass for this past Thursday, Sept. 11, were the Readings for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time. I shared a quote from the First Reading and the Gospel at the beginning of this column. Click here the full texts of those Readings.
When we feel anger after a loved one or an innocent person is murdered or is victimized by violence, it is very difficult to hear the words of Jesus, “…love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you…” Yet, there are people of faith who have chosen forgiveness and prayer, rather than hatred or revenge. In the days, weeks, and months after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, we were united as a nation. There was a greater focus on praying for those who were killed and for their families and expressing gratitude for the selfless sacrifices of the heroes of that day and the days that followed, rather than a focus on revenge for those who had orchestrated and carried out the attacks. Yes, there is a need, a right, and a responsibility to bring criminals to justice, but, especially when we are angry and in pain, we need to ask God’s grace that we may be aware of our emotions and the temptations to harden our hearts.
I read an article that described an interview between Megyn Kelly and Father Mike Schmitz, and I then listened to the interview. I highly recommend the article and interview, especially as a reflection and conversation on ways that we can respond when we feel angry. I share a quote from the article/interview, in which Ms. Kelly speaks of the anger that she is feeling. I encourage you to read and/or listen to the conversation that follows. Here’s the quote:
“There is no way Charlie would want a single pundit to hold back on their commentary — no way. He would certainly not want this to encourage a crisis of faith,” Kelly interjected, going on to explain her current feelings. “He absolutely would not want to see that. And yet … I feel so angry. I was talking to my guest earlier, and my friend was saying we have to learn how to react in love and come together as a country. And I was just honest, saying: It makes perfect sense, and I know he’s right, but right now all I feel is deep anger. And I know I’m not alone — and how do you process that? That’s not a healthy emotion; it’s not something you should stay mired in. It corrodes you from the inside, and yet I know millions are feeling it.”
Father Mike Schmitz on Charlie Kirk’s Death
When we think about political and other divisions in our country, an area of division and disagreement is the question of when life begins and whether abortion should or should not be permitted by our laws. To be an instrument of peace and to “bring love” where there is hatred does not mean that we are silent in the face of injustice, nor does it mean that we should try to “impose our beliefs” on those who disagree with us. One of the great blessings given to us as a nation, by our Founding Fathers, the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, is the freedom of speech, of religion, of assembly, and the many other freedoms and responsibilities that we share as citizens.
The New Jersey Mass, Rally, and March for Life will be an opportunity for us to peacefully and prayerfully witness on behalf of the dignity and value of every human person, created in God’s image from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death. I am also convinced that, rather than increasing the divisions that separate us, our witness on behalf of life will be an opportunity for us to show that we do not hate or condemn those who disagree with us. Rather, we hope and pray that we will find better and more peaceful ways to have “civil” and respectful conversations with one another, perhaps especially when we disagree.
As we pray for Charlie Kirk, his family and loved ones, we pray for our nation, for unity, and for peace, and we pray that each of us, as disciples, can do our part and truly be instruments of God’s Peace.
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