I have resisted posting on Senator Ted Kennedy. We are already saturated with other blogs and various other sources of opinion about this undoubtedly hugely influential man in American culture and politics.
Yet, I will offer a couple of thoughts.
First, I pray for his soul that he may be quickly admitted to heaven and enjoy the vision of God, face to face.
Second, I mourn what could have been had he not compromised his faith and moral integrity by advocating and pushing abortion rights. I am told he made the big switch from pro-life to pro-abortion after having met with some Catholic theologians who misled him into thinking it was permissible to accept an individual choice for abortion if one takes the entire context of the individual’s life and spiritual orientation into account, that somehow one can be Catholic and in the political and social arena support the idea that others have the right to choose abortion. Had Sen. Kennedy used his enormous influence in the Congress to advocate for the unborn (as he so admirably did for the disabled, the poor and the disenfranchised), I believe we would be a better country today.
Third, I am afraid political power eroded this man’s person, and I feel for him. Seeking political power may have been his response to the horrible tragedies that beset his larger family.
Fourth, we cannot forget the great good that he accomplished in his 48 years in the Senate. God uses flawed men and women to accomplish great things. The history of the world is replete with examples, and Kennedy is a wonderful example.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of the all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
