The past couple of weeks have been “blog light” due to so many other activities and responsibilities. Late nights and early mornings.
This week, of course, is Holy Week. Yesterday afternoon and evening, all the deacons and priests of the diocese gathered together with Bishop Quinn for the Chrism Mass. The afternoon was comprised of a very nice reflection on the Easter Triduum followed by a holy hour and opportunity for confession. We then enjoyed a social and a delicious dinner. The chance to be with the priests of the diocese is appreciated by all of us deacons.
I was listening to a medical lecture this noon on transplantation of organs. I certainly support anyone who wishes to donate organs at the time of death, but I more certainly oppose any effort to hasten death so as to have available organs for transplantation. Of course, the docs don’t say they are hastening death or would want to, but the language being used at times to discuss organ availability and increasing the likelihood that more and more organs are available for donation scares me. I have spoken of this before in private conversations with family and friends, but I may have to be more upfront about my concerns. I fear the day is not far from us when many will be encouraged to shorten their lives out of guilt so as to procure organs for younger or healthier individuals. The slippery slope of life ethics is getting slipperier and steeper.
Did you read in the news reports today that in the Netherlands, the “right to die” folks are pushing for a new national law that makes euthansia legal for anyone over the age of 70, regardless of health status. Harbinger of things to come over here states-side?
How can one keep in touch with the anger of others? What I mean is, how can we keep in touch with the pain so many people seem to carry around in them so as to be better able to minister to them? I think this is a huge challenge for our Church today, at least in this country. Generally speaking, people are polite to clergy in the parish church, but I also know that there are a lot of people who are hurt and angry about a number of things which, as a deacons and priests, we need to become aware of and respond to accordingly. (I am not saying this specifically about any of the parishes to which I am assigned. I am speaking in generalities, based on what I hear others tell me and from what I have read.) We talk frequently about the need to address the social justice issues in our local communities. I think the place to start is right here…. listening to the people’s anger. It will highlight the injustices rendered and endured.
Still thinking about Molokai and St. Damien and Blessed Mother Marianne Cope. Go there if you have an opportunity someday.
A sincere diaconal blessing on each of you.
Deacon Bob
