From Our Pastor
In the recent weeks there has been an event from my early priesthood that has been on my mind. I was assigned to Saint Richard’s in Danvers. Saint Richards is blessed to have a large downstairs Hall, with a full kitchen, and a large parking lot. It is also located right off of Routes 1, 95, and 128. Because of this, the Archdiocese would often use it as a central gathering point for archdiocesan events. One of those events was a monthly vigil outside an abortion clinic in Brookline. People from around the area would come to Saint Richards to board busses that would bring them to the clinic. As a parish, we would offer them an early Mass, and then provide for a light breakfast downstairs in the Hall. I was the priest that would greet them and offer Mass. This was always on a Saturday morning around 6 AM.
When I would say Mass for these folks, I was well aware that I didn’t have to speak to them about the evil of abortion. If they were there, they knew that it was wrong. What I decided to do was to speak to them about the dignity that is possessed be every human person. I particularly wanted them to be aware of the human dignity possessed by those going into the clinics, and those who worked at the clinics. I wanted to remind them that it is our responsibility to pray for these people, to love them. We may disagree strongly with them, but, these folks too were made in the image and likeness of God and needed to be treated with respect. After several months those people asked me to stop coming to breakfast, and then they asked the Pastor if someone else could say the Mass.
This event has been on my mind because of what we all saw happen recently in Alabama. I have written about abortion in the past, and I am sure people know what my feelings are when it comes to this issue. What has caused me to write is the strong reaction that people have had to this decision. The best word to describe that reaction, and this is on both sides of the issue, is anger. People are saying the most hateful and vial things about those that they disagree with. I see this reaction both outside the Church, and sadly, within the Church. This is a time for us to remember that for us, the fundamental principle that guides all that we do as disciples is our belief in the dignity of every human person. Every person, those we agree with and those we disagree with, are made in the image and likeness of God. Every person deserves our prayers, our love, and to be treated with respect.
On December 30, 1994, John Salvi opened fire outside one of those clinics in Brookline. Two people were killed. That day, the busses traveling from Danvers stopped. As we continue to fight for justice and to put an end to a great moral wrong, let us never forget that every person we meet reflects the image or our God and that it is required of us to treat them as we would treat Christ Himself.
God Bless, Fr. Jack