We pray for the soul of Senator Ted Kennedy, not because he deserves it but because Jesus asks and God wills all to be saved[1Tim2:4]. The Senator lived a life of privilege, and dissipation, but renounced his pro-life beliefs in the early 70s or even the late 60s. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2272 says
"Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life. 'A person who procures a completed abortion incurs excommunication latae sententiae,'"
Since Ted Kennedy publicly promoted government funded abortion, I think it logical to conclude that he formally cooperated in abortion, and that would mean he incurred excommunication. If this is true, then why was Ted given a rite of Christian burial inside of a Catholic Church? Now I understand Kennedy wanted the Cathedral for his funeral, but was denied that. But that was at best a private snub, certainly not a fraternal correction.
Several years ago a pro-life journalist "managed to corner Senators Ted Kennedy and John Kerry. The journalist pressed them on how they square being Catholic, and at the same time, unqualifiedly pro-abortion. Kennedy said, 'I take my beliefs, I take my religion, very seriously. Look, I know who I am and what I believe.' Then, speaking of the bishops, he said, 'It's their problem, not mine.' Kerry responded to the reporter's question, 'If the bishops can't do and won't say anything about that, don't come to me. You know what I'm saying?'"
I suppose our shepherds expect the faithful to watch their step, but a little moral guidance would have been appreciated.
1 comment :
I once to felt abortion was ok, God forgive me even after I repented and new the truth. It wasn't till I was educated and graces were sent to me from God to undestand how terribly wrong it is. Because I am still a sinner, trying not to be but still do, all I can do is be merciful as Jesus has been merciful to me. YES! our religion is under attack and all of us who live our faith as catholics must follow all that has been laid out before us and passed down to us from Rome. I will follow every precept and rule to the best of my ability but knowing at any time I could fall from grace and that usally happens on a daily basis. Mercy is what I understand and try to give back to others. I prayed a Chaplet of Divine Mercy for him and the stations of the cross, The Rosary and other prayers. All that he stood for that we know is sinful was wrong and still is but all that he did for those who had no voice can never be taken away.
Your friend Mike
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