I will reproduce Ed Peters' commnts, and then Fr. LaCuesta's funral homicide for the suicided youth. See for yourself.
Ed Peters' Comment
Note, first, how short this homily is. Perfectly in line with canonical and liturgical norms for such cases. More importantly, and flatly contrary to how LaCuesta’s homily has been portrayed in the media, I don’t see Hell mentioned anywhere, anywhere, nor any language that relegates this poor young man thereto, and instead I see clarion reminders of the mercy of Christ recited at least half-a-dozen times.
I see, too, the moral gravity of suicide—itself approaching epidemic proportions among Americans today—directly acknowledged and fears about its eternal consequences candidly admitted, but I also see consoling references to how much more God knows about one’s life than do those even closest to him and how much that deeper, likely mitigating, divine knowledge leaves the rest of us mortals, grieving a suicide, room for real hope.
So here's Fr.LaCuesta's homily. Names redacted at source, which is Donald McClarey's blog, The American Catholic
It is with great difficulty that I stand before you knowing the pain and anguish you are going through. But I am aware, as well, that I am only a humble, unworthy mouthpiece. I ask God to use my words to bring the light, comfort and healing you need.
Is there any hope to offer in this moment? Must we only speak of our profound grief , our indescribable sorrow , even our anger and confusion at how such a thing could have happened? Is there any word from God that might break into our darkness like a ray of light?
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes.
If we Christians are right in believing that salvation belongs to Jesus Christ, that it does not come from us -- and that our hand cannot stop what God allows for us, then yes , there is hope in eternity even for those who take their own lives.
Having said that, I think that we must not call what is bad good, what is wrong right. Because we are Christians, we mus t say what we know is the truth – that taking your own life is against God who made us and against everyone who loves us .
Our lives are not our own. They are not ours to do with as we please. God gave us life, and we are to be good stewards of that gift for as long as God permits.
The finality of suicide makes this all the worse. You cannot make things right again. Neither can [REDACTED] .
And this is much of the pain of it all. Things are left unresolved, even if it felt to [REDACTED] like this was the only way to resolve things. You want to turn the clock back and say, " Please don't give up. We can work through this pain tog e ther . "
But no w you will have to work through this pain by yourselves, or with those close to you now who will need to lean on you even as you lean on them.
On most people's mind, however, especially of us who call ourselves Christians, on our minds as we sit in this place is: Can God forgive and heal this?
Yes, God CAN forgive even the taking of one's own life. In fact, God awaits us with his mercy, with ever open arms. Sacred Scripture says clearly: God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). God's abiding mercy is what sets us to ask for it.
Although God doesn't dangle his mercy like a carrot , waiting for us to ask for it in order to receive it, we do have to believe in our hearts, express wi th our words, and show in our actions – that it is always there.
God wants nothing but our salvation but he will never force himself on us, he will not save us without us. That's how much he loves us. Because ofthe all - embracing sacrifice of Christ on the cross God can have mercy on any sin.
Yes , because of his mercy, God can forgive suicide and heal what has been broken. Because God is merciful he makes allowance for the spiritual, mental, and emotional despair that leads to suicide. Go d is able to read the heart, to know the whole truth of a person's life, and ther eby to pass sentence with mercy.
God knows something we must discipline o urselves to do in these moments – he knows not to judge a person's entire life on the basis of the worst and last choice the person made. God can look at the totality of a human being's life and celebrate all the good that came from it, even while taking seriously the tragic choice that en ded everything.
And then he shows his mercy and love in ways beyond our limited understanding. Nothing can separate us from the love of God, the great St. Paul assures us (in that Reading we just listened to). Nothing – including suicide.
Thanks-—I had just finished reading it——and is not not the least bit offensive as far as I’m concerned.
(And I have had a suicide in the family.)
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I’d consider that an admirable job of dealing with a very difficult situation.
I don’t get what the family’s complaint is.
Thanks for posting that so we can see for ourselves.
Sounds like beautiful, comforting words to me. It’s nice to know there are parish priests like this; of course, the nervous nellie higher-ups in the Catholic Church squashed him like a bug. Not surprising at all, that.
Thanks, Mrs. Don-o, for researching it and providing it.
These people are grieving but to lash out at everyone trying to give some comfort is just sad.
Thank you for posting this. It’s appears to be very solid and sincere. I’m sure the parents are still in shock and not thinking clearly.