I think sometimes it is inappropriate to bring up outside issues, like when Princess Diana's brother launched into an attack against the Royal Family and the media at her funeral.
But I don't want to stray too far from the matter at hand. One year past the terror attack, everyone, including those most closely affected, has had plenty of time to reflect on their loss. That is not to say some people are past grieving, they are not, and perhaps never will be. It means we have reached a time when we should be prepared to move forward. In my estimation, there should have been, and should be, more discussion at this point about WHY it happened. I mean this in a political as well as a moral and religious sense.
There are many, many Catholic people in this country, including some of the people who lost children in 9/11, who believe that 9/11 was a wake-up call from God, and that abortion is probably the most grievous reason.There is nothing doctrinally wrong about stating this, or believing it.
As a Texas politician once said, when questioned about why his group was withdrawing its endorsement of a candidate after learning he was pro-choice: "Why are we one-issue? Because to us, abortion IS a life and death matter." And if you compare the 1 million killed last year in the womb to the 3,000 killed on 9/11, the first crime seems more serious than the second. This is intensified by the fact that our governemnt, the government all those people in the church in the represents, not only sanctions the crime but applauds it, and goes out of its way to protect its perpetrators.
Cardinal Egan might never have as good a chance again to place the issue in the face of all those who so gladly and firmly support abortion on demand: in God's house, in a place where God is supposed to be in charge.
It also was an affront to all Catholics who know the Truth.There stood one of the highest ranked prelates in the Church in America grovelling before,and pandering to "Caesar".Truth standing on its head.
Nonetheless,I am of the opinion that a Cardinal in the United States at this time has very little,if any moral authority because of the position they have carved for themselves by not handling moral deviants when afforded the chance.(Present scandal).So to talk about abortion,would have only served the media with more fuel for their fire. This in addition to straying too far from the purpose of a memorial Mass for the dead and using it to make a statement,absolute truth that it is,IMO,would have been counterproductive to everything we wish to acheive.
But,I think he missed a wonderful oppurtunity to evangelize. I have heard that 85 to 90% of the firemen were Catholic. To use that as a vehicle to talk about what makes heroes and how they imitated Christ and what motivated them to work in areas where they are expected to put their life on the line for their fellow man might have made a compelling sermon,it might have started or propelled individuals' transformation processes that we hope may eventually bring the world to God through Christ.I believe that is why Christ established His Church and that is what he expects us to do.All in all,I think the Cardinal failed.
Thanks for your thoughts.There is an interesting article about Utica,the Fire Chief,who disinvited the Catholic Charities' speaker because the priest was a member of Dignity and they thought that detracted from the message the group was trying to convey at their affair.That's Catholic Action!!