O'Brien on Kennedy: What might have been
One had to be impressed by the life and accomplishments of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien writes in his column in the Catholic Review.
He will go down in history for his legislative accomplishments: the advancement of immigrants, the poor, the elderly and yes, virtually all those mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 25. This seemed to emanate not singly, though surely, from a “liberal agenda,” but from a genuine Christian conviction – if we are to believe those who knew him best – of the dignity of the human person made to God’s image. He was unashamedly Catholic in his self-identity and heritage, a frequent attender of daily Mass.
But then there’s what O’Brien calls “the elephant right smack center in the room:” Kennedy’s staunch support of abortion rights.
What happened, what motivated him and seemingly justified his ability to reconcile his abortion stance with his Catholic Faith? How truly comfortable was he with this “reconciliation?” And how different would our culture and our country be today if this uniquely gifted leader extended his renowned witness to that of a consistent ethic of life? Now it is not for us to judge, but for Another. As members of Christ’s Body soon to face that same Judge, we must pray that Ted Kennedy be rewarded for the vast amount of good he accomplished, forgiven for his shortcomings and, if granted Paradise, that he intercede for an America even more just and inclusive than the one he hoped, worked and prayed for throughout his life and at his death.
