Do with Me What You Think Good And Right
Now, therefore, reform your ways and your deeds; listen to the voice of the LORD your God, so that the LORD will repent of the evil with which he threatens you. As for me, I am in your hands; do with me what you think good and right. But mark well: if you put me to death, it is innocent blood you bring on yourselves, on this city and its citizens. For in truth it was the LORD who sent me to you, to speak all these things for you to hear." Jeremiah 26:13-15
Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison. Matthew 14:8-10
Piety
Merciful Father, we ask your blessing on all we do to build a culture of life. Hear our prayers for those impacted by the death penalty.
We pray for all people, that their lives and dignity as children of a loving God may be respected and protected in all stages and circumstances.
We pray for victims of violence and their families, that they may experience our love and support and find comfort in your compassion and in the promise of eternal life.
We pray for those on death row, that their lives may be spared, that the innocent may be freed and that the guilty may come to acknowledge their faults and seek reconciliation with you.
We pray for the families of those who are facing execution, that they may be comforted by your love and compassion.
We pray for civic leaders, that they may commit themselves to respecting every human life and ending the use of the death penalty in our land.
Compassionate Father, give us wisdom and hearts filled with your love. Guide us as we work to end the use of the death penalty and to build a society that truly chooses life in all situations.
We ask this Father through your Son Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen[i]
Study
Indifference toward religion, coupled with a love for material comfort, seem to be common signs of our times. A person from another planet observing us would not likely judge us to be pilgrim people, on our way to somewhere else. John Vianney on the other hand, was a man on a journey, with his goal before him at all times.[ii]
John Vianney stuck to his mission in much the same way as Jeremiah and John the Baptist spoke truth to power. While Jeremiah escaped the ax of the executioner, the same was not to be so for John the Baptist nor his cousin.
Unlike Jeremiah who forcefully defended his words and deeds, Jesus advised his friends to behave in much the same way as his cousin. When accused, Jesus cautioned that the Holy Spirit would send the words needed by the defendant.
When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.” (Luke 12:11-12)
Maybe the Holy Spirit was already present giving Jeremiah the words to say.
Action
Words of defense abound in today’s readings by prophets who face capital punishment.
Although in a newly developed teaching, Pope Francis has now advanced the precept that the death penalty is inadmissible in any case. But that may not change things in Nebraska where a Catholic governor is determined to proceed with executions. Today, the New York Times reported:
When Nebraska lawmakers defied Gov. Pete Ricketts in 2015 by repealing the death penalty over his strong objections, the governor wouldn’t let the matter go. Mr. Ricketts, a Republican who is Roman Catholic, tapped his family fortune to help bankroll a referendum to reinstate capital punishment, a measure the state’s Catholic leadership vehemently opposed.[iii]
Later this month, Nebraska is scheduled to execute Carey Dean Moore, who was convicted of murder, in what would be the state’s first execution in 21 years.
You can write to Governor Rickets and ask him to uphold the new teaching of Pope Francis. https://governor.nebraska.gov/contact-governor
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