On May 13th Zacarias Moussaoui was sent to the “Alcatraz of the Rockies” prison, where the most dangerous federal criminals are kept. He narrowly escaped the death sentence for plotting to kill Americans in the September 11th terrorist attacks. In this lesson, we will look at the details of his court case and the controversies among the American people surrounding his trial, in the light of the principles of our Catholic faith.

The Reason for Suspicion

When the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) took Moussaoui into custody on April 16, 2001, they suspected that a terrorist group was planning an attack using airplanes. The flight school in Eagan, Minnesota, tipped them off that one of their students was acting strangely in his attempt to get more information about the 747-400 model plane. Later, it was suggested that Moussaoui would have been a possible “20th hijacker” in the September 11th attacks. His path over the past years had been similar to the other hijackers, but there was difficulty proving that he actually knew about the 9/11 plot.

Less than responsible?

Some people tried to say that Moussaoui could not be blamed for the crimes he was accused of, because he had such a difficult life, especially in his childhood. His mother was married in Morocco at age 14, and endured violent abuse from her husband for many years. They moved to France, where Zacarias and three other children were born. After a time, the mother left the father and raised the children with the tiny income she received as a cleaning woman.

Due to the rascism against immigrants, the family suffered violence and theft, and were forced to move to different cities often. Zacarias loved sports, but could not be involved in any teams as he moved around so much. He experienced many disappointments in life, and had no religious education to support him.

This difficult background may seem to explain Moussaoui’s violent attitude, yet every person experiences sufferings in life, some very difficult, and still has a choice how he will react to this. Each human being has a responsibility for the choices that he makes. This is part of our dignity as men and women made in God’s image.

Introduction to Extremist Groups

Moussaoui received a master’s degree in International Business from South Bank University in London. It was here that he became more active in the Islamic faith, attending the Brixton Mosque. However, he became involved with extremists who favored a radical indoctrination, and he was expelled from the mosque when he showed up wearing combat fatigues and a backpack to pressure the cleric for information about joining the jihad. The word “Islam” means “submission”, and so the goal of the Muslim (a follower of Islam) is to submit one’s life to Allah, the God of Muslims, upon which he will give them a reward of salvation. Muslims believe that the jihad, or struggle, for total submission (islam) is necessary for total peace.

Violence and the Koran

Part of this struggle is to bring the whole world into conformity with Allah’s will, to recognize that Allah is God. Muslim extremists say that this must be done through Holy War, a jihad that involves bombing and acts of terrorism against anyone who is seen as a threat against Islam. They say the Koran, the holy book of Muslims, justifies their actions.

Most Christians find the Koran’s explanation of violence to be confusing and ambiguous. Unlike the New Testament, it does allow violence in defending or spreading of its faith. By contrast, Christ never allowed violence in defense of the faith, and taught us to love our enemies.

Yet at the same time the Islamic prophet Muhammad emphasizes that the most important jihad is the internal struggle each person must face in order to combat temptation and be faithful to Allah’s law.1 Thus it is not entirely true to say that the Islamic faith caused these terrorists to behave as they did, although it may have been a radical interpretation of these beliefs that led them to act as they did.

A Clash of Value Systems

In the United States, we are taught to be tolerant of people with other belief systems and different values than ours. We value the freedom to express ourselves in whatever way we want. However, this can also lead to a relativistic and false view that there is no objective good by which to judge some values as good and others as bad.

Yet freedom is not the right to kill, even if someone says that they believe in massacres. So the Moussaoui case reminds us that there is an objective right and wrong, and that sooner or later we have to make a choice about what is good and what is evil.

If Moussaoui were insane, it may have been easier to understand his case, but this possibility was ruled out after his psychological assessment during the trial. The fact is that he made his choices freely, according to the values of the group he wanted to connect himself with.

Making a Prudential Judgment

Moussaoui pleaded guilty to all of the charges against him on April 22, 2005, but the court did not accept his plea at first because they were suspicious of his motives. The complexity of the case was not only in the clash of value systems, but also in the subject matter. Moussaoui is the first person connected with the 9/11 attacks who has been tried in the United States, there was a concern that the emotional desire for revenge would cause the jury to forgo a just and reasonable judgment. 

The heightened sense of injury, and the intense emotions that surrounded the case made it a particular challenge to make an objective sentence. “Man is sometimes confronted by situations that make moral judgments less assured and decision difficult. But he must always seriously seek what is right and good … (CCC 1787).”

The jury took care to make sure that Moussaoui was not acting out of real insanity, that he had professional consultation to help him understand the court proceedings, and that he would not plead guilty in a hasty and unconsidered way. The care that they took in order to give Moussaoui a just trial shows a certain degree of forgiveness. The virtue of forgiveness does not mean letting a dangerous criminal go free, but it does mean to let go of the anger and hatred in order to make a rational decision about the best thing to do for the person and the general public. 

Considering the Death Penalty

France and Germany, assuming that America would give the death sentence, expressed their protest against this. Yet the case was not as clear-cut as many may have thought. Capital punishment requires that the jury come to a unanimous decision that the person “intentionally participated in an act…and the victim died as a direct result of the act.” Linking Moussaoui in a definitive way to the 9/11 attacks was difficult.

Some of the American public asked that he be absolved from the death sentence, because of a personal belief that this should not be an option. Others thought that it would give Moussaoui a glorious martyr’s death, when a life imprisonment would be a worse punishment. 

The Catholic Church does not prohibit the death penalty, especially if it is “the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggressor (CCC 2267). However, it clarifies that the punishment should be non-lethal if the authority has the means to protect the people in another way, such as imprisonment. John Paul II said that in modern times, with all of the means available, the cases in which the death sentence is a necessity “are very rare, if not practically non-existent.” (The Gospel of Life, 56).

No matter what the person has done, there is still an inherent dignity in that person due to the fact that he is a made in God’s image. God never stops loving him. If he has done serious evil he should be restrained, but to emphasize this dignity, and also to give the person a chance to convert his heart before he dies and faces eternal judgment, the Church seeks all other possibilities before execution.

Final Sentence

One of the 12 jurors reported that the panel voted 11-1, 10-2 and 10-2 in favor of the death penalty for each of the three charges that could have merited execution. Since the death penalty requires a unanimous vote, Moussaoui instead received a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

As he left the court, he said “America, you lost and I won.” Even at this point he tried to go back on his testimony, and say that he really had not been involved with the attacks, but the sentence had already been executed. On May 13th, 2006, Moussaoui was flown to Colorado to begin his imprisonment.

Conclusion

Zacarias Mousaoui chose a path of hatred and violence. He will now have the rest of his life to think over his decisions. We do not know if he will eventually change his attitude, but his case illustrates the fact that our choices make us into a certain type of person. 

Both a saint and a terrorist make choices about the type of person they want to be. This is part of the drama of being human. This is why Christ came to show us the way to be truly human. The world needs more persons who show that real freedom lies in following the way of Christ, not the way of hatred and violence. The consequences can be tremendous for ourselves and for the world around us. Let us ask our Lord to help us make the right choices.

Catechism Clips

1740 The exercise of freedom does not imply a right to say or do everything. … By deviating from the moral law man violates his own freedom, becomes imprisoned within himself, disrupts neighborly fellowship, and rebels against divine truth.

2306 Those who renounce violence and bloodshed  … bear witness to evangelical charity, provided they do so without harming the rights and obligations of other men and societies. 

Bible blurbs

I saw the dead, the great and the lowly, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. Then another scroll was opened, the book of life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, by what was written in the scrolls. (Revelation 20:12) 

Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. (Matthew 26:52) 

Everyone is to obey the governing authorities, … Magistrates bring fear not to those who do good, but to those who do evil. … You must be obedient, therefore, not only because of this retribution, but also for conscience’s sake. (Romans 13:1,3,5)

Pope quotes

Under the guidance of Christ the Messiah, we must work together for this project of harmony and peace, stopping war’s destructive action of hatred and violence. It is necessary, however, to make a choice, choosing to be on the side of the God of love and justice. (General Audience January 25, 2006)

Its followers (Islam) worship the same God and willingly refer to the Patriarch Abraham. That is why I wanted to meet the representatives of some Muslim Communities, … in the hope that fanaticism and violence will be uprooted and that we will always be able to work together to defend human dignity and protect the fundamental rights of men and women. (General Audience August 24, 2005)

Saints and Heroes

Patron of Police Officers

St. Michael the Archangel  St. Michael the Archangel appears in both the Old and New Testament. He shows God’s power and justice. In the Old Testament he helps Israel do spiritual battle against the evil tyrant Antiochus. (Daniel 12:1) In the New Testament he appears fighting for the rights of God and as helper in God’s judgment. (Revelation 12:7)   Because St. Michael fights against evil Pope Pius XII named him patron of police officers in 1950. We can invoke him in our battles against temptation and in our efforts to bring justice to the world.

Doing Good in the Midst of Evil

St. Clotilda (475-545) A woman who suffered much, but who did great good. Clotilda’s parents were murdered by her uncle, King Gundobad, when she was a child. She was raised at the court of her parent’s murderer. Later, she was given in marriage to the pagan King Clovis, king of the Franks. She continually invited him to become a Christian. At first he mocked her faith, but eventually he became a Christian and with him many of his subjects. Clovis died eleven years later. The rest of her life was saddened by the deadly fighting between her three sons over their inheritance, but she dedicated her life to helping the sick and the poor.  

Vocabulary

Absolved – to pronounce free from guilt or blame; acquit

Ambiguous – having two or more possible meanings; not clear; uncertain

Convert – to change basic attitude or orientation

Forgiveness – giving up resentment against or the desire to punish; pardon

Inherent – existing in someone or something as a natural and inseparable quality, characteristic, or right; basic; inborn

Objective – unchangeable; not depending on how one feels

Relativistic – having no objective right and wrong; moral confusion

Responsibility – to be answerable for something; accountability

Tolerant – having understanding and acceptance of other people’s beliefs.

Discussion Questions:

1. What were the main issues surrounding the case of Moussaoui?
2. Why was it difficult to reach a verdict in his trial?
3. Do you think Moussaoui was given a fair trial for the crimes he had committed? Why or why not?
4. How can this idea of freedom for all, and tolerance of everyone in America, be misused or misunderstood? What are the dangers of believing that “everything goes”?
5. What kind of understanding of freedom do we have as Catholics that is different than just the governmental understanding?
6. Why should the death sentence be avoided if at all possible?

Journal Writing:

Are there any hard decisions you are debating in your life? Or, can you remember a time when you had to make a moral decision and you did not know the right thing to do? What helped you to figure it out? What are some things that we have in the Catholic Church to help us decide what is the prudent judgment?

What does it mean to you to forgive your enemies? Do you have any enemies, or anyone who it is hard for you to forgive? What should your forgiveness look like?

Activities:

Hold a class debate for or against the death penalty. Encourage students to think through the arguments, which may be different from a worldly perspective versus the perspective of the Catholic faith. 

Students choose a book about a famous person who had to overcome a difficult childhood or another traumatic experience. They write essays on how the person overcame that difficulty and brought something good out of a bad situation.

Alternatively, watch a movie in class that illustrates the virtuous choices a person makes faced to the difficult situations around them (i.e. for older students, “The Hiding Place”).

Hold a prayer service in which the students can pray for their own enemies, for the enemies of the nation, and the enemies of the Catholic Church. Pray for them, as the first act of kindness that Christ asks of us in the Gospel. This can be done in a spontaneous manner, or can be prepared by having students think of one person/group in each of the three categories to pray specifically for.

Resources:

Moussaoui formally sentenced still defiant http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12615601/.

Moussaoui lies ‘let 9/11 happen’, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4850988.stm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zacarias_Moussaoui

Father Andrea Sontoro knelt down to pray. He had just finished celebrating Mass in his church in Trabzon, Turkey. A 16 year-old came into the church and approached him from behind. The young man pulled out a gun and shot Father Andrea in the back, crying, “Allah (God) is great!” Fr. Andrea died instantly.

The young man was later caught by police and admitted that his action had been motivated by anger at a series of cartoons. The cartoons had appeared in a newspaper in Denmark. Many of us have heard of the cartoons about the prophet Mohamed and the violent protests they generated. Depicting the prophet Mohamed is strictly prohibited in the Muslim culture. The cartoons which appeared in Denmark in September 2005 did this. They also criticized some aspects of Islam, especially the use of the Muslim faith by extremists to justify terrorism.

Fr. Andrea had nothing to do with the cartoons, but he had always known that he lived in a dangerous situation, a situation where Christians and Christianity are often misunderstood. In this issue we will look at the courageous witness of Fr. Andrea and the situation of the Church in Muslim countries.

CALLED TO A MISSION

Fr. Andrea was a missionary who was born and raised in Italy. He became a priest in the diocese of Rome and spent most of his priesthood there, serving with dedication and joy as a parish priest. He was very well liked by those he served. Yet a certain restlessness took hold of him. He began to feel a call to serve in a different place. He especially felt attracted to the Middle East, the area of the world where the Christian faith fi rst began to spread. Turkey is among the countries of the Middle East. Today there are very few Christians in the Middle East. Over the centuries, the spread of Islam has reduced their presence dramatically. Turkey is one of the countries where Christians have become a tiny minority.

In 1993 Fr. Andrea made a pilgrimage to Antioch, Turkey. Antioch is mentioned in the New Testament. It is the city where the followers of the followers of Jesus were fi rst called Christians (Acts 11:26). St. Paul began his ministry in Antioch. In Antioch, Fr. Andrea met an Orthodox priest who “saw in him a passion for Turkey’s Christians” and gave him a tiny piece of metal that is said to come from one of the nails used in the Cross of Christ. 

“It was November 30, the Feast Day of Saint Andrew, and Father Andrea’s name-day. (“Andrea” means Andrew.) Deeply touched by the honor, he brought it with him to Rome. Like a nail embedded in his fl esh, his fascination for the land never left him… Since then, he asked his superiors to let him go back” as a missionary priest.

AGREEMENT AND DIFFICULTIES

The Church does admire and respect many things in the Muslim faith and culture. It especially admires the Muslim faith in only one God, and agrees with Muslims on some of the basic qualities of God such as his omnipotence and mercy, etc.

The Church also admires the tremendous respect that Muslims show for God and their lack of fear in expressing their faith in public. On the other hand the Church is very concerned about the tendency in many Muslim countries towards violence against those who believe in religions other than Islam, and the restrictions many Muslim countries place on other religions, effectively denying the right of every human being to religious freedom.

Christians in Muslim countries fi nd themselves in different situations in each country, according to the degree of tolerance that is lived there, but in general, the situation is very diffi cult. Christians are often treated as third class citizens. It is especially diffi cult in countries where the Islamic law, Sharia, is applied as the legal system of the nation. An example of this is in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, but other countries also deny many fundamental rights to Christians and non-Muslims. In Saudi Arabia, Christians are not even allowed to meet in private homes to pray together. In both these countries any effort to explain the Christian faith to non-Christians is a very serious crime. Even the suspicion of having done so has cost some Christians their lives.

WHAT TO DO?

The Catholic Church cannot just protest and condemn these abuses. This would put the Christians living in these countries in even greater danger. But it does try to use a series of means to work towards greater freedom.

It asks Christians to be examples of peace and charity. Where allowed, the Church runs social institutions of Christian charity such as schools, hospitals, orphanages, etc. The Church tries to engage in dialogue with Muslims about common aspects of our faiths. On some occasions it also works with Muslim governments on an international level to promote respect for the natural institution of the family and respect for the right to life of the unborn child in the world.

When human rights are abused in Muslim countries, the Church tries insist on respect for these rights through diplomacy, and international organizations such as the United Nations, cultural and political groups, etc.

The situation of Christians in Turkey is not as bad as in many other Muslim countries, but it is still very difficult. Cardinal Ratzinger, before he became Pope, expressed concern about Turkey becoming a member of the European Union, because it did not recognize the rights of Christians in many ways.

So, what do missionaries and Christians do in these situations? They try to be witnesses. Only the witness of a holy life truly convinces people. They are leaven and salt. The presence of even a small group of convinced Christians can make a place much better.

A WITNESS IN TURKEY

Fr. Andrea went to Turkey in 2000. He did not expect to change things substantially. He knew the situation was extremely difficult. But he knew God’s love. He felt the love God has for all people, especially those involved in difficult situations. He wanted to be a real sign of God’s faithful love for this region of the world.

He spent his time attending the very small group of Catholics in his area. He tried to promote good relations between Muslims and Christians. He spent long hours praying. He tried to give a good example of peace and goodness to those who lived near the church. It was not always easy, but he made small steps in the victory of grace. He called it seeing the “blade of grass and not just the desert.”

In a letter he wrote only a week before his death he mentioned one of these small victories.

SMALL VICTORIES

“One day a large group of loud and boisterous teenagers came into church. I’m accustomed to this. In order to get them to be quiet and respectful you simply have to approach them and remind them that the church, like the mosque, is a place of prayer that God loves. A small group of 4-5 boys and girls among them, about 14-15 years old, approached me and began to ask me questions. ‘Why are you here? Did they make you come?’ ‘No, I came freely, willingly.’ ‘Why?’ ‘Because I like Turkey. Because there was a church here and a group of Christians who didn’t have a priest, so I made myself available. I did it to favor good relations between Christians and Muslims.’ ‘But, are you happy?’ ‘Of course I am happy. And now that I’ve met you I am even happier. I appreciate you.’ In that moment the eyes of one of the girls lit up. She looked at me deeply and said with strength, ‘We also appreciate you.’ To say ‘we appreciate you’ inside a church, between Christians and Muslims has seemed like a ray of light to me. This in itself would have justified my coming here…”

MAKING CHRIST PRESENT

Two months before his death Father Andrea was talking with some missionary friends after a retreat. He commented: “Often I ask myself: What am I doing here? “I live among these people so that Jesus can live among them through me. In the Middle East, Satan continues to destroy, remembering and loyal to the past. As it was at the time of Jesus, silence, humility, the simple life, acts of faith, miracles of charity, clear and defenseless witness, and the conscious offering of one’s life can rehabilitate the Middle East.”

Fr. Andrea was a believer. He believed his hidden prayer and sacrifice would somehow count, would somehow bring many graces to this land.

QUIET FRUIT

It has already begun to do so. Many Muslims, including many young Muslims, have expressed their admiration for this man of God and have condemned his murder. The Christian faith has been seen as a seed for peace, not for conflict. 

The Turkish government has taken the occasion to renew its invitation for Pope Benedict to visit Turkey this November. Orthodox Christians and Jews have also shown their respect for the example of Father Andrea. His death has reminded the world that love is still alive.

The example of Father Andrea reminds us, too, that we are called to be witnesses of good will. Perhaps we do not live in a situation of isolation and danger that he lived in, but each of us has to often go against the current in giving example of Christian lifestyle.

Prayer. Service. Witness. The world today needs saints. We can learn from Fr. Andrea how to be one.

Bible Blurbs

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:8)

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5: 43-44)

Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. (John 12:24)

It is urgently necessary that religions and their symbols be respected and that believers not be the object of provocations that wound their outlook and religious sentiments. (Benedict XVI, March 2, 2006)

However, intolerance and violence as a response to offenses can never be justified, for this type of response is incompatible with the sacred principles of religion. (Benedict XVI, March 2, 2006)

The fruit of faith in God is not devastating antagonisms, but the spirit of fraternity and collaboration in favor of the common good. (Benedict XVI, Feb 26, 2006)

God, Creator and Father of all, will call to an even more severe account all those who shed their brother’s blood in his name. (Benedict XVI, Feb 26, 2006)

CATECHISM TIPS

854 …Missionary endeavor requires patience. … There will be times of defeat. “With regard to individuals, groups, and peoples it is only by degrees that [the Church] touches and penetrates them and so receives them into a fullness which is Catholic.”

841 “The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day.”

844 In their religious behavior, however, men also display the limits and errors that disfigure the image of God in them.

SAINTS AND HEROS

BLESSED CHARLES DE FOCAULT

Charles was born in Strasbourg, France. By the time he was six, both his parents had died. He was raised by his grandfather. He lost his faith while he was a teenager. As an adult he accomplished a private exploration of the Muslim country of Morocco that was much publicized in France. After he returned to France he rediscovered his faith through the help of one of his cousins and of a holy priest. He immediately felt a calling to live totally for God. Eventually he returned to Morocco and live as a solitary monk in an area where there were no Christians. His desire was to “shout the Gospel with his life”. “I would like to be sufficiently good that people would say, “If such is the servant, what must the Master be like?” He was well liked in the area for his kindness and hospitality. However on December 1, 1916 a band of marauders invaded his house and killed him. His example and writings have inspired the foundation of several religious institutes.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What made Fr. Andrea want to go to serve the Church in Turkey?
2. What are some of the difficulties Christians face in Muslim countries?
3. Do you think he knew that he was in such a dangerous situation?
4. What made him stay and persevere in his witness?
5. Do you think his witness has had an impact on those around him? On the world? If so, how?
6. What things does the Church admire in Muslim culture? What things worry it? 
7. Do you think Fr. Andrea’s example will inspire others to serve in Muslim countries?
8. What does the Church do to try to create good will in Muslim cultures?

RESEARCH ACTIVITY

Investigate some of the similarities and differences between the Muslim and Christian faith, especially in relation to:

1. Forgiveness and use of violence
2. Attributes of God
3. Mary
4. Importance of expressing faith and worshipping God
5. Concept of the dignity of the human person
6. Relationship between Church and State

FURTHER CHURCH TEACHING

“The Church regards with esteem also the Muslims. They adore the one God, living and subsisting in Himself; merciful and all- powerful, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has spoken to men; they take pains to submit wholeheartedly to even His inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the faith of Islam takes pleasure in linking itself, submitted to God. Though they do not acknowledge Jesus as God, they revere Him as a prophet. They also honor Mary, His virgin Mother; at times they even call on her with devotion. In addition, they await the day of judgment when God will render their deserts to all those who have been raised up from the dead. Finally, they value the moral life and worship God especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting.

“Since in the course of centuries not a few quarrels and hostilities have arisen between Christians and Muslims, this sacred synod urges all to forget the past and to work sincerely for mutual understanding and to preserve as well as to promote together for the benefit of all mankind social justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom.

(Vatican II, Declaration “Nostra Aetate”, number 3)

FROM A LETTER OF FR. ANDREA (JANUARY 22, 2006)

“The richness of the Middle East is not oil, but its religious fabric, its soul soaked in faith, its being “holy land” for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, its past marked by the “revelation” of God, besides its elevated civilization. Even the complexity of the Middle East is not tied to oil or to its strategic position, but to its religious soul. The God who “reveals himself” and who is “passionately” served is a God who divides, a God who privileges one over another and authorizes one against another. In this heart at the same time luminous, unique and sick of the Middle East it is necessary to enter: on tiptoe, with humility, but with courage. Clarity goes together with goodness. The advantage that we Christians have is an advantage that we should not lose. Our God is a God who is defenseless, a Christ who invites to loves one’s enemies, to serve in order to be “lords” of the house, to become the last in order to be first, in a Gospel that prohibits hatred, anger, judgment, domination, a God who becomes a lamb and who allows himself to be beaten in order to kill pride and hatred in himself, a God who attracts with love and who does not dominate with power. It is an “advantage” that could seem “disadvantage” and a waste in the eyes of the world, but is victorious in the eyes of God and capable of conquering the heart of the world. Saint John Chrisostom said, “Christ pastures lambs, not wolves. If we make ourselves lambs we will overcome, if we become wolves we will lose. It is not easy, nor is the cross of Christ when the temptation of the sword is always there. Will there be someone who wants to give the gift of this Christ to the world? Will there be someone who will want to be present in this world of the Middle East simply as “Christian,” salt in the food, leaven in the dough, light in the room, window on the walls, bridge between opposite shores, offering of reconciliation?

There are many, but many more are needed. Mine is an invitation besides a reflection.Come!”

(From Zenit, Spanish edition, March 7, 2006, translation by Our Faith In Action)

RESOURCES

■ Web search: www.catholic.com : “Islam”

■ Remembering Father Andrea http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=84430

■ Priest killed in Turkey aMartyr, says Cardinal Ruini, http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=84298

■ Pope John Paul II, Crossing the Threshold of Hope, Mohamed? (pages 91-9)

■ Vatican II, Declaration Nostra Aetate, number 3

■ Vatican II, Apostolic Constitution Lumen Gentium, number 16

■ Thomas W. Lippman, Understanding Islam

■ DVD: Ignatius Press: Christianity and Islam

■ DVD: Ignatius Press: The Bible and Islam

This past summer the Olympics gave us the opportunity to watch some of the greatest athletes in the world achieve success in a wide variety of sports. Many stood in the spotlight for their extraordinary athletic talents, and shone for the virtues they exhibited under pressure. One of these men, Jason Read of the United States men’s rowing team, had already demonstrated a great confidence and faith in himself in the September 11th rescue squad. However, the Olympics challenged him to take a step higher, to a deeper faith and confidence in God rather than himself.

The greatest day of this athlete’s life was not the day he lead his eight-man rowing team to win the Olympic gold. He had already celebrated a golden day in the Easter Vigil Mass of 2002 when he became Catholic. As the pacesetter at the head of the first-place team, Jason Read not only crossed the finish line first, but set an example of faith for all to follow.

The beginning of the training

In eighth grade, Read became interested in the powerful sport of rowing, and worked hard to play even though everyone thought he was too small to be a competitive rower. As an adult, he is only 6’1″, and weighs 180 lbs, while most rowers are bigger and heavier, but he has faith in himself: “I hate to lose, no matter what the endeavor. I will do everything in my power to win. Most of my rowing competition presupposes that because I’m small, I somehow won’t be able to beat them. You must have confidence in your skills and continually strive towards reducing or eliminating your own weaknesses.”

The terrorist attack of September 11th

Also as a young teenager, Read became interested in giving his time to help others, and volunteered with the Hopewell, New Jersey Fire Department at age 14. Two years later he was an emergency medical technician, and at 21 became the youngest person in his state to be chief of the rescue squad.

Only one hour outside Manhattan, Read’s life changed completely on September 11, 2001. He received one of the first calls after the first plane hit the Twin Towers, and raced to a command post to help coordinate 800 rescue workers, set up a field hospital, and finally go personally to Ground Zero to free the victims trapped below.

Along with many other 9/11 heroes Read worked for five days straight, stopping only once to sleep for eight hours at a hotel. He explains how this was possible: “In the face of entire shifts of firefighters killed in a matter of seconds, there was hope we would find people alive. Hope we would bring joy to a family that had loved ones missing. That kind of tenacity and gumption enabled many of the rescuers to work for days and days without sleep.”

The experience was so strong that Jason began to take a look at the meaning of his life on earth. What was the purpose of everything that he was doing, if he would not live forever? What was waiting for him after his death? “I had a sense of apathy about all things in the world that had meant so much to me,” he said, “Did I want to row anymore? Did I want to be chief of a volunteer rescue squad? What did it mean? All those people had been killed. Game over. Mortality became reality in a matter of seconds.”

The decision to become Catholic

Read already had a strong faith in himself, but now he knew that he needed a stronger faith in God. Even though he was not Catholic, the day after returning from Ground Zero he went to Mass. “It was emotional and revitalizing,” he said, “I prayed very hard -for the first time in my life.”

Father Tom Mullelly, chaplain of the Olympic rowing center at Princeton University, had been a friend of Jason’s. Now he helped the athlete in his search for a deeper faith. That next Easter, Jason experienced the hope of a real resurrection. He described this day as “one of the happiest days of my life. Fellowship, becoming Catholic as an adult and my uncanny ability to be relentlessly optimistic no matter how tumultuous and ugly life can be helped bring me back to life.” The confidence he had in himself had been shaken when he realized that he was not going to live forever, but it was replaced by something more steady, a confidence in God.

Family also played a key role of support, and Jason’s younger brother, Gunther, was baptized along with him. Jason’s faith became real and active in helping him live these relationships in a better way. “I’m a better brother, uncle and son. Now I understand how precarious life can be, how quickly things can change. And I am grateful for each and every moment.”

Victory on all fields

This spiritual victory went hand in hand with athletic success, and Read began to win medals and championships till the moment he earned the key seat in the Olympic team. However, even though he and his team’s victory is also the fruit of tremendous dedication and effort, Jason, like many other Olympic athletes, is grateful to God for his successes in sports. This does not mean that God makes some athletes win and the others lose. “Although prayer does not guarantee victory, it helps players put things in perspective and do all for God’s glory and not just their own” says Fr. Kevin Lixey, L.C. of the new Vatican sports department, “The virtue of gratitude, by which we recognize that all good things come from God, is both an act of humility as well as of praise and adoration.”

Jason was awarded the U.S. Rowing’s Man of the Year Award, but more important than what he did was why he did it. Before, he was rowing for himself, after his experience at Ground Zero and at the foot of Christ’s cross he learned to row for something besides himself. He rows for love of the sport, for love of his country, and for love of God who gave him the talents of an athlete. “After 9/11, I changed my approach to rowing. I no longer was fueled by vengeance and anger to beat other crews. My desire was to become the absolute best rower for America.” St. Paul says “Run so as to win (1 Corinthians 9:24),” but also emphasizes that any activity we do, if it is without love, is empty. Jason mastered both aspects, driving his team to win the gold while doing it not for himself, but for God.

Bible Blurbs

• “I do not think of myself as having reached the finish line. I give no thought to what lies behind but push on to what is ahead. My entire attention is on the finish line as I run toward the prize to which God calls me-life on high in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
• “Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11:25-26
• “I myself am the living bread come down from Heaven. If anyone eats this bread he shall live forever.” John 6:51
• “Do you not know that in a  all the  , but only one gets the prize?  in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24

Saints and Heroes

Pope John Paul II

As a young man he had the dream of becoming a teacher, a writer, and an actor, but God had a bigger plan. During the tragic events of World War II and after the death of his father he felt the call to be a priest. His dedication and faith have eventually led him, to his own surprise, to be called to be a bishop, cardinal, and also the Pope, the visible head of our Catholic Church. He has often been called “God’s athlete” because of the millions of miles he has traveled to encourage his brothers in the faith in every part of the world, and because neither an assassination attempt nor numerous illnesses have stopped his efforts. During his time as our Holy Father he has helped in the fall of Communism, created the World Youth Days, and inspired thousands of young men to become priests. His deepest purpose is the new evangelization of the modern world. His rallying cry is: “Be not afraid!”

Edel Quinn

Born in Ireland. After a happy childhood she felt the call to be a contemplative nun, but the death of her mother obliged her to help care for her family for a number of years. Then tuberculosis (a sickness of the lungs) made it impossible for her to enter the convent. Nevertheless she consecrated herself privately to God and became very active in door-to-door evangelization in the poorest neighborhoods of Dublin through an organization called the Legion of Mary. In spite of her poor health she insisted with the leaders of the Legion of Mary that she wanted to go to Africa to spread this good work. She eventually received permission and worked tirelessly in as a lay missionary in spite of her poor and failing health. Her dedication and love resulted in much success in that continent.

Vocabulary

Confidence: Firm belief, trust

Faith: (In self) Confidence that one can do a good job.
(In God) Personal relationship with God. Trust in God’s love and readiness to do God’s will

Hope: (Human hope) Belief that what one desires can happen
(Theological hope) Confidence in God’s gift of eternal life, Confidence in God’s mercy

Humility: Freedom from pride and arrogance. A modest estimate of one’s own worth

Tenacity: Ability to persevere in the midst of difficulties

Fellowship: Friendship and encouragement of others with the same values. Christian friendship

Gratitude: Thankfulness. Ability to honor the help of God and others

Discussion Questions

1. What are the different moments when this story speaks about hope? Are they different kinds of hope? What are some examples of the difference between hope in other people, and hope in God?
2. What are the different moments when this story speaks about faith? Are they different kinds of faith? What are some examples of the difference between faith in other people, and faith in God?
3. Would you say that September 11th was a tragedy for Jason, or an important moment in his life? Why? What made it either negative or positive for him?
4. Was there something deeper that Jason discovered in the faith than just a solution to death? What was it?
5. What was the difference in the way that Jason played sports before and after September 11th? What were the things that motivated him before and after?
6. When athletes thank God for their triumphs, is it because he makes them win? Does he make the other people lose? If you lose during a game, does that mean that you did not pray as hard as the other person did?
7. Jason Read became Catholic, but it was more than just a name that he called himself. How can you tell that he began to live as a real Catholic? How did he live his Catholic faith in his daily life.
8. Let’s try to pick out some the key moments that God was working in Jason’s life. Let us try to imagine how God was trying to do something to help Jason and make him into a great person. What moments can you see in his life where God was working?
9. Does receiving Christ in the Eucharist give you confidence and hope? Does it push you to be better? Why? Is the Eucharist just a symbol of God or is it something more? What more?

Writing Activities

1. Try to imagine how God is working in your life right now. What are some things that have happened recently, either big or ordinary, that might be ways God is trying to help you become a better person, student, son or daughter, friend, Christian, etc.?
2. Do you thank God for the talents and successes he has given you, or do you forget? Take some time to write a thank you letter to God, for all of the things he has done for you recently, the happy moments, and the good things he has given you.

Resolution Ideas

• In small groups, look for other inspiring cases of Olympic athletes, how they lived different virtues in their games. Write a short biography on these athletes, picking out 2-3 virtues that they demonstrate, and present it to the rest of the class. Some examples might be: Mariel Zagunis, Cesar Garcia, the Iraqi soccer team, etc.
• Go to Mass as a class, and try to imagine what it was like for Jason in that first Mass where he “prayed like he never did before.” Invite the pastor or a local priest to the class to speak moments when he has seen the power of the faith in others. Students each write a paragraph to try to answer this question: “What’s so great about your Catholic faith?”
• As a class, brainstorm ways that an athlete can give credit to God in sports (if they have the chance to say some words after the game, wearing a medal in the game, doing a team prayer before the game, giving a good example, showing joy, showing dedication in training, congratulating and encouraging others, using good language, etc.). If there are enough students on one of the school sports teams, encourage them to start a trend in the team to remember to ask God’s help and thank him for the successes he brings.

Web Resources

More information on Olympic athletes:

http://www.usatoday.com

http://www.nbcolympics.com/index.html

Information on becoming Catholic:

http://www.ecatholic2000.com/rcia/rcia.shtml

Part I

Everyone has heard of Jessica Lynch and her bravery as a prisoner of war.  Few people, however, know the story of Pfc. Patrick Miller, whose heroism truly saved the day for Lynch and many other American soldiers.  Private Miller exhibited outstanding courage and duty while under fire in Iraq, and he continues to show great humility, befitting a true hero.

The Story

Patrick Miller did not enlist in the Army seeking glory and fame.  The 23-year-old from Valley Center, Kansas simply wanted to serve his country and earn some money to pay for an education.  Certainly, his prospect for valor did not seem likely at first.  After failing his first marksmanship test, Patrick was assigned to the 507^th Maintenance Company as a welder.  When he was sent to Iraq eight months later, he was not afraid.  As a mechanic, he thought he would be far from combat action; but circumstances proved otherwise.

Four days into the war, Private Miller found himself driving a truck at the rear of a large convoy heading toward Baghdad.  Unfortunately, a group of vehicles, including Patrick’s, fell behind the convoy and became lost.  While trying to reunite with their convoy, the group drove right into a deadly ambush of Iraqi troops.  Suddenly, a hailstorm of enemy bullets was pounding on Miller’s truck.  As he reached out to adjust his mirror, one of the bullets shattered it to pieces.  At the same time, another bullet killed one of his passengers, Pfc. Brandon Sloan.  “It just felt like a real bad war movie,” Miller recalls.  “You were actually seeing people die in front of you.”

When his truck finally lost power, Miller bailed out and ran for cover.  He first came upon an overturned Humvee, inside which lay a badly injured Jessica Lynch.  The only chance for escape, he thought, was an Iraqi dump truck parked 50 yards up the road.  He made a run for it.  According to Patrick, “All I could see was the bullets that were hitting the dirt around my feet.”

Before he reached the truck, Private Miller noticed a group of Iraqis setting up a mortar position in front of it.  They were aiming for his fellow soldiers taking cover behind him.  Though outnumbered seven to one (Rather than take off in the truck), Patrick decided to protect his friends.  Taking cover behind a nearby sand dune, he steadied his rifle.  After each shot, his gun jammed; but each time, he fixed it and shot again.  Soon, the firing stopped.  The young man who had failed at marksmanship did his job.

Part II

Courage under Fire

Private Miller’s courage was tested in that life-threatening situation.  No doubt his own fortitude contributed to his brave actions.  “Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good… It disposes one even to renounce and sacrifice his life in defense of a just cause” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1808).  Even at great risk to his own life, Private Miller put the well being of others first.

Miller and his fellow soldiers were eventually captured by the Iraqis.  Friends and family were afraid for their safety, but Patrick was brave.  He sang American songs and told jokes.  His captors did not like it much, but his friends took courage from Private Miller’s example.  “It’s small victories that keep your hope up,” he says.  “You got to have small victories for yourself when you’re in situations like that.”

All in a Day’s Work

Although his actions were heroic, Private Miller does not think that he did anything out of the ordinary.  His courage was accompanied by a strong sense of duty.  Duty is unfailing commitment to a task, no matter how big or small.  To us, Patrick’s actions are amazing, but to him, it was simply part of his job.  “I don’t feel that I am a hero,” Miller insists, “because I feel that I was doing my job as a soldier.  I was doing what I volunteered to do.”

God has a mission for each of us.  The better we are prepared, the stronger we will respond to special challenges.  Private Miller never expected to be in such a situation, but he knew his duty and was ready to respond.  We can prepare ourselves by following through with our duties at home, at school, and with our friends.

Humility

Private Miller received the Silver Star for valor, the fourth highest honor for a soldier.  He was one of only 90 out of 150,000 soldiers to receive the award and the only one from his Company.  Circumstances have helped Miller practice humility.  Humility is the virtue that helps us recognize our equality with others and restrains our desire to rise above them.  Private Miller does not feel insulted that Jessica Lynch has received more fame, and he has not sought out media attention for himself.

Nor does Private Miller feel superior because of his own recognition.  Months later, he is back quietly working in the motor-pool at Fort Carson, Colorado.  Upon returning home, he was offered a chance to leave the Army, but turned it down, saying he didn’t want to look like a quitter.

Vocabulary

Pfc. – abbreviation of “Private, first class” the lowest rank in the U.S. armed forces

Valor – special courage or bravery

Convoy – a line of vehicles traveling toward the same destination

Fortitude - moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good

Duty - unfailing commitment to a task

Humility - virtue that helps us recognize our equality with others and restrains our desire to rise above them

Bible Blurbs

“Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor.”   Proverbs 18:12

“Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

“So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ “  Luke 17:10

“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”  John 15:13

Saints and Heros

Blessed Miguel Pro

In a time of intense religious persecutions, Miguel Pro left his home in Mexico to become a priest.  After his ordination in 1926, Miguel returned to Mexico to minister to the people there.  At that time, the open practice of religion was not allowed, but Fr. Pro felt strongly about fulfilling his duties as a priest.  Traveling by bike using various disguises, he administered the sacraments, despite the threat of death from soldiers and police.  Holding up his crucifix, he would say, “Here is my weapon.  With it along, I have no fear of anyone.”  Eventually, Fr. Pro was captured and sentenced to death.  He proclaimed, “I am ready to give my life for souls, but I want nothing for myself.  All that I want is to lead them to God.”  Facing the firing squad, he shouted his last words: “Viva Cristo Rey!”  (Spanish for “Long live Christ the King!”).

Saint Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc was a peasant girl who became a national heroine by leading the resistance to the English invasion of France in the Hundred Years War.  Her childhood was spent attending her father’s herds in the fields and learning religion and housekeeping skills from her mother. When Joan was about 12 years old, she began hearing the voices of saints, including St. Michael the Archangel.  At first, she was inspired by the simple duty to “be good and go to church regularly.”  Soon, however, she felt the saints calling her to serve her country in a greater way.  At 17, she managed an audience with King Charles and persuaded him to give her an army, which she led with much success against the invading English.  Though sustaining numerous injuries and insults, she led the French until her capture and execution in 1431.