17 January 2009

Requiescat in Pace Fr. Neuhaus

I am a split personality. No, not in the way you think, but in a quirky way. I am able to separate a person from what that person does.

For that reason, I was saddened today to learn that The Rev'd Richard Neuhaus died on 8 January. Most of you have no clue who he was. But, if you watched any of the events of John Paul II's funeral coverage and the election of Benedict, you know Fr. Neuhaus. He was the principle commentator. He's the guy who nailed the "white smoke" when everyone else said, "no, you're crazy, that's black smoke."

Fr. Neuhaus was a convert from Lutheranism to the Roman Church. He was an ultra conservative. But I liked him. He had a wicked sense of humour and he was a brilliant theologian and had a brilliant mind. But more than all of that, he truly was a compassionate man. I count it an honour to have known him. Here is a small tribute to him.

He marched with Dr. King Jr, and was a a tireless worker for the Civil Rights movement. Yes, he was anti gay rights, but as I said, I'm a split personality. Despite his stand on equal rights for GLBT, I still liked him.

In paradisum deducant te angeli,
in to adventu suscipiant te martyres,
et perducant te in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem.
Chorus angelorum te suscipiat,
et cum Lazaro quondam paupere,
aeternam habeas requiem.

Into paradise may the angles lead you
at your coming may the martyrs receive you,
and lead you into the holy city Jerusalem.
Choirs of angles receive you
and with Lazarus who once was poor,
may you have rest eternal.

On a different note, make sure to read The Grapevine's post for yesterday and today. One bit is from Bishop Lamb and the other from the chancellor. The tropical storm is about to hit land in the central valley. Thanks to Dusty for the news!