By Bishop Paul S. Loverde
Special to the Herald
(From the issue of 2/6/03)
In recent weeks, we have all been feeling fearful and uneasy because of the crises in Africa, North Korea, the Holy Land and, especially, Iraq. This past Saturday, our hearts were made heavier by the tragic explosion of the U.S. space shuttle Columbia over the skies of Texas. Seven astronauts were returning home from a seemingly successful sixteen day, round-the-clock science mission in space. One of these, David M. Brown, grew up in Arlington and attended Yorktown High School.
On behalf of our entire diocesan family, I offer to the families of the seven astronauts, who lost their lives in this tragic accident our deepest sympathy and the support of our prayers. President Bush expressed so beautifully our hope-filled prayer that now these noble astronauts have reached their final destiny: union with God in heaven. "The crew of the shuttle Columbia did not return to earth; yet we can pray that all are safely home."
Space exploration is one of humanity’s greatest achievements. In our desire to understand more fully God’s design of the universe, we have utilized the gifts given us by our Creator to pursue noble ends. This particular mission, comprised of an international crew, demonstrated in a tangible way the unifying effect which the space program has had on the global family. The spouses, children and relatives of these brave men and women can rightly be proud of their loved ones who were so suddenly taken from them in this explosion. May God’s consoling presence and healing love sustain them at this time and throughout their lives.
Life is fragile and often ends unexpectedly and suddenly. What really matters is our relationship with the Lord and, through Him, with one another. Commander Rick D. Husband expressed this so pointedly in a recorded interview with his minister not long before what would be his last space flight. "it was like a light came on all of a sudden … that this thing about being an astronaut was not as important as I thought it was … I finally came to the point where I just said, ‘Lord, I just want to be a good husband and a good father and come what may … with the rest.’" This man of faith was in touch with the basics of living life in union with Jesus. His wife Evelyn gave to his pastor a final message from Commander Husband: "He said tell them about Jesus. He means everything to me."
My prayer is that we all learn from this tragedy a basic lesson: live life close to Jesus because He does mean everything to us – He is our Savior and Lord!
Copyright ©2003 Arlington Catholic Herald. All rights reserved.
Return to back issues
Return to main
page