The vast majority of men and women in this and countless
other cities around the world when they leave home for their daily work do not
step into the stark reality of deliberate confrontation with evil.
Police Officers, not unlike Gandalf, stand between us and
those who spew hatred and violence, seeking to destroy the lives, even the very
person of fellow human beings.
By their very uniforms and courageous presence, more than
any particular weapons they may carry, Police Officers declare: “YOU SHALL NOT
PASS.”, and sometimes, as has happened in this city, such a stance costs an
Officer, a fellow human being, their life.
Such a murder tears asunder the Officer’s family: spouse,
children, parents, siblings, and tears into the hearts of fellow Officers
locally, across the nation.
Suddenly a memory came. A memory nearly seventy years in the
past.
We were all very small children born during the war heading
to school. Many of us were orphaned, though I was not, but all one way or
another were living with the absence of a father.
At the busy intersection near the school, in the middle of
the road, on his seemingly huge black horse, each morning assuring our safe
passage, was a Police Officer.
Some child started calling out a greeting, picked up by the
rest of us, which looking back makes sense, though I recall at the time telling
myself the man on the horse was not whom the child claimed, calling out each
morning: “Hello Officer Daddy.”
The Officer never responded by word. He just smiled and with his commanding presence
made sure we crossed in safety.
Tragically now there are two small boys, sons of the slain
Officer, who will never utter ‘Daddy” again. No longer will that good man,
husband, father, come through the door to have them run into his arms.
Parents, always hug your children.
I am old enough to be aware amongst the tens of thousands of
police in this country not every single one is imbued with integrity – but then
in what profession, what group are the ranks therein made up solely of saints?
In the Holy Gospel according to St. John police officers were
sent to arrest Jesus [7:32], however the police did not and when challenged by
those who had sent them why they had not arrested Jesus said: “No man ever
spoke like this man.” [7:46]
Commenting on this event in his book LIFE OF CHRIST, Ven.
Fulton Sheen notes: The very fact that
the policemen had an overwhelming impression made upon them and yielded
themselves to His fountains of benediction was an indication of the power He
had over men of good will. The vocation of a policeman was sanctified that
day when these officers refused to arrest the Saviour.
Police Officer's Prayer to St. Michael
Saint Michael, heaven's glorious commissioner of police,
who once so neatly and successfully cleared God's premises
of all its undesirables, look with kindly and professional
eyes on your earthly force.
Give us cool heads, stout hearts, and uncanny flair for
investigation and wise judgement.
Make us the terror of burglars, the friend of children and
law-abiding citizens, kind to strangers, polite to bores,
strict with law-breakers and impervious to temptations.
You know, Saint Michael, from your own experiences
with the devil that the police officer's lot on earth is not
always a happy one; but your sense of duty that so
pleased God, your hard knocks that so surprised the
devil, and your angelic self-control give us inspiration.
And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your
heavenly force, where we will be as proud to guard the
throne of God as we have been to guard the city of all
the people. Amen.
Saint Michael, heaven's glorious commissioner of police,
who once so neatly and successfully cleared God's premises
of all its undesirables, look with kindly and professional
eyes on your earthly force.
Give us cool heads, stout hearts, and uncanny flair for
investigation and wise judgement.
Make us the terror of burglars, the friend of children and
law-abiding citizens, kind to strangers, polite to bores,
strict with law-breakers and impervious to temptations.
You know, Saint Michael, from your own experiences
with the devil that the police officer's lot on earth is not
always a happy one; but your sense of duty that so
pleased God, your hard knocks that so surprised the
devil, and your angelic self-control give us inspiration.
And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your
heavenly force, where we will be as proud to guard the
throne of God as we have been to guard the city of all
the people. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment