By FR. KEVIN M. CUSICK
The most significant event in the life of the Church in recent history was a death. The death of Antonin Scalia, yes, but more so the events set into motion in the Church as a result of his death and, in particular, his completely unexpected funeral Mass in Washington, D.C., on February 20.
Even before I reached the security checkpoint at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, I weathered a brutal encounter with one aspect of Justice Scalia’s legacy as the longest-serving member in the history of our nation’s highest court. Westboro Baptist Church (sic) members had planted themselves on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Harewood Road and were verbally harassing passersby with obscene epithets and angry rants.
When the protesters spotted the collar peeking out of my cassock they redoubled their shouting and launched a volley of the most vile invective, regurgitating the most evil things that some priests have done, accusing me personally of the same crimes. I turned and blessed them twice as I continued my way up the drive to the security checkpoint in my effort to find a seat before the Mass began. Perhaps it wasn’t as ironic as at first it seemed that the very pits of Hell had spewed forth their hateful minions to possess these human pawns on a day made sacred by the obsequies for such a lauded and revered public person and, greater still, servant of God.
You see, Justice Scalia was among those who on the Supreme Court voted in the majority to uphold the free speech rights of Westboro Baptist Church, and others like them who pay homage to the First Amendment only by abusing others under its mantle
The death of a justice of the Supreme Court is an occasion for many to assess his legacy for the law and the nation. His funeral, however, made it abundantly evident that his legacy is far greater than the mere law or earthly justice. His death was the occasion for reflection upon his life as husband, father, and Catholic.
Representing the Scalia family was Antonin’s son Paul, a priest, in his celebration of the Holy Mass. He spoke poignantly in his homily on behalf of the Scalia family gathered in great numbers, including 36 grandchildren. His vocation, his presence, and his preaching simply confirmed for a watching world that Justice Scalia’s greatest legacy was manifest on that Saturday because we saw the dawn of new hope for the life of the Church in that funeral Mass.
Donald Cardinal Wuerl, Archbishop Carlo Viganò, and Scalia’s ordinary of Arlington, Va., Bishop Paul Loverde, attended in choro because etiquette dictates that they do not concelebrate if they outrank the celebrant, in this case Fr. Scalia. Cardinal Wuerl made opening remarks, but after that point we heard only from a new component of the priestly fraternity on a hitherto inaccessible scale.
Many priests ordained since the early 1990s know Latin and chant, understand the poise and dignity proper to liturgy, and show care in the manner of comporting themselves within the liturgy. Fr. Scalia is among this class of priests who know well to leave the street and the marketplace behind upon entering the sanctuary of God.
To begin with, the homily made clear that in Fr. Scalia and new priests like him, sensitive to the growing swell of support and desire for the Traditional Latin Mass in the Church, a new dawn of hope has begun to appear upon the Church’s horizon.
Justice Scalia preferred the usus antiquior and was seen attending the Traditional liturgy in Washington and northern Virginia. This particular “new Mass” had tradition writ large all over it, both through Fr. Scalia’s grasp of the ars celebrandi and his words, recounting for us as he did that Antonin “treasured the Church’s ceremonies, especially the beauty of her ancient worship.” Also for the reason that Fr. Scalia himself loves and offers the Traditional Mass.
There was no handshake of peace, no Glory & Praise triad of On Eagle’s Wings, I Am the Bread of Life, and Be Not Afraid that has made every American funeral a deadening experience also for the living. No, instead there was a great sense of dignity and refreshing solemnity which serves to truly honor the sacredness of the lives of those who have gone before us. In these and other ways more subtle, the die was cast for a new tone much needed in every funeral liturgy that touches and consoles the deepest places in each one of us where faith, hope, and love abide.
Justice Scalia understood and lived for our benefit the truth that one cannot serve one’s country well if one does not serve God first. He lived in the great shadow of, and no doubt invoked the intercession of, St. Thomas More in his life and work and we now do the same for him. His son and priests like him also serve the Church well through their love and respect for the Church’s sacred rites.
Requiescat in pace, +Antonin Scalia. Antonin Scalia, pray for us.
St. Thomas More, pray for us and all who have gone before us.
Thank you for reading. Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever.
+ + +
(Visit Reverendo Padre-Kevin Michael Cusick on Facebook and @MCITLFrAphorism on Twitter.)
Powered by WPtouch Mobile Suite for WordPress