What's in the flask Father?
A Catholic priest has run afoul of the law in Colorado Springs, Colo., after being caught with an open container of sacramental wine while performing Mass outside an abortion clinic.
The Rev. Bill Carmody was warned by a police officer after the cop asked him what he was holding.
"The police officer asked me what's in the flask," he told the Colorado Springs Gazette. "I really didn't know what to do."
Carmody has asked the Colorado Springs City Council for a variance, allowing him to legally say Mass outdoors.
"I do not want to break the law. I'm simply asking for a variance," Carmody told the City Council on Tuesday. "This is a religious ceremony."
According to the Gazette, city ordinance 2.5.704 prohibits drinking in any street, alley, sidewalk, avenue, park – even public stairways. [Source]
While I have great sympathy for what this priest is doing I also don't think that the celebration of Mass outside an abortion clinic is a decent place.
1. The Place for the Celebration of Holy Mass
[108.] “The celebration of the Eucharist is to be carried out in a sacred place, unless in a particular case necessity requires otherwise. In this case the celebration must be in a decent place.” [197] The diocesan Bishop shall be the judge for his diocese concerning this necessity, on a case-by-case basis.
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The abortion clinic...it's like Golgotha for the aborted babies. It's not 'decent', but it's covered with the blood of the innocents.
Many people pray outside an abortion clinic, what about the ultimate prayer outside the abortion clinic?
Mentioning Golgotha is an interesting note, simply because the original sacrifice of our Lord took place there in the most unholy of places. The presence of God makes any place sacred and of all places in our land that needs His presence both in terms of judgement and reconciliation--I would imagine an abortion clinic would qualify.
While I have sympathy for this viewpoint I also can not hold one group accountable to the norms of conducting Mass and to give someone else a free pass because I agree with what they are doing.
If his Bishop has given him permission I would have no problem with this. I like the comparison to Golgotha and the highest prayer of the Church can be appropriate for this continuing human sacrifice.
On the issue of celebrating Mass in this place I think my biggest worry would be something happening to the Euchasrist. As far as decency, I don't feel strongly one way or another. I sympathize with both sides.
I really doubt anyone cares that some guy is drinking 'wine' in public. I think the very quotes from Planned Parenthood reveal that the protest itself is what's getting under their skin. Apparently anytime a Christian does anything the world does'nt like it's a scare tactic.