Second Week of Advent: Abolition of the Death Penalty
Introduction
In the Gospel for the Second Week of Advent, Luke describes John the Baptist’s proclamation of a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Today we pray for a change of heart in the U.S. for those who still advocate for the death penalty and for forgiveness for the over 1600 men and women who have been executed in the U.S. since the 1970’s.
Song: O Lord Hear My Prayer, Taize
Reflection
Today we plead for forgiveness as a Country for the continued use of the death penalty. While 27 states have outlawed the practice of execution as a means of punishment for crime, 23 still use it. In five states with the death penalty, the governor has put a hold on executions .
Catholic Mobilzing Network reports that in September, five different states took the lives of five men in the space of one week—a pace unlike anything seen in decades—displaying the horrific injustice that runs rampant throughout the U.S. system of capital punishment. And it continues. These actions confirm everything we know to be true about the death penalty: it’s contrary to human dignity, immoral, flawed and useless.”
It does not deter crime.
Many innocent people have been executed.
Furthermore it is tainted by racism: 40% of those executed since 1976 were black.
Silent Prayer/Lord, have mercy.
Reflection
As we approach the historic Jubilee Year 2025, we are responding to the call of Pope Francis to ‘be one in demanding dignified conditions for those in prison, respect for their human rights and above all the abolition of the death penalty, a provision at odds with Christian faith and one that eliminates all hope of forgiveness and rehabilitation.’ (CMN)
Petitions are being sent to the White House and calls are being made urging President Biden to commute the sentences of the 40 men on federal death row in the spirit of mercy and justice. By using his constitutional authority to commute these sentences, President Biden could offer a tangible sign of hope to those living under the threat of execution. Furthermore Biden is being called upon to permanently close down the death house in Terre Haute where the executions are held.
Silent Prayer
We are saddened that in our own state of Indiana, an execution is scheduled to take place on December 18 after a 15 year pause. A demonstration is being held tomorrow in Indianapolis urging Governor Holcomb to stop the execution of Joseph Corcoran. Many have written the Governor, including VN Sisters, urging him to halt this act of state sponsored violence in our name.
Sr. Helen Prejean’s prayer
God of compassion, You let your rain fall on the just and the unjust.Expand and deepen our hearts so that we may love as You love,Even those among us who have caused the greatest pain by taking life.
For there is in our land a great cry for vengeance as we fill up death rows and kill the killers In the name of justice, in the name of peace.Jesus, our brother, you suffered execution at the hands of the state,but you did not let hatred overcome you. Help us reach out to victims of violence so that our enduring love may help them heal.
Holy Spirit of God, You strengthen us in the struggle for justice.Help us to work tirelessly for the abolition of state-sanctioned death and to renew our society in its very heart so that violence will be no more. Amen
Song
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