When Life Just Doesn't Make Sense

Today I attended the Funeral Mass of a 20 year old young man who died of an accidental overdose. He had been at a party with "friends". He had probably partied with these friends before, he had probably taken this drug before, who knows. Unfortunately, this time his young heart couldn't handle the load and he went into distress.

Unfortunately for him though, because of fear, no one at the party was willing to call 911 or drive him the few blocks to the emergency room that might have saved his life. He died on Mother's day because of fear or insecurity or whatever.

His poor mother and father are left to try to figure out how and why this horrible tragedy befell their handsome son. The church was packed with young people. He never met a stranger, and had the kind of personality that drew others to him.

I was so impressed by the forcefulness by which Fr. spoke of not letting this young man's life go meaningless. Fr. said that we could honor his life by making sure that no one else came to the same sad fate. We must be our brother's keeper, we must make sure that none of our friends are living on the edge. We must be willing to stand up and say STOP THE MADNESS! We must be willing to do what is right.

It is too late for this young man. But maybe, just maybe it won't be too late for all the other young men and women in that church today. Maybe that is the legacy that his short life will leave.

Pax