Comments on: The Eighth Commandment

By: Patricia Cornell

Patricia Cornell — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:18:52 +0000

I spent March 17 in the Missouri capitol asking my legislators to agree on a Moritorium on the dealth penalty. So much poor prosecutor work, judges with liquor on their breaths, beatings by police to elicit a confession…all these judicial errors have sent Missouri men (black) to prison for over 15 years in several cases. Time for people to examine if the death penaly is working…the American Justice Institute says that it does NOT work…is a little bit of time in order to exhonirate (sp) the innocent who did not have $$$$ for a quality lawyer. I pray justice is done for Fr. MacRae very, very soon….In Christ, Patricia

By: Patricia Cornell

Patricia Cornell — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:14:20 +0000

Fr. MacRae: I can only echo every one of the above emails. Incredible as it seems, those who lie just walk away. They should have some sort of activity…community service to make a point and perhaps they will not repeat this lying. I received your beautiful letter, Father MacRae for the icon art I sent you.
I am happy to have my work in your kind hands. In Christ, Patricia Cornell

By: Kathy Maxwell

Kathy Maxwell — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:53:33 +0000

Dear Father MacRae,

Thank you for sharing these stories with us. What a remarkable man Mr. Bain is. Every time I pray the Our Father, I try and think of someone who has wronged me, so that I might forgive. It just doesn’t happen to me often.

I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to tear forgiveness from your heart, when it has been broken by the unimaginable injustice you have suffered. Perhaps that is how hearts grow bigger. You and Mr. Bain must have great hearts!

I returned home after two weeks away and found that my Christmas card to you had been returned. I’ll send another letter right away.

Your friend always,
Kathy Maxwell

By: Mary Elizabeth F.

Mary Elizabeth F. — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:00:43 +0000

Another week’s post with Total Impact!! You get me with every post, Fr. MacRae. I am glad I am going to adore the Blessed Sacrament today during the hour of mercy.

There I will throw down the anger and the sorrow I feel after reading this, and I will ask God for forgiveness, peace, truthfulness, and every good thing He and only He can give us.God bless each and every one of you who suffer because someone lied about you, and because those who could have helped you, did not. Jesus knew there would always be a Judas.

As always, you remain in my prayers and in my thoughts, never forgotten. God bless you and keep you Fr. MacRae.

By: Msgr. Michael

Msgr. Michael — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:47:31 +0000

Dear Fr. Gordon,

When I read your post, I immediately thought of this passage of Scripture taken from the psalms: “Mighty warrior, gird your sword upon your hip. In splendor and majesty ride triumphant for the cause of truth, meekness and justice ” (Pslam 45). It occurred to me that “These Stone Walls” has a vocation to ride on for the cause of truth and justice so that many innocent persons may be saved. Be assured of my fraternal prayers.

Msgr. Michael, JCD

By: Mary

Mary — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:58:46 +0000

To all suffering servants like Mike Gallagher and Father Gordon who like The Suffering Servant on Calvary’s cross never betrayed their God in heaven I pray for your continued strength and resilience in carrying your crosses,
Your faith is a powerful light in the darkness.
I loved hearing of Jimmie Bain’s answer
“I’m not angry. I’ve got God.”
What a wonderful example to all of us.

By: Therese

Therese — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:19:17 +0000

Thanks so much for this post Fr. I never realized so many innocent people were being convicted.

I will offer a holy hour this week for all those that are falsely accused of crimes.

By: MM

MM — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 07:22:56 +0000

Father, thank you for writing this post. It’s so sad, I have nothing to say except to offer my prayers for you and all victims.

Our Mother Perpetual Help, pray for us, esp ppl of Haiti O Patroness of Haiti

By: LaVern

LaVern — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:21:14 +0000

This is certainly an outstanding article, Fr. Gordon. No doubt because of you, and my other dear friend, I think I have come to the same conclusion as Michael Gallagher stated in the last paragraph of his comment tonight.

Do think sometimes God uses extreme measures to teach us a lesson he wants us to learn–especially when He is trying to teach us to go beyond ourselves to help others in need. I pray I never forget to extend that helping hand to all who need it, in any way that I can be of help.

By: Karin

Karin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 02:18:46 +0000

Father,

All through this post all I could think of was the death penalty. It is bad enough that innocent people spend countless years in prison, but how many others are sent to death row?

It just seems to me that certain professions/vocations lend themselves to being open to witch hunts.

Stories such as yours and, Jamie’s and Michael’s are heartbreaking. As is the story to which Julie alluded. There was also another story that same week of a young priest being relieved of his priestly duties after being accused of sexual misconduct. One allegation and he was relieved of his faculties. As a teacher of 24 years I sympathize with Michael’s story.

Thank you for bringing these stories to light.

My continued prayers.