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Webside
with Chris Weber
Musings from this catechetical corner of the Internet
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July 2009 Triumph or
Tragedy?
I shake my head in wonder at the media
frenzy with the sudden death of pop star Michael Jackson. Why the hype
and hullabaloo? A lot of famous people die,
and others have recently, including Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon. What
is it about this death that captures the imagination and
emotions of the American public?
Though not a huge fan, I found myself
moved by the news. It was too bad that Michael Jackson died before his
comeback tour. Would he have recovered some of his former luster? Would
he have finally shaken off his financial woes, and public controversy
over his private life? Probably not. If he had made it to the London
tour, I would have barely noted it in passing. So why am I pondering it
now?
Despite Michael Jackson's incredible
talent and popularity, his sudden death feels like an abrupt ending to a
sad story. He paid dearly for childhood fame and adult success, and
others around him were hurt by it, too. What role did the adulation of
millions have in the strange twists and turns of his personal life? Was
all of the great music that he brought to fans around the world worth
it? Would he have done anything differently if he had been able to do it
all over again?
It is not my place, or anyone else's
place, to judge the actions or decisions of another human being.
However, I can turn these questions to my life and choices. What
do I want to accomplish? More important, what does God want
me to accomplish? What should I do today to give meaning to my
life and the lives of those around me tomorrow?
Thank God for faith's response to those
questions, to live in triumphant hope for the future.
Michael Jackson, may you rest in peace.
Chris Weber
Director
Catholic Education Ministries of Central
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