CMO 79: Eucharistic Procession Heckler

 

*Note: I originally intended to post this on Saturday (033125), however, the day got away from me, and well, you know how life is...it sometimes throws you curves that you were not expecting and you have no choice but to deal with it as it occurs. Thank you for understanding.

I recall once watching a film starring Kevin Sorbo, known for his role as "Hercules" in the television series *Hercules: The Legendary Journeys* (1995–1999). The movie in question is titled *God's Not Dead* (2014).

According to sources such as Wikipedia, IMDb, and Microsoft Copilot, *God's Not Dead* is a Christian drama that centers around college student Josh Wheaton, whose faith is tested by his atheist philosophy professor, Jeffrey Radisson. Professor Radisson requires his students to sign a declaration stating "God is dead" to pass the course. Josh, however, refuses to sign, prompting Radisson to challenge him to publicly debate the existence of God before the class, leaving the decision to the students.

Throughout the debates, Radisson aggressively counters Josh’s arguments, while Josh’s girlfriend urges him to comply, fearing it could jeopardize their future prospects. Despite this pressure, Josh remains resolute. In the final debate, he confronts Radisson directly, asking why he harbors hatred toward God. Radisson, consumed by anger, admits that his resentment stems from his mother’s death. At this pivotal moment, Josh challenges him with a piercing question: "How can you hate someone who doesn’t exist?"

The film delves into profound themes of faith, doubt, and individual conviction, ultimately delivering a climactic resolution that underscores its overarching message. While it achieved commercial success, the movie faced criticism for its portrayal of atheists and its approach to philosophical discourse.

I was reminded of this film while reflecting on the unfortunate heckling endured by local Catholics from the Tulsa Diocese during the National Eucharistic Procession. As the procession journeyed from the University of Tulsa to the steps of Holy Family Cathedral, with a stop at Christ the King Catholic Church on Friday afternoon, a lone individual with a megaphone directed antagonistic remarks toward the participants. This individual appeared to be part of a small group that included women and children, which I suspect traveled from out of state—perhaps from Topeka, Kansas.

Before delving further into this incident, let us first address an important question: "What is the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage?"

The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage: A Journey of Faith

The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage stands as a landmark spiritual journey across the United States, inviting pilgrims to process with the Blessed Sacrament toward the National Eucharistic Congress. As part of the National Eucharistic Revival—a transformative initiative spearheaded by the U.S. Catholic bishops—the pilgrimage strives to rekindle faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Spanning four distinct routes, pilgrims traverse the nation, pausing at churches, retreat centers, and shrines to partake in Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, processions, and prayer gatherings. From bustling cityscapes to quiet rural communities, the pilgrimage serves as both a profound opportunity for spiritual renewal and a vibrant public witness to the Catholic faith.

In 2025, the St. Katharine Drexel Route offers a remarkable journey from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Los Angeles, California, culminating on Corpus Christi Sunday, June 22. Along its path, this route honors significant Catholic sites, including the Shrine of Blessed Stanley Rother and the tomb of Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

Commencing in Indianapolis on May 18, 2025, pilgrims undertake a 3,300-mile trek to Los Angeles, with the journey weaving through Tulsa on a serene Friday afternoon. Marked by devotion and unity, this pilgrimage symbolizes a renewed commitment to the mystery and beauty of the Eucharist, bringing communities together in faith and prayer.

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Returning to the purpose of this post, I had the privilege of attending the procession. Although I initially intended to walk the entire route from start to finish, my walking companions were not prepared for the 5-plus-mile journey. Instead, we went directly to the cathedral to await the arrival of our precious Lord present in the Holy Eucharist alongside those participating in the procession.

We had scarcely arrived when the woman before me leaned toward her daughter and exclaimed, “Here they come!”—referring to the approaching procession. The first sounds to break the air were the rhythmic pounding of drums, heralding groups of young people adorned in cultural costumes representing the vibrant heritage of the Americas. It was truly a sight to behold.

Following the drummers came the Holy Eucharist, led by Bishop Konderla, accompanied by priests, deacons, and a myriad of faithful souls. The scene was a tapestry of devotion and reverence, creating an unforgettable experience. Yet, this serenity was abruptly shattered by a lone male voice booming through a microphone, spewing anti-Catholic rhetoric. His accusations— “Cannibals,” “Mary Worshippers,” “Idolaters,” and “Pedophiles”—were not only inflammatory but clearly targeted toward the clergy present. The contrast between the beauty of the procession and the harshness of his words was striking and unsettling.

As I listened to these hurtful remarks, I couldn’t help but think, "This is absurd! We are neither pagans nor part of a Pride parade. This is a solemn procession of faith and prayer, offered not only for the church and the Diocese but for the entire country and the world. Why would anyone choose to attack the church in such a manner?"

While my initial response was anger, I quickly reminded myself that as followers of Christ, we are called to embody His example. We must refrain from judgment and anger, choosing instead to pray with a spirit of love. After all, Jesus, in His moments of greatest suffering on the cross, said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

The Catholic Church, established by Christ Himself and founded upon Peter, the Rock, has endured since its inception. As followers of this sacred tradition, we possess a profound understanding of the Lord’s intentions—be it regarding the Holy Eucharist, the forgiveness of sins, or the imperative to act in love and service to others. There is no need for a well-meaning but misguided voice to proclaim through a megaphone truth that are already deeply rooted in our faith. Such actions are particularly misplaced during a solemn and prayerful occasion like the procession, where reverence should prevail.

As the heckler's words reached my ears, my thoughts wandered back to that solemn moment when Jesus carried the cross through the streets of Jerusalem. He endured jeers, ridicule, and unspeakable cruelty. Why, then, should today be any different?

Perhaps this was the Lord’s intention all along—to guide me into a mindset of love and forgiveness toward the heckler, while also deepening my understanding of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Specifically, it brought new clarity to the fourth mystery, where Christ carries His cross through the streets of Jerusalem on the way to His Crucifixion. In a way I hadn’t anticipated, this heckler offered me a profound connection to that mystery and the Lord’s Passion.

If this experience allows me to grow into a better person, a more devoted Christian, and a faithful servant of the Lord, while deepening my gratitude for His sacrifice and the Church, then I thank the Lord for the blessing of that heckler.

I will close with the Lord's prayer found in John 17:20-23 ...

"I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me."

Carlos Michael