February 19, 2010
Reflection
May your spirit be renewed by the tender mercies of God’s love!
By ZOE CANNON (Vincennes)
If one were to ask, does God make mistakes? The answer would be absolutely not! “Great is the Lord, and His greatness is unsearchable.” Psalm 145:3 The use of the word “unsearchable” in Scripture suggests it is impossible to fathom that God would make a mistake. In our humanness, that is not always the case. However, we are also told in Scripture, “We know that all things work together for good to those that love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 I use these Scripture references to validate the point I am about to share in a real life story. There are no mistakes in life, only lessons. In life’s lessons there must be patience. St. Thomas Aquinas once said, “If you seek patience you will find no better example than the cross.” That is a perfect model for us all.
My husband, Dick, and I began Prison Ministry for our Catholic Church in 1999, at Carlisle, Ind., in the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility. We were surprised to find a young man who was the age of our son incarcerated in a maximum security prison. Questions are never asked about the offense which puts one in that position at our Scripture Study. Therefore we continued to pray for this young person and minister Communion to him, always wondering what could have happened to this incredible person who shared such inspirational thoughts with us at each service. We were watching the local news one evening and a reporter was interviewing a man who had murdered someone during a drug raged robbery at a gas station in 1998. We were shocked to recognize the young man telling his story as Erick Schmitt, the person we had grown to know and love in our Bible Study. We now had a full name and an understanding of why Erick was in prison. This was difficult to comprehend and we continued to encourage him to pursue his education and make the most of the situation he had created so young in his life. The choices he made certainly have affected many people, but not necessarily in a completely negative way. There is always hope and he continues to be an example for those who have used bad judgment and are in need of forgiveness. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
My husband also mentors Erick, visiting extra Saturdays outside the scheduled Tuesday Bible Study in the facility. It is amazing how many people God has brought together to support Erick during these days of incarceration. Most incredible is the support of the widow, Ina, whose husband was murdered by Erick and his two friends that evening. Ina and Erick met in person at the prison not too long ago. The witness of her forgiveness and encouragement are most definitely God inspired. Through her kindness and the power of God’s great love, Erick has an opportunity for a second chance at living. With the hope of all his family and friends, there will be a day soon when he can use his life lesson to speak to young people and encourage them to make good choices. His fortitude and perseverance in education and prayer have been remarkable. Yes, he has had the support of loved ones, but he has done the work to make it all come together on his own. Most important he has called upon God to partner with him through this time in his life. There could be no better witness in God’s mercy, Erick’s faith, and Ina’s compassion. The goodness of the Lord really does fill the whole world.
In October of 2008, we attended a graduation for Erick at the prison. It was a Character-Faith Based Program called (Plus) Purposeful Living Unit Serves. This 18-month program is unique to any prison facility, created in Indiana; it was very successful for all who participated. During this time he completed 1,993 hours of Community Service. He also corresponded with his home parish via letters and visits from those involved in an Adult Faith Formation Session called Why Catholic? created by Renew International. All these programs and connections with people of faith were a gift to Erick who was searching himself for guidance and peace. Last May he graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree from Grace College in Organizational Business Management, and an Associate Degree in counseling and substance abuse. He is working on his Master’s Degree, and his hope is to someday be able to complete his degree and provide counseling and education of substance abuse as his future career path, to help young people in need. God willing with a reduction in sentencing, this will become a reality.
St. Thomas Aquinas points out in his teachings that we must alleviate the misfortune of others through our acts of mercy, charity, and justice. These virtues are all mentioned in the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. These Divine Commands are set forth by Christ himself. The experience my husband and I have shared in Prison Ministry is a life lesson for us as well. The gratification of knowing you have helped someone find the mercy and forgiveness they need to feel whole again in the eyes of God is amazing. All things do work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called to his purpose. And for all of us, there are no real mistakes in life, just lessons.