The passing of pop icon Michael Jackson has truly effected me in a very personal and spiritual way. It comes at a time when I am also preparing for our summer Mission Trip and refreshing my mind of our lessons of Catholic Social Teaching.
I am and always have been a Michael Jackson fan. I don't always understand his actions, reactions, or choices but have always given him the benefit of the doubt, prayed for him, and to the best of my ability shown him compassion.
It amazed me this past week as I over heard various conversations, both in the office and out, how people were talking about Michael Jackson as an object, as something less than human. I was shocked when a coworker talked about how wrong it was for Michael to change his appearance so drastically no matter what the circumstance or though behind the decision was and that God would not approve of that (I summarize, of course). I was shocked of the lack of compassion for a man who during such formative years was scrutinized by the media and criticized about his natural looks. I don't know if there is anyone with enough self confidence to get through that type of scrutiny without some negative effects.
We as Catholics are directed by our Catholic Social Teaching to look upon ALL people as "created in God's image." By forgetting this during Michael's formative years we, as a christian society, let him down.
Michael Jackson's daughter Paris (yes, did we forget that he was a father and has children who are devistated by his passing?) reminded us of his humanity during the memorial service. It was a slap in the gut when she said, "Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father I could imagine. I just want to say I love him so much." It takes an 11 year old girl, on the worst day of her life, to remind us what human dignity is all about.
I am ashamed for all of the times I forget to look at a celebrity, a convicted criminal, a person with a gun (soldiers and criminals alike), a "terorist", or any of the other people who are different than me, as a human person created in the image of God. For this I ask our Lord of compassion for forgiveness.
Just a point of fact:
Michael Jackson opened up the pathway for celebrities to support their causes in new ways. Aiding causes both financially and in raising awareness of the cause. Over the course of his lifetime Michael gave away over 500 million dollars to various causes. Some of these causes I agree with and some I don't. It doesn't matter though, he gave where his heart leaded him. I wish I could say the same.
This is a great video for "Heal the World". Michael Jackson doesn't even appear in it making the message about us not about him. A brilliant move and a great challenge to us. Have we accepted the challenge? How are you changing the world?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W61Q-EZ8R7M
