Bishop: Jesus Christ is the ultimate responder

Bishop Carl A. Kemme described Jesus as the ultimate responder at the Blue Mass celebrated Sunday, Sept. 8, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

“Jesus, as he often does in the Gospel, being the first and most ultimate responder, helps a deaf man with a speech impediment, freeing him from this oppressive burden,” the bishop said in his homily. “Jesus was never far from those who were marginalized or discarded by the society and culture of the time. He saw them as persons. He touched the poor, the sick, the leper, and the lame and often, though not always, restored them to health. Everyone who encountered Jesus was restored in dignity.”

He said the first responders attending the Mass unburden ordinary people from danger or direct them to those who can.

“Each of the people you are called to serve is a human being, a person who needs you for some particular reason. How you respond to them speaks volumes about you and the performance of your duties.”

The Blue Mass honors all first responders employed in the public safety field such as police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel. The name comes from the traditional color of many officers’ uniforms.

Bishop Kemme said first responders sometimes place themselves in life-threatening danger, adding that he was offering the Mass with the intention of 27-year-old Wichita Fire Department Firefighter Ty Voth who died Aug. 1 battling a fire.

“These tragic events leave each of you and all of us deeply moved. Willingly putting yourselves in harm’s way to help others is the highest and greatest sign of your bravery, dedication, and selfless service,” he said.

“When any first responder is harmed or tragically killed in the line of duty, it should give each of us pause to reflect on how blessed we all are that you, our beloved first responders, have given your professional lives to something so vital and important in spite of the risks and dangers your service inevitably entails.”

The bishop began his homily saying it was an honor to welcome the first responders, thanking them for what they do to ensure public safety.

“Most of us were raised to respect the people who wear the uniforms you wear and to do all we can to cooperate with you by heeding your direction or at the very least not impeding it,” he said. “That respect today is sadly not universal, for far too many see you as threats or obstacles to their freedom and license. But nevertheless, here you are an honored guest at our liturgy and the breakfast buffet to follow as a simple way for us to acknowledge all you do and to thank you for it.”

Referring to the readings of the day, Bishop Kemme said the prophet Isaiah reflected the message first responders communicate: be strong, fear not, help is here. “Your presence in any given situation can restore hope by the help you give.”

St. James urges the faithful to show no partiality to others regardless of status or condition, the bishop said.

“It is often tempting to attend only to those who are pleasant, well-clothed, and clean while avoiding those who are difficult, unpleasant, and unappealing. In your duties, you cannot afford to attend only to the wealthy, to those who are easy to relate to, but must look beyond those exterior realities and see everyone as deserving of your assistance.”

Bishop Kemme closed his homily by asking the Lord to protect the first responders and their families asking God to bless Firefighter Ty Voth and all who have died in the line of duty with eternal life. “And may God bless all of you for all you do for us, with bravery and selfless devotion,” he said.