Dr. Matthew Bunson of EWTN calls in to talk with Gus about the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk assassination, which has brought out the good and the bad in a lot of people and was the subject of many Catholic homilies this past weekend. Dr. Bunson reads a little bit from a reflection on it written by Bishop Robert Barron. Later, he talks about King Charles attending the Catholic funeral mass of the Duchess of Kent earlier this week and how many are viewing this as a true act of ecumenism. The Duchess was the first member of the Royal Family to convert to Catholicism since 1685 and the first royal funeral to be held at Westminster Cathedral since 1903.
Afterwards, Gus talks more about the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and how, in addition to the millions who are in mourning, we’ve seen people from all walks of life – teachers, doctors, journalists and others – celebrate this murder. Gus asks listeners to call in and share what they’ve seen and how they feel about it.
I was listening, and nearly called in to give my opinion. That said, my feelings on the subject are far too raw, far too close to the surface for me to do so without anger.
The callers calling Charlie “hate-filled” and saying he spewed “hate speech” are like most liberals I know, living on CNN, MSNBC, and getting their information from TikTok and FB reels. They have no idea who Charlie is. Every single piece of supposed hate speech I’ve seen was a shortened clip and left out any explanation or intention Charlie had with his answer. I’m really sick of listening to people go on about how awful he was. He was one of the most Godly people I’ve ever seen – but admittedly, I only know what I know from videos of his friends, family, coworkers, interviews, etc also. By all accounts he talked the talk but more importantly, he WALKED THE WALK.
My church was packed on Sunday, and hasn’t been since COVID. There is a reawakening happening, and I do believe Charlie is a big part of that. Even now I personally am using his example to grieve him. I am so angry. SO ANGRY. What would Charlie tell me? To pray for his murderer. To pray for his family. To pray for those cheering his death. I’m a lifelong Catholic, and I strongly believe in foregiveness, but I am struggling to get there.
Charlie Kirk, rest in peace. We know who you were. We know your heart. We will continue your work. You have given renewed strength and faith to literally millions.
WE ARE CHARLIE KIRK.
I am Charlie Kirk.
Thank you, Gus. I always enjoy your show. (Though today’s was difficult.)