Let us all give thanks to God on this feast of the resurrection for the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates. The Captain who was willing to lay down his life for his sheep is a true example of manly courage. And what a message that he should be returned to his family and friends on Easter Sunday! Halleluia, He is Risen. Our God saves us not only from sin, but sometimes from pirates as well (with a little help from the U.S. Navy). For more information on the rescue go here and here. The Phillips expressed their gratitude for all the prayers of people around the world.
One of the crew members, William Rios, from New York City described the entire experience as a "nightmare" and said the first thing he'll do when he gets home is go to church.
Which reminds me of the old saying, "There are no atheists in a foxhole." And I doubt there were many locked in that cabin on the Alabama. Pray for the release of the many other ships and hostages being held by pirates in that dangerous part of the world. I hope all the Catholic crewman on those ships keep rosaries in their pockets and St. Michael on their shoulders.
Oh, and one last comment. The Alabama was a cargo ship bringing food aid to Rwanda, Somalia, and Kenya. Nothing like biting the hand that feeds you. The people of Somalia should be up in arms over what these pirates are doing instead of cheering them on and making them heroes as some news footage has shown. I can't help thinking of what happened to the American Blackhawk helicopter pilot during the Clinton years who was taken hostage and the other military less fortunate who were killed, mutilated, and dragged through the streets (depicted in the book and film Blackhawk Down ). Pray for the people of Somalia living in lawless chaos.
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