Honor Guard Member Ryan Evans was one of the three bagpipers who played after the Blue Mass on Sunday, Sept. 8, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita. Bishop Carl A. Kemme described Jesus as the ultimate responder during the event.

“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,” said Bishop Kemme in his homily. “Jesus was never far from those who were marginalized or discarded by 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 noted that first responders attending the Mass unburden ordinary people from danger or direct them to those who can assist.

“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 public safety fields such as police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel. The name derives from the traditional color of many officers’ uniforms.

Bishop Kemme acknowledged that first responders sometimes place themselves in life-threatening situations and offered prayers for 27-year-old Wichita Fire Department Firefighter Ty Voth who died on Aug. 1 while 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 despite the risks and dangers your service inevitably entails.”

The bishop began his homily by welcoming first responders and thanking them for ensuring 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 least not impeding it,” he said. “That respect today is sadly not universal; 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 breakfast buffet as a simple way for us to acknowledge all you do and thank you for it.”

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

St. James urges showing no partiality regardless of status or condition.

“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 those easy to relate with but must look beyond exterior realities seeing everyone deserving assistance.”

Bishop Kemme concluded his homily asking for divine protection over first responders and their families while praying for eternal life for Firefighter Ty Voth and others who died in duty.

“And may God bless all of you for all you do for us with bravery and selfless devotion,” he said.