Timothy John Russert (1950-2008): A Life Lived for the Greater Glory of God

Tim Russert’s unexpected death due to heart attack from asymptomatic coronary disease on a Friday the 13th of June 2008 is a big loss for his family and friends, the news media and for this country.

Tim was an irreplaceable member of the press and politics. Much has been said about Tim’s passion for politics. Listening to the words from his friends and colleagues at MSNBC and other cable news networks as well, Tim had always come to work very well prepared as the host of “Meet the Press” every Sunday. Only a Tim Russert could architect a very insightful exchange of political Q&A that plastered viewers on their seats.

From his humble beginnings to getting a Jesuit primary education and all throughout his life, Tim Russert was a proud Catholic. He believed and lived that there is nothing wrong to strive to be good, to keep a personal relationship with God and to love politics. He made a difference and touched many hearts in his lifetime. Watching the coverage of his memorial service and listening to the countless eulogies made me contemplate about his father’s favorite remarks, “What a country!”

Being a product of a Jesuit high school myself, I learned about the Prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556, Canonized 1622), the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). His main principle became the unofficial Jesuit motto: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (”For the greater glory of God”). Allow me to share the same very special and powerful prayer:

Dearest Lord,
teach me to be generous.
teach me to serve you as you deserve;
to give and not to count the cost;
to fight, and not to heed the wounds;
to labor, and not to seek to rest;
to give of myself and not to ask for reward,
except the reward of knowing that I am doing your will.”

I’ve never met Tim Russert in person but I am always fascinated by the inimitable love and respect he had given to his family and friends, to his profession and his country and especially to his Father, both here on earth and also in heaven.

AMDG.