This week saw the release of “Fire and Fury” by Michael Wolff, a book detailing the inner workings of President Donald Trump’s administration. Far from a flattering piece, its author and publisher have received “cease and desist” notices from the president’s lawyers.
Editorials
Inner Reform
Each year, the Holy Father gives an end of the year address to his Vatican Curia and, each year, it has turned out to be a stinging, strident remonition to the cardinals and Vatican officials. This year was no different, with the pope reminding those that serve the Church in administrative capacities at the Vatican that careerism and bitterness have no place in the life of the Church. In striving for reform of the Vatican Curia, the Pope quoted a 19th century Belgian papal statesman named Frédéric-François-Xavier De Mérode: “Implementing reforms in Rome is like cleaning the Egyptian Sphinx with a toothbrush.”
Word Made Flesh
I saw a stable, low and very bare,
A little child in a manger.
Anti-Life Planning
The U.S. Department of Justice is finally going to investigate Planned Parenthood for the illegal selling of the body parts of aborted children. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) in December 2016 called for the investigation after the publication of the “Human Fetal Tissue Research: Context and Controversy” report.
People of Resilience
The bungled terrorist attack in New York on Monday is another sign that we all must remain vigilant during the Christmas season. The futile effort of a lone would-be bomber is evidence that all terrorist activity is ultimately self-defeating.
Patiently Waiting
The Holy Father’s recent trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh, his pastoral concern evident in his apostolic exhortation, his support of immigrants, and even his general demeanor are all examples of a man who is patient, meeting people where they are on their own personal life journeys, and ready to serve their needs.
Role of Men
Over the past few months, accusations and admissions of sexual impropriety and sexual harassment have been all over the press, from Hollywood to Washington, D.C. Big name actors and producers in the entertainment field have admitted that they used their power and their influence to abuse both women and men and some have publically apologized for their actions.
A Radical Call
As we in the Diocese of Brooklyn celebrate the Year of Vocations, praying to the Lord of the Harvest that He will call many more young men to the vocation of priesthood in the Church and many more young women to the vocation of Consecrated Life in the Church, we turn our attention to the saints and beg their intercession. One such saint is Thomas Aquinas.
Day of the Poor
In the Gospel of St. John 8:12, the Lord Jesus states: “The poor you will always have with you.” Some interpret this passage to mean that there is nothing that we can do to ultimately alleviate the suffering of the poor in this world. They have always been there, and they always will be there.
All Should Be One
This past Tuesday, Oct. 31 was the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. This is hardly a day that we should celebrate. More than ever, it is an occasion for which prayer, work, and study are essential for both Catholics and Protestants.