Our faith is more than just our own personal business; it’s more than just our own parish; it’s more than just our local dioceses; it’s more than even the national church in our country. We are part of a Church that bears the four marks of the Church – one, holy, catholic and apostolic. We are founded by Christ, on the rock that is Peter and the Apostles.
Editorials
Wrong Path to Safety
In the midst of a very scary and uncertain time, Church leaders are boldly trying to set the record straight on important issues facing American citizens. In a letter to his clergy, the Archbishop Allen Vigneron of Detroit, Mich., called for caution in the public debate concerning banning the immigration of Muslims into the United States based on their religion. At the Second Vatican Council, the Council Fathers taught that the Catholic Church treats with respect those who practice the religion of Islam.
End the Violence
We are still reeling from the vicious attack in San Bernardino, Calif., on Dec. 2. This terrorist-inspired attack at the Inland Regional Center, a state-run facility for developmentally disabled people, was perpetrated by Syed Farook and Tashfeen Malik.
Out of Africa
Pope Francis’ trip to the African continent is a reminder that the Church is alive and vibrant around the world. This is witnessed in the wonderful reception that our Holy Father has received in his Apostolic Visit.
Get Ready
Like the two-faced Roman god Janus, this end of our Catholic year and the beginning of the new one causes us to look in two directions, backward and forward, in retrospection and in anticipation.
In light of this, and in light of the recently concluded feast of Thanksgiving and the beginning of the season of Advent, there are three things for us to consider: first, be aware of the gifts received this year; second, take care of those gifts; and third, share those gifts.
Light in the Darkness
The past two weeks reminded us that the world is a very scary place. The bloodshed caused by ISIS in Paris and the continuing real threat of terrorism in Belgium, Italy and yes, even in the U.S., should remind us, as we are urged in our liturgical readings with the start of a new liturgical year, that the world is passing away. This old world is groaning under the weight of human sinfulness; it is screaming out for a savior, for one to come along and take away the pain, the uncertainty.
Reasons to Give Thanks
While the most recent terrorist attacks in Paris dampen our Thanksgiving season, we still can find reasons to give thanks this year. We give thanks this year for the great gift of Pope Francis and his visit to the U.S. and New York in September. Certainly, it was a highlight among the news events of the past year.
Decisive Action Needed
This week, no words from an editorial in a newspaper can give any real insight into the pure evil of ISIS and its terrorist actions in Paris. We weep with the people of Paris, and we pray for the souls of the dead, the healing of the injured and the consolation of those who mourn.
Curial Reform
Pope Francis, speaking in St. Peter’s Square, described the stealing and leaking of confidential documents at the Vatican as a “deplorable act that does not help” and a “crime.” The pope called the events of the past few weeks a “sad event” that does not help any reform effort that he and men like Cardinal George Pell have been very hard at work to deal with.
Grinch of Starbucks
The latest Internet outrage in the “war against Christians” is that Starbucks will no longer use a Christmas themed paper cup. No more “jazzy” Santas, no more snowflakes, no more reindeers — just a plain red, green, and white cup. According to Jeffrey Fields, Starbuck’s vice-president for design and content, “This year we wanted to usher in the holidays with a purity of design that welcomes all of our stories.” “We’re embracing the simplicity and the quietness of it. It’s a more open way to usher in the holiday,” he said. Bah, Humbug!