In Response to Father Michael Perry’s Letter
Dear Editor: With deep respect, I disagree with the tenor of Father Perry’s letter (“A Letter to God,” Dec. 14), saying that we
should expect God to address the evil in the world, and if he doesn’t, then he must have a reason. My understanding of the
relationship between God and humanity is that God cannot force the world to turn away from evil. He requires humanity to
develop a praxis based on the teachings of Jesus to stop evil from flourishing.
The same spirit of God that placed Jesus in the womb of Mary informed Jesus throughout his life and resurrected him is
alive, present, and active in every human being. God talks to us all the time, from within and from family, church, friends, and neighbors. Unfortunately, we often say no, or we are like the men on the road to Emmaus:
We are so involved with our fears and stress that we don’t recognize him or his voice. When Father Perry asks why God allows
“babies to starve to death” or “one child of Abraham to kill another,” I believe God asks us, “Why do YOU allow such evil to flourish?”
I believe the world will change when we learn to recognize God’s active presence in the world, have the courage to do his will
in spite of societal pressure to conform, and believe in the enormous power of love, forgiveness, and mercy, and then act on it!
Stephen Trani
Marine Park
Thank You, Father Perry
Dear Editor: I read Father Perry’s letter and was impressed by it, and I am in complete agreement. I am “battling” with
God on His timing with my prayers. I know I am not alone. I wonder about the irritation you expressed with a list of my own. It all seems to be a continuous delay and so easy a path to discouragement. With the large number of people who disregard him or refuse to even give him any acknowledgment, I would think He would be more receptive to us who do give Him some space.
It has never made sense to me. It is so hard to get good things done in the midst of so much evil. Sometimes, I just have to shut down. St. Joseph is my “go-to.” I think that of the three Christmas figures, he suffered the most. He could relate to me.
I hope you continue to write your letters to The Tablet. I also saw the last one. Many feel as you do — you have the guts to speak out. I am glad The Tablet prints your thoughts — and the long-awaited answers. God Bless.
Robert Luciano
Patterson, NJ
Thanks for the Bright Christmas
Dear Editor: I would like to thank The Tablet so much for the Bright Christmas donation support. We had a wonderful event for the children and are still providing toys this week as well. I so appreciate the support again this year. We have shared that The Tablet’s Bright Christmas Campaign support was our main sponsor. Merry Christmas, and have a blessed
new year to come.
My grateful best.
Thomas Neve
Bensonhurst
Editor’s note: Thomas Neve is the founder and executive director of Reaching-Out Community Services.
Dear Editor: Aside from providing meals and toys for families, we have been able to buy angel and shepherd costumes for the children to partake in the Christmas Eve Masses [due to The Tablet’s Bright Christmas Campaign support].
We were also able to buy the Santa, Grinch, and elf costumes and set up a pretty backdrop so families could take pictures
with Santa if they wanted to, instead of paying for it at the malls. We have been able to do classroom parties for those kids in Religious Education with food and a gift right before the holidays so they have something to open on Christmas. Thank you so much for your continued support!
Vanessa Garcia-Pinedo
East New York
Editor’s note: Vanessa Garcia-Pinedo is director of Religious Education for St. Michael-St. Malachy Parish.