We Cannot Jeopardize the Lives of Our Neighbors
Dear Editor: I was very surprised and disappointed in the article “The Validity of Virtual Mass Is Questioned” (May 9). Nothing can take the place of the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Mass is true enough. Our Catholic belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist is at the center of the Catholic doctrine.
There are times I am sure we all have been questioned about this belief. “Why do we genuflect?” members of other faiths may ask. Isn’t this idolatry We know why we genuflect — we are in the presence of God Himself.
Each day at Mass in a church, I reflect on the fact of the True Presence. It amazes me that thousands turn out for celebrities, politicians, and even spiritual leaders like the Pope. Yes, I would like to see the Pope in person but I have little need to do so since I know I can be in the presence of the Lord of the Universe. He invites me to join him sacramentally each and every day.
However, these days we, for the love of our neighbor and of Christ Himself, cannot and should not jeopardize the lives and well being of our neighbors. But we do join each other in prayer — online — with hundreds and thousands as well as our own family in praising and adoring and thanking and petitioning our Lord.
Do not forget our Master’s word: “Where two or three are gathered in my name I am in the midst of them”?
Our God is not relegated to a brick and mortar building as Msgr. Harrington often reminds us. The Church is not a building — it’s us with God our Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Let’s not devalue His presence among us and in us.
Gerard Frohnhoefer
Middle Village
Editor’s note: The article presented different opinions about livestreamed Masses while also pointing out the value of participating in Mass from home during these challenging times.
Strange Intellectual Companions
Dear Editor: Once again, Father Lauder reminded me of my days as a high school and college English teacher. His brilliant and thoughtful contents on the “strange intellectual companions” that accompany his literary world also resonate with mine.
Thus, the world of writers such as Eugene O’Neil, Jean-Paul Sartre, etc., might collide with his but they must not be ignored. Their vision of life must be studied, as he intimates. Also, it reminds me of one of the greatest of all time. His work was full of Catholic nuances but his faith was lost. No doubt James Joyce belongs in this category.
John J. Scibelli
Forest Hills
Editor’s note: Scibelli, 90, worked as a teacher for 43 years and substituted for 20 more.
Be Kind, Wash Your Hands and Pray, Pray, Pray
Dear Editor: It really is hard to tell what day, month, or date because of weeks of sequestration in our area. It certainly can
be a time for reflection and dedicated prayer. For me, this different time has been a blessing!
Amidst the clutter, I accumulate Tablet articles of interest. Might you consider re-publishing them during our COVID-19
days?
In Sep. 23, 2017, Laura Kelly Fanucci wrote a column (“Be Thou My Vision, But What Do I See?“) about a liturgical hymn. The hymn draws me in and focuses me/us on God and faith. The key word, — “focus” — is so critical in our COVID-19 days.
In his August 3, 2019 column (“Anxiety and Grace“), Father Lauder says that “our best dreams are only attained through hope, patience, and commitment.” It sounds so appropriate these days.
Anxiety certainly has become a real problem and even more so for those with mental health issues and isolation.
Here, I would like to interject St. John Paul II’s message: Be not afraid! God is in control, things are going to change. And we can do better to level the field for our less fortunate brothers and sisters — people who live in poverty, with mental health issues, without health care and, yes, those who are, or have been, incarcerated. We can do better together. What better time than now?
Stay safe, wash hands, be kind, follow the social distancing rules, and check on your neighbors as well as family. Pray, pray, pray.
Karin Mille
Bedminster, NJ
Editor’s note: Most stories published in The Tablet are available online at thetablet.org.
Father Jorge — The Nicest Man You Could Meet
Dear Editor: I am truly saddened when I think of the sudden passing of Padre Jorge (“Father Jorge Ortiz-Garay Laid to
Rest in Mexico,” May 16).
I lived and worked with him for a little over a year at Saint Brigid. I remember the many times he would text me asking to help him say a Mass (after I left the parish). I couldn’t have met a nicer guy.
He was a lot of fun to be with. The only consolation I have is that he is in his true home now.
Father Frank Mann
Bushwick