Response to Rev. Thomas D’Albro’s Letter
Dear Editor: I am in agreement with my good friend of close to 60 years, Rev. Thomas D’Albro (“I Never Refused Communion,” Nov. 6) concerning the presumption, in normal pastoral settings, that those persons at Mass who come forward for Eucharist, are following their conscience, the laws of the Church, and the Commandments.
However, powerful public political leaders belong to a small but elite group who have influence among many millions of people. Examples of these individuals include former Governor Andrew Cuomo, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and President Biden. All three are in the public eye as leaders who have tremendous power, influence, and responsibility, especially President Biden. Their positions can cause, via support of abortion on demand, other Catholics and non-Catholics to agree and follow their lead.
Is this a scandal? Perhaps they should be judged by a “higher standard,” and brought to task by bishops, like unto the popes of past times in Europe who held kings responsible for their actions and were excommunicated until they publicly repented.
Certainly Nancy Pelosi, and more so President Biden, wield more power than any king in the past history. I ask Rev.Thomas D’Albro and the USCCB how these persons in the public eye should be handled concerning Communion.
Peter L. Amato
Brooklyn
God Works Not As Man Works
Dear Editor: Much has been voiced recently by Catholics on when Communion should be denied to individuals, especially politicians. Most recently the views expressed concern regarding President Biden. Pope Francis and Cardinal Wilton Gregory have not expressed an intention to deny him communion. I hope that the document to be issued on the Eucharist by the USCCB will place renewed emphasis on the salvific nature of this sacrament.
In the Gospel of Luke 5:32, Jesus says, “he has not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Do we really believe this? How far are we willing to admit that God is willing to come toward the human person? To what sinful depths is God-incarnate “permitted” to come with His salvific action?
The only way to change minds so entrenched in their own repetitive inner dialogue is through conversion. And this is only possible through the grace of God.
I recall my emotion many years ago when seeing a group of Catholic school girls carry a banner in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade which declared simply: “Jesus, The Bread of Life.” Do we really believe this?
If we do, we need to remember the words of Jesus to Martha who complained about Mary: Only one thing is necessary.
Let God judge and pray for the “errant” that God’s salvific action will reach them in the depths of their being.
Raymond F. Roberts Jr.
Bergenfield, NJ
Catholic Schools Doing a Good Job
Dear Editor: I was very proud of the article mentioning the good job the Catholic schools are doing during this difficult time. I only wish their pensions would be equal to the good work they are doing.
Joyce O’Brien
Whitestone
Pope Visits with Pelosi and Biden
Dear Editor: From the time I started Catholic school, I was always taught that the pope represented Christ on Earth. We do not need our pope to be a politician. We need him to speak loudly and publicly when major players are absolutely defying the laws of the Catholic Church, which they so boldly claim to be part of.
When you join any group or organization, there are rules to follow or you are no longer a member. The Catholic Church is no different.
If we cannot count on the pope to sternly reprimand these and other offenders, then what chance do local clergy and bishops have of making a dent in the abortion issue?
Patricia Scally
Brooklyn