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< I try to live in fidelity toward the twin vision of friendship and justice--of a time when the structures of enemyhood will be broken, when people and the earth can move toward patterns of healing… when the artistry of life will be valued above rubies.
-Eleanor Haney
< Justice is not about the change of structure, but the transformation of relationship.
-Mary Jo Leddy
< Holy persons draw to themselves all that is earthly.
- Hildegard of Bingen
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One of the most respected journalists of our times is Bill Moyers. As politicians battle each other in order to get elected to public office, Moyers is fond of asking the 'Irishman's question:' "Is this a private fight, or can anyone get in?"
It is so easy to forget that we are Christians first, and Republicans, Democrats, Independents, or any other label a distant second. Our country is divided over many issues that politicians talk about and debate. No matter who gets elected in November, the issues will still be debated. That's the nature of politics. But we must remember that our highest priority is not politics, but our relationship with God. We must live the Gospel of Jesus everyday of our lives. The Gospel calls us to be a community, not rugged individualists. The Gospel calls us to share all things in common. The Gospel calls us to see each other as equals in the eyes of God. The Gospel calls us to be people of forgiveness and self-sacrifice. Neither major candidate calls us to Gospel living. Their issues are all about this world, this life. Jesus calls us to eternal life and the reign of God. We cannot forget that Christ alone will take us far beyond where politics can take us.
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Leaders of the Religious Right are telling people that God has taken a side in this election. In the July 16 edition of the New York Times, Jerry Falwell said, "It is the responsibility of every political conservative, every evangelical Christian, every pro-life Catholic, every traditional Jew, every Reagan Democrat, and everyone in between to get serious about re-electing President Bush." I am more disturbed by Pat Robertson's remarks on AP/Fox News on January 2: "I really believe I'm hearing from the Lord it's going to be a blowout election in 2004. The Lord has blessed him (Bush)… It doesn't make any difference what he does, good or bad…"
These remarks are bad theology and dangerous religion. Neither candidate has the right to exploit religious faith communities for partisan political purposes. As people of faith, our allegiance is to Christ Jesus and His Gospel.
What are we all about? The Gospel is not about one issue but many. Christians must remember that Jesus Christ's Gospel is about the poor, about being people of peace and forgiveness, about the truth, about human rights for all, about loving our enemies, and human life for all.
What is the role of God, Church, and Nation in our lives?
Get out and vote as we embrace the universal Gospel of Jesus.
Fr. Bill
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NO. #1 CAUSE OF DEATH for innocent children in the USA?
Abortion: 1.3 million acts of premeditated murder annually!
"Above all, the common outcry, which is justly made on behalf of human rights… is false and illusory if the right to life, the most basic and fundamental right and the condition of all other personal rights, is not defended with maximum determination."
Pope John Paul II: The Vocation and the Mission of the Lay Faithful
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AN INVITATION TO ALL PARISHIONERS: You are invited to come and pray with Sister Clarinda in thanksgiving for her 50 years of Religious Profession. The Franciscan Sisters have ministered at St. John's since 1952, and Sister Clarinda is our Faith Formation Director. We will begin with Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 17, and a reception will follow Mass in St. Joseph's Hall. All are welcome in celebrating Sister's 1st 50 years of service and wishing her well as she begins her next half-century of work!
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Father Abraham Orathel, V.C., who has lived at St. John's Rectory since March of this year, has been called home to India by his religious order. His mother is quite sick with cancer, and he will now be able to care for her during her final days. Let us keep Father Abraham in our prayers.
Fr. Bill
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Let's go to Italy with Fr. Bill!
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FATHER BILL is leading a tour to Italy on April 18 - 26, 2005. Travel brochures are in the kiosks in St. Paul Plaza.
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