Letter from the Pastor

Words are somewhat like people, in that they can fall into bad company, run with the wrong crowd, and end up with a doubtful reputation.  Such a fate, it seems, has befallen the word “salvation”.  Because of its recent associations with some evangelical groups, one can hardly hear it without thinking of street-corner evangelists, claims of religious magic, and offers of easy one-way tickets to heaven.  And that is most unfortunate, because salvation is one of the great words of the Bible and one of the deepest needs of the human race. Who can look on our world today without […]

Some time ago, as you may recall, I wrote to you that it is certainly appropriate for we Catholics to vote as Catholics.  But this still leaves a number of difficult questions for us to consider.  It is one thing to say that we will let the principles of our Catholic faith be our guide.  It is quite another thing to apply those principles to real political choices today. Simply stated, the Gospel of Jesus is universal.  Its principles apply equally to all people, in all places, at all times, in all cultures and under all forms of government.  The […]

Have you ever seen the bumper sticker: “If it feels good, do it!”?  In many ways, that slogan characterizes the approach of so many people today.  A stream of books, articles, commentary, advertisements and dialogue points to feelings as the basic measure of happiness, as the truest aspect of one’s true self.  Feelings are continually represented as central to self-fulfillment and the development of one’s potential. A popular psychiatrist-author states the “modern” perspective in no uncertain terms:  “Being in touch with your feelings is the only way you can ever become your highest self, the only way you can become […]

Have you ever seen the bumper sticker: “If it feels good, do it!”?  In many ways, that slogan characterizes the approach of so many people today.  A stream of books, articles, commentary, advertisements and dialogue points to feelings as the basic measure of happiness, as the truest aspect of one’s true self.  Feelings are continually represented as central to self-fulfillment and the development of one’s potential. A popular psychiatrist-author states the “modern” perspective in no uncertain terms:  “Being in touch with your feelings is the only way you can ever become your highest self, the only way you can become […]

 In one of the letters of St. Paul, we’re told, “Let the word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in you.  In wisdom made perfect, instruct and admonish one another.  Sing gratefully to God from your hearts in psalms, hymns and inspired songs.  Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus.”   The gift of speech is to be used to praise and worship God.  It is used to create joy and laughter and song.  It is meant to persuade us in those things that are for our good and […]