Eager to share Church’s best-kept secret
Why is Catholic Social Teaching the best-kept secret?
Because, as we read in the Gospels, some may view its tenets as countercultural, such as praying for peace instead of retaliation as Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon proclaimed after the violent attack on the Church in eastern Myanmar.
Just as Maureen Marroni in her letter (Catholic Virginian, June 14) responded to his message, our newly formed Catholic Relief Services VA chapter welcomed her thoughts, and the Spirit moved in me to respond to her recognition of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, specifically:
The protection of all human life and the promotion of human dignity
The building of global solidarity and the common good
The care for God’s creation, and
The preferential option for the poor and vulnerable
In 2020, Pope Francis declared: “It is important that catechesis and preaching speak more directly and clearly about the social meaning of existence, the fraternal dimension of spirituality, our conviction of the inalienable dignity of each person, and our reasons for loving and accepting all our brothers and sisters” (“Fratelli Tutti,” #86).
I am grateful to be part of CRS VA chapter that embraces these principles and is eager to share the best-kept secret. – Janet Schell, Roanoke
Refusing Communion is a conversion opportunity
Regarding Rick Howell’s letter “Let Communion remain a healing moment (Catholic Virginian, June 28):
The Compendium of Catholic Social Doctrine, article 155, states, “The first right presented in this list is the right to life, from conception to its natural end, which is the condition for the exercise of all other rights and … implies the illicitness of … procured abortion and of euthanasia.”
A later article points out that politicians may vote for laws placing limits on abortion, but the representative’s vote cannot be interpreted as support of an unjust law – only as a contribution to reducing its negative consequences, the “responsibility for which lies entirely with those who have brought it into being” (Article 570).
Our president has been the person bringing such policies into being and, as such, should be refused Communion. This is not a political issue; it is a teaching moment for the president and a chance for reconciliation and conversion. His action constitutes the willful and persistent rejection of a main article of faith of the Church — the definition of heresy.
A review of Church history shows that heretics were not permitted to receive Communion. For example, St. Ambrose took to task the Roman Emperor, who, in a fit of rage, massacred 70,000 Thessalonians refusing him Communion until he publicly repented outside the Church for several months.
Refusing Communion for public figures who act in such an atrocious manner is not new in Catholic history; it is just that our bishops today have not had the courage to accomplish it. – Thomas Klocek, Chesapeake
When words lack impact, show them the photos
Labeling someone as racist, liberal or conservative, etc., is designed to stifle debate where logic, reason, and facts cannot adequately support a position. I am personally opposed to owning slaves, but I would not impose my belief on you by law. Substitute ‘owning slaves’ with either ‘gassing a Jew’ or ‘murdering an unborn child’ to apply that logic elsewhere. Why threaten to withhold monetary support for the Church for condemning child murder when there are abortion- supporting denominations that would gladly take your money.
Here is Dr. Anthony Legation’s congressional testimony describing the completion of the aborting of a 24-week-old child:
“The head of a baby that age is about the size of a large plum and is now free floating inside the uterine cavity. You can be pretty sure you have hold of it if the Sopher clamp is spread about as far as your fingers will allow. You will know you have it right when you crush down on the clamp and see white gelatinous material coming through the cervix. That was the baby’s brains. You can then extract the skull pieces. Many times a little face will come out and stare back at you.”
The oxymoronic “abortion- supporting Catholics” category can be greatly reduced in number by exposing them to visual truth, or by showing them pictures of aborted babies like the Center for Bioethical Reform publicly does to ignorant students on many college campuses. These Catholics need to watch the “Hard Truth” video so they know what it is that they “support.” Words often, and obviously, have no impact. – John Stec, Covington
Concerned about bishop’s advice
In Bishop Knestout’s “Christ Our Hope” column titled “Thank God for freedoms, ask for renewed energy” (Catholic Virginian, June 28), I was concerned about the advice he gave in relation to discussing religion with family and friends at events. It appeared he was telling us we should stay away from discussing our religion/faith in order to keep the peace.
In a time when the faith is openly under attack and being abandoned by people in droves, why would we not boldly live our faith as witnesses to those around us? The saints throughout history sought to unapologetically live the faith. They were not concerned with rocking the boat, keeping the peace and just getting by.
They were not afraid to talk about their Catholic faith with those who disagreed or even despised them. They were on fire with the love of Christ and wanted to share that message with others regardless of the suffering it cost them.
We are called to be crucified with Christ, which means we will suffer and be hated for our faith. It should be our love for him and a zeal for souls that leads us to lovingly witness in awkward and difficult situations. We cannot hide our light under a bushel basket in a time when the false “virtue” of tolerance is constantly tossed around.
Perhaps I misunderstood what the bishop meant, but it was distressing that it appeared we were being encouraged to hide our faith, rather than boldly live it regardless of the cost. How can we become saints if we aren’t willing to suffer for the Gospel? – Constance T. Hull, Roanoke
Editor’s note: The bishop was not encouraging readers to “hide our faith,” nor was he implying that he wouldn’t engage in a discussion about the faith were it to occur. However, he noted, “It is often better to concentrate on what we have in common and what we’re able to do together.”