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Monthly Archives: February 2021
Fratelli Tutti 108: The False Freedom Of Libertarianism
More on the tension between individual freedoms aka libertarianism and how it never seems to work for freedom for many people on the outside looking in: 108. Some societies accept this principle in part. They agree that opportunities should be … Continue reading
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Fratelli Tutti 107: Human Dignity
There is a basic principle, that every human being has a standing in the universe regardless of their productivity or any other measuring stick. 107. Every human being has the right to live with dignity and to develop integrally; this … Continue reading
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Let The One With No Coat …
Heraldists, need not apply. A new bishop in Switzerland states: The cross is the sign of the loving self-offering of Christ for the world. Thus, do not expect that I design and use an episcopal coat of arms, as is … Continue reading
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Fratelli Tutti 106: The Worth Of Every Human Person
How do we promote the human person? And not theoretically, but in every instance? It must be an aim. A UNIVERSAL LOVE THAT PROMOTES PERSONS Social friendship and universal fraternity necessarily call for an acknowledgement of the worth of every human … Continue reading
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Lent, Purim, Reliance on God
This week, we get a brief overlap in our Jewish and Catholic traditions. At Mass today, Esther’s prayer to God: God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, blessed are you. Help me, who am alone and have … Continue reading
Posted in Food, Lent, Liturgy, Scripture
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A Lenten Word: Zechariah 1:3b-4
From the introduction of a larger work of a post-Exile prophet, we read of the intended mutuality between God and his people. This is covenant: Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. … Continue reading
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Fratelli Tutti 105: Individualism
105. Individualism does not make us more free, more equal, more fraternal. The mere sum of individual interests is not capable of generating a better world for the whole human family. Nor can it save us from the many ills … Continue reading
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Reconciliation Lectionary: Exodus 19:1-6a
During the season of Lent, the Office of Readings gives us long narratives from the book of Exodus. We think Ten Commandments, plus the hundreds that follow. But much of the first half of the book continues the Genesis narrative. … Continue reading
Fratelli Tutti 104: Equality Not Achieved By Abstractions
104. Nor is equality achieved by an abstract proclamation that “all men and women are equal”. I think Pope Francis is suggesting that actions are more effective than idealized sentiments. We also need to look beyond “equal” people near us. … Continue reading
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Scripture for the Sick or Dying: Psalm 102
I don’t recall ever devoting a post to Psalm 102 in the past. This lament has been awaiting a brief mention in this series on Pastoral Care of the Sick. It appears but once during Lent at weekday Mass, in … Continue reading
Posted in Pastoral Care of the Sick, Scripture
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A Lenten Word: Ezekiel 18:23
In our series on Reconciliation readings, we looked at today’s Bible passage here and here in a larger context, verses 20 through 32. In the Liturgy of the Hours, Psalms are primary, and readings outside of the Office of Readings … Continue reading
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CDWDS Looking Ahead
A lot of commentary on Cardinal Sarah passing into retirement from heading the CDWDS in Rome. As I wrote a few days ago, I don’t think this role is very high on Pope Francis’ priorities for the Church. I think … Continue reading
Posted in Church News, Commentary, Liturgy
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Ted’s Non-Excellent Adventure
Since Senator Cruz isn’t dead yet, is it okay to pile on? A few friends in social media commented that the man isn’t responsible for his state government nor acts of God. My thought: A person who aspires to executive … Continue reading
Posted in Commentary, Politics
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Fratelli Tutti 103: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity
Remember the French motto? I wonder how it plays in Latin America? Pope Francis discusses a bit … Liberty, equality and fraternity 103. Fraternity is born not only of a climate of respect for individual liberties, or even of a … Continue reading
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Catholic Sensibility 
On Bullying
A Catholic blogger dismantles the USCCB twitter case against Equality here. One of her five points touches on the issue of bullying, on which the bishops may have a point. But alas, I haven’t ever experienced Catholic institutions as being … Continue reading →