La traducción de esta columna se cargará cuando esté disponible.
Jan. 24, 2021
Love not Violence
(This is Part II of a series. The following is being presented in this early online issue due to the events of Jan. 6 in Washington, D.C.)
Violence in the U.S. Capital, in Portland, in Kenosha.
Violence through abortion, through racism, through crime.
Violence against children through trafficking, against communities by drugs/gangs, against innocent people by national wars.
We beg the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Savior, to bring peace to our hearts, our communities, our nation, our world. Jesus taught us to "love one another as I love you" (John 15:12). The above examples are far from love. Such violence is wrong, sinful, evil.
Some look for solutions to our problems and concerns via politics, through laws, by the courts. Maybe it's the economy: “If I/we just had more money things would work out." These systems may help, but they are insufficient. Reducing violence is a spiritual matter -- we must prioritize the love of God in our lives.
Our diocesan pastoral plan, entitled, "Love One Another As I Love You", has as one of its themes: "To Build Community with Love -- Unite all in a hope-filled relationship with God and one another." The Scripture supporting this theme also comes from Jesus: "...that they may all be one" (John 17:21), as Jesus teaches us to unite with each other as He relates with His Heavenly Father.
With God's help, it is possible to be one;
To be a united community;
To be at peace with each child of God -- all of us.
Suggestions:
Cut out of your life that which causes violent thoughts: any violent movies, television, internet, video games, music, conversations.
Choose balanced, charitable news outlets, not in-your-face, vulgar, insulting ones.
Genuinely listen to and befriend someone who is different than you (different race, politics, socio-economic, etc.). In doing so we learn to understand our differences, and see each other as brothers and sisters. We “build a community with love.”
Read and pray with Scripture: the Gospels are a good place to start. Also, the First Letter of John, chapter 4; Acts of the Apostles, chapters 1 and 2.
Return, as your health allows, to the Celebration of Holy Mass, the Eucharist, our greatest act of praise to God and unity with God and each other.
Celebrate the Sacrament of Confession regularly (more than just Advent and Lent).
Join a group at Church and/or in the community that strives for unity, charity, and service to others. One of the great ways to come closer to Christ is to be of service to others – to “serve with compassion.”
Compassionately reconcile with the person from whom you are estranged (yes, the person you are thinking about right now). Forgiveness and reconciliation release the burden of long-held anger.
Give thanks. Showing appreciation opens our hearts and minds to the abundance of gifts given us by God. In doing so, the weight of our complaints and grievances tend to abate.
Pray, pray, pray to our Loving God, who loves each of us, His children, so much.
With the Lord's help, we as a people can be more loving, more united, less violent. Trust in our Savior Jesus. Ask for the Blessed Mother's intercession. Be assured of St. Joseph's prayers. May God bless you.