Category Archives: Being a Citizen

Taking an active part in public life, working for the common good ‘in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom’

Who is My Neighbor?

Folks were hanging around after an evening prayer service Sunday, when someone came into the building and started shooting. 19 of the 50-plus folks there were injured, five hospitalized in critical condition. Six are now dead: Ibrahima Barry Mamadou Tanou … Continue reading

Posted in Being a Citizen, Being Catholic | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Conservative? Liberal? No: Catholic

My father-in-law has been asked if he’s conservative — or liberal. His answer: “I’m Catholic.” I’d give the same answer. Catholic teachings are quite definite, so it’s possible to peg them on the American political spectrum — as long as … Continue reading

Posted in Being a Citizen, Being Catholic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Deciding Who Dies

Death at a Bible study back in 2015, and at Fort Lauderdale airport last week, has been in the news. It’s probably not as exciting as what glitterati were wearing and saying at the Golden Globe Awards; but I figured … Continue reading

Posted in Being a Citizen, Being Catholic | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Hate, Justice, Forgiveness

Islamic centers in California got hate mail recently. At least one of the letters was addressed “To the Children of Satan,” and started with “You muslims [!] are a vile and filthy people….”1 Details are new, but the attitude is … Continue reading

Posted in Being a Citizen, Being Catholic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Celebrating Mercy

Here we go again. The headlines are accurate, as far as they go. “Pope Francis Extends Priests’ Ability to Forgive Abortion” Elisabetta Povoledo, The New York Times (November 21, 2016) “Pope Francis extends Catholic priests’ right to forgive abortion” Tim … Continue reading

Posted in Being a Citizen, Being Catholic | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments