Fr. Bob's Corner

Catholic Broadcaster, Fr. Dave a Paulist priest on Sirius Radio, interviewed the Award-winning journalist and Chief Vatican Analyst for both CNN and NPR, John L. Allen, Jr. on July 18, 2007. Father Dave focuses on John Allen’s new book about the mega-trends that are shaping the global Catholic church. First however he asks John Allen about his thoughts on the recent 660 million dollar financial settlement by the Arch-Diocese of Los Angeles headed by Cardinal Mahoney, and related issues. To hear, click: LISTEN

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Do you ever wonder if you will be one of the poor unfortunate souls to live or die in excruciating pain? In the last couple of decades modern science in the western world has improved to such an extent that this should no longer be as great a worry. Yet, even though we have made great improvements in pain management, we still need to be concerned. For various reasons many still suffer, but not like those that live in the third world.

In COLF’s recent publication, Living, Suffering, and Dying, we are reminded that life is a gift from God, and that human suffering has been transformed by the Cross of Christ – no suffering is useless when joined to Christ’s suffering. But this by no means advocates unnecessary suffering. The Christian Gospel is about loving God and neighbor. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine you did for me. (Matt.25:40) All Christians, and men and women of good will should be concerned about so much untreated and scandalous suffering and advocate for greater global concern.

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THE Catholic Church is still not serious about confronting sexual abuse, only “managing” it, according to the Sydney bishop who headed Australian efforts to tackle abuse.

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In this last year the Vatican and Benedict XVI have been increasing their advocacy on behalf of the environment. On Sept 2, 2007 the Pope called on people to make “courageous decisions” on the future of the planet at an address to 300,000 Roman Catholics at an environment festival in

Loreto, Italy. We need a decisive ‘yes’ to care for creation and a strong commitment to reverse those trends that risk making the situation of decay irreversible,” he stated. 

Surprisingly, or maybe not so surprising, there is a great furor in Austria about five small trees that were planted at the time of John Paul II’s visit to Austria ten years ago. The trees were cut to build the public platform for an outdoor Mass.  Some how or other many seem to feel this action smacks of hypocrisy. (Say one thing and do another – isn’t that just like him, they are saying.) I suppose, if one wants to find fault and to be critical, a way can be found, and they found it. It’s too bad that some loose focus and can’t see the forest for the trees, literally speaking.

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Catholics believe that marriage is for life, but many marriages still end in the divorce court, and the marriage tribunal office of the church. Why? Such a hefty question with so many personal answers. Maybe it would be better to ask: “How can divorce be prevented?” Here is one persons advice for the first year of marriage. And, the advice probably holds true for every year of marriage. TEN TIPS TO MAKE THE FIRST YEAR OF MARRIAGE EASIER

As many of us struggle to define ourselves in relationship to the pluralistic world we live in, we have to always remember that our identity is ultimately defined by what we do. As we struggle to verbally describe ourselves it is imperative that we not get stuck in the realm of thoughts and ideas, as it it so easy to do. It was St. Paul that helped focus the first Christians by reminding them that without love they were nothing at all. In the fourth century,  a bishop and early doctor of the church, St. Gregory Naziansus gave this description of how Christ’s followers should be perceived by the 4th century world:

“If you are healthy and rich, alleviate the need of whoever is sick and poor; if you have not fallen, go to the aid of whoever has fallen and lives in suffering; if you are glad, comfort whoever is sad; if you are fortunate, help whoever is smitten with misfortune. Give God proof of your gratitude for you are one who can benefit and not one who needs to be benefited…. Be rich not only in possessions but also in piety; not only in gold but in virtue, or rather, in virtue alone. Outdo your neighbour’s reputation by showing yourself to be kinder than all; make yourself God for the unfortunate, imitating God’s mercy” (Orationes 14, 26 De Pauperum Amore: PG 35, 892bc).

In the last little while I have made several posts on what it means to have a Catholic Identity in this modern world. The Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall gave a presentation on how Christianity has fragmented and divided over the centuries, and how Catholics view other Christian today.

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