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I'll be writing in the sand if anyone needs me
I'm sorry, but we all seem to be armed to the teeth with rocks, ready to stone each other to death. So if anyone needs me, I've decided that I'll be trying to figure out what Jesus was writing in the sand when the Pharisee's were getting ready to stone the woman caught in adultery to death. It seemed to disperse the crowds long enough for everyone to realize the error of their ways.
To me, the first question the Church should ask is, "Why is it having to receive government funds?" Aren't there enough Catholics in the US to help support such a valuable ministry, that it shouldn't need government support? and if they're not tithing, isn't that a huge social sin on our part? Aren't we as believers supposed to be the front line in caring for the poor? Why are we looking for help from a secular institution? We're not bailing out planned parenthood, so it seems to me that we shouldn't expect it any other way - and maybe the fact that we have hasn't been a good thing....
The work that Catholic charities does is of valuable importance to the community; but it is because it is given the freedom to express the charism of who it is and what it stands for; and for an organization to be targeted as being hateful for not agreeing with someone's lifestyle is a dangerous disposition to have. To me it speaks of the same judgmental behavior that you are resisting.
By
Matt Maher
|
March 16, 2010; 11:28 AM ET
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Posted by: jmotenorissimo | March 17, 2010 12:49 AM
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At last the voice of reason amidst the noise and clamour.
The only point I would add is that the Government initially gave money bevause thay valued the way Catholic hospitals for example offered exemplary health care to the wider community and naturally extra funds were welcome but if the price of such funding is to sell our Catholic identity then it should not be a surprise to people that this cannot be done.
It would be wiser and better for all if religious institutions were guaranteed their right to maintain their institutions in accordance with their beliefs.If the Government feels this makes their contribution to society of no worth then by all means cut the funds. We will go back to managing as we did in the past.People forget that 50 years ago catholic hospitals schools and welfare agencies were set up with no government help.
Posted by: marymack77 | March 16, 2010 8:09 PM
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The comments to this entry are closed.
I agree with Matt's statement about casting stones. Our arms are tensed and ready to hurl another round of violent protest against something we simply disagree with.
The digital age has (ironically) helped disconnect us from every person we communicate with, and in turn has made us emboldened by the perceived veil of secrecy and a false sense of security. And so, we (not-so-)bravely spew messages laced with anger and sarcasm in ways that we would never dream of doing, were the persons we disagree with sitting before us.
It seems no form of communication is immune to becoming the vehicle for these coordinated attacks.
"It is easy to be brave from a safe distance."