The following letters to the editor appear in the edition of Feb. 26, 2004. Letters appearing in this space do not necessarily reflect the views of the Arlington Catholic Herald or the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. The editor reserves the right to edit letters as necessary. There is no guarantee of publication. Send letters to: letters@catholicherald.com.

The Real Problem

There was a letter to the editor entitled "‘Pro-Life’ Not for America" (ACH 1/29/04). The letter deplores that the term pro-life is being used to mean pro-unborn, and it redefines pro-life to mean "pro-life after birth." It concludes, "Elected political leaders should strive to make America not only a pro-unborn nation (but), more importantly, a pro-life nation," where pro-life means pro-life after birth.

The USCCB in its 1998 document, "Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics," approved by the entire NCCB, quotes Pope John Paul II as saying, "The inviolability of the person, which is a reflection of the absolute inviolability of God, finds its primary and fundamental expression in the inviolability of human life. Above all, the common outcry, which is justly made on behalf of human rights — for example, the right to health, to home, to work, to family, to culture — is false and illusory if the right to life, the most basic and fundamental right and the condition of all other personal rights, is not defended with maximum determination. … The human being is entitled to such rights, in every phase of development, from conception until natural death; and in every condition, whether healthy or sick, whole or handicapped, rich or poor" (19).

The letter writer is working a non-problem. The country is now anti-unborn and "pro-life after birth," and has been since 1973 with the Roe v. Wade decision. That’s what the March for Life and the USCCB say should change. Becoming pro-unborn life is what’s missing. For the nation to become pro-unborn, Roe v. Wade must be overturned, and the biggest reason it hasn’t been overturned is that 12 Catholic senators (including Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass) are "pro-life after birth" and pro-Roe v. Wade. That’s the problem.

Clare K. and William J. Richter Jr.

Attention on Farms

You should be commended for publishing Father John S. Rausch’s commentary on farming (ACH 2/12/04) and for the extensive references made in it to last November’s USCCB statement on food and agriculture.

It was a bit surprising to see the commentary listing five areas of concern when the bishops actually mentioned six, but then the commentary continues with generous attention to the sixth ("Expanding Participation" in the USCCB text), which describes, in text and data boxes, the steadily growing concentration of economic power in the food and agriculture sector here and abroad.

This last point, I would submit, is crucial. The main reason why one-seventh of the human race faces starvation every day (United Nations estimate) is that they are marginalized by that very concentration of economic power the bishops describe — the "powerful economic interests and other forces that make it more and more difficult for smaller farms and communities to survive and thrive" (Section III). In fact almost every part of the global food system, from inputs and production to trade and consumption, is dominated by one or another of the de facto cartels that decide what is grown and what people eat. It is, in effect, a cartel of cartels.

This is a matter of considerable complexity, and I hop Father Rausch’s commentary stimulates many people to become interested in it. The situation is not beyond remedy. People are hungry because they are poor, and they are poor mainly because they have no other choice. Their human dignity, which they have from their Creator, demands that they have access to other parts of God’s creation that sustain them. Food is clearly one of the most basic.

I noted that from time to time the HERALD has published articles and letters on food and agriculture. Perhaps some diocesan office or committee would be interested in convening a discussion on such matters. They are important per se and certainly as signs of the times.

Martin M. McLaughlin
Arlington

Forthright Bishop

Everyone supporting the pro-life movement should be thankful for the actions taken by newly-installed Archbishop Raymond Burke of St. Louis while he was still bishop of LaCrosse, Wis.

Prior to leaving LaCrosse, Bishop Burke promulgated a "notification" stating that Catholic legislators who support procured abortion and euthanasia, despite knowing the teaching of the Church regarding these procedures, commit a grave sin and should not present themselves to receive holy Communion. In addition, the notification also stated that such legislators should not be admitted to Holy Communion, even if they should present themselves.

Despite the predictable ensuing criticism from the left, Archbishop Burke has stood his ground and has indicated he will continue this policy in his new position.

Archbishop Burke is to be commended for the forthrightness and courage he has shown in this matter. We can all hope and pray that many of his fellow bishops will follow the path that Archbishop Burke has so admirably blazed.

Thomas G. Moeller
Stafford

On Fire for God

While I agreed with the substance of Russell Shaw’s commentary "Liturgy as Entertainment" (ACH 2/19/04), I think that the comment which ends Father Chris Pollard’s article is worthy of note to balance Shaw: "We have to be on fire with passion for the Christ." A priest friend of mine once said that Catholics are afraid of the Holy Spirit. There is a reason why fire is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

As Catholics we understand the concept that love is in the will and not merely an emotional feeling, but that does not mean that an affectionate love for God is bad. The great spiritual theologian, Dominican Father Jordan Aumann, said that without a passionate love for God, one would never grow in the spiritual life.

There are times of deep suffering and darkness when we share in Christ’s abandonment in the garden of Gethsemane, and God is present and active in our souls in a hidden way. One can experience intense emotional devastation and not feel love for God while being very close and pleasing to Him if these sufferings are united to Jesus and endured for love of Him. This is part of redemptive suffering and fosters tremendous spiritual growth.

But there are also times when the Holy Spirit will touch the soul with abiding joy and unutterable love for Him, which is not only tremendously consoling, but also beneficial to the soul. We are beings with an emotional heart, and God wants to transform that part of us too. There are times, as Father Pollard said, when the awareness of Jesus’ presence can move us to tears, and this is a good thing, not to be feared or shunned.

It is almost as if Catholics are afraid of having the deep relationship with Jesus that our non-Catholic brethren find so easy. No one would say that affectionate love is the only aspect of a real friendship, but only a fool would deny its importance in a relationship. Marriage is a prime example.

Scripture says, "Be still and know that I am God," but it also says, "Sing joyfully to the Lord," and "Adore Him with glad adoration." St. Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord, I say it again, rejoice!" Joy and love are fruits of the Holy Spirit, and should fill our hearts, although they won’t always be felt on an emotional level. Let’s not be afraid of our emotions, or shut them off from God. He loves us in the entirety of our being.

Aimee Norris
Front Royal

Praying for Fr. Groeschel

Many thanks for the welcome essay by Mary Beth Bonacci about Father Groeschel’s terrible accident on Jan. 11 (ACH 1/29/04). As one of thousands from all over the world who explore the internet for his recovery progress each morning, I have been puzzled by the lack of coverage in our paper. Having had only two personal contacts with the man, I have become a bit unreasonable. At first, I expected the news about his survival to be on the front page of every paper. This is what contact with this extraordinary man does to one. As an old man, I thought I had learned not to attempt to instruct our Lord in prayer. Forget it! Just one more year, etc. has been the temptation for weeks. Please consider a weekly report on his progress. Anything that will attract readers to the good that comes from knowing him.

John S. Rose
Branchport, N.Y.

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