stewards is to raise our voices in support of the
Clean Power Plan. The epa is required to collect
public feedback before it makes a final decision. Tell
the epa you support the Clean Power Plan.
World Day of Peace Message
Finally, as a Church, we began the new year with
a World Day of Peace. We live in a fractured and di-
vided world that longs for peace. Let me share some
excerpts of Pope Francis’ Peace Message for 2018:
“Let us embrace all those fleeing from war and
hunger, or forced by discrimination, persecution,
poverty and environmental degradation to leave
their homelands.”
“…this new century has registered no real break-
through: armed conflicts and other forms of orga-
nized violence continue to trigger the movement
of peoples within national borders and beyond….
Those who, for whatever political reasons, foment
fear of migrants instead of building peace are sow-
ing violence, racial discrimination and xenophobia,
which are matters of great concern for all those con-
cerned for the safety of every human being.”
“The wisdom of faith fosters a contemplative
gaze that recognizes that all of us ‘belong to one
family, migrants and the local populations that
welcome them, and all have the same right to enjoy
the goods of the earth, whose destination is uni-
versal, as the social doctrine of the Church teaches’
(Benedict xvi).… When we turn that gaze to mi-
grants and refugees, we discover that they do not ar-
rive empty handed. They bring their courage, skills,
energy and aspirations, as well as the treasures of
their own cultures; and in this way, they enrich the
lives of the nations that receive them. We also come
to see the creativity, tenacity and spirit of sacrifice
of the countless individuals, families and commu-
nities around the world who open their doors and
hearts to migrants and refugees even where resourc-
es are scarce.”
“Let us draw inspiration from the words of Saint
John Paul ii: ‘If the dream of a peaceful world is
shared by all, if the refugees’ and migrants’ contri-
bution is properly evaluated, then humanity can
become more and more a universal family and
our earth a true common home’. Throughout his-
tory, many have believed in this ‘dream’ and their
achievements are a testament to the fact that it is no
mere utopia.”
There are many threats to peace in our lives today.
In our homes, our communities, our nation and the
world. It is a time of massive upheavals on many
levels. There is war, a variety of conflicts, racism,
polarization and even the threat of the use of nuclear
weapons. How can we as a people of faith live in
peace, promote peace and become peace-builders?
Conclusion
There is a lot for us to think about as we continue
to walk in the light and share the light with oth-
ers. We need to recognize the need for honest and
humble theological and pastoral discussions around
these issues. Let us dialogue with one another, with
honesty and respect, challenging one another in
cha rity if necessary. Let us listen to one another
and be open to the words of our sisters and brothers
in faith.
As members of the family of the Blood of Christ
we have taken a public stance on some of these is-
sues. Others are part of the social teaching of our
Church. And yet we may struggle with the under-
standing and acceptance of our community’s and
our Church’s position on some of these issues. We
need to approach these issues, not as Democrats or
Republicans, conservatives or liberals, but rather
as people of faith, disciples of Jesus, guided by the
Gospel, not by politics. We need to inform ourselves
on these issues and not merely from one source. We
need to know and understand the Church’s teach-
ings. We need to read, study, and reflect with a mind
open to the spirit as we work towards an ever-grow-
ing understanding of God’s truth. And above all, we
must pray for prayer has the power to transform us
and renew us.
As our Provincial Director wrote in his Epiphany
letter, “So, let’s begin by making room for one an-
other and for each one we meet along the way who
will challenge us to stretch our minds, our hearts
and our souls.”
February 2018 • The New Wine Press • 7