In a world that so often turns its back on those most in need, Pope Francis instead consistently exemplified Jesus’ call to us to be his light in the darkness: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. … Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” That is exactly how Pope Francis lived!
I offer this essay to facilitate a more fruitful celebration of the Easter season.
The AUSCP views with deep concern the escalating rhetoric directed toward our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. As a community of over 1,000 priests and pastoral ministers, we stand in resolute solidarity with the Vicar of Christ.
With a palpable sense of urgency to the immense suffering, death, and destruction, caused by the numerous armed conflicts raging throughout the world, Pope Leo led Catholics, and other people of good will, in an extraordinary Prayer Vigil for Peace on April 11.
Welcome to Wisdom Wednesday, with a caution: We will begin with some classic deflection. Pope Leo said “Jesus does not listen to prayers of those who wage wars.” The White House deflects: there is nothing wrong with “calling on the American people to pray for our service members.”
I offer this essay to suggest ways we all might achieve a deeper understanding of the popular feast of Ash Wednesday and find practical ways to implement the call to repentance in our daily lives.
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’”
