Word to the Wise
Monday, January 22, 2007 - Third Monday in Ordinary Time
[Hebrews 9:15; 24-28 and Mark 3:22-30]How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand."
Abraham Lincoln, in his famous "house divided" speech, used the image from Jesus' preaching! He was referring to slavery. Today the American Bishops have asked Catholics in our country to observe a day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person. It is no coincidence that this observance occurs in connection with the anniversary of the infamous Supreme Court decision, Rowe v. Wade, that removed legal obstacles to elective abortion. However, as extreme as abortion is in terms of a violation of human dignity, it is not the only kind. Our country has much to do penance over in regard to its treatment of any "person of color" Discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, age and other categories is still strong. We as a nation are a house divided. The lack of a moral consensus on basic issues of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness has left us pretty much to pursue liberty and happiness but at the expense of life. The old axiom, "You can't legislate morality!" has resulted in the ironic fact that the only morality nowadays is becoming just that which IS legislated! Otherwise, there are no principles, responsibilities or penalties. We are a house not only divided, but splintered and living by referendum. From today's gospel we learn one thing for sure. Jesus is not of the house of Satan. The destruction of human life which a distorted notion of liberty has unleashed on our land is certainly not of the Spirit of God. We will not get Satan to clean things up. We'd better pay attention once more to what faith requires before our division destroys us morally! AMEN