Father Michael's Column

This weekend we celebrate the Fourth of July, and I seem to remember that by now the corn is supposed to be knee-high. (“Knee high by the 4th of July!”)

Speaking of remembering, it is also a good time to remember our obligation to pray for our country. Unless you’ve been living on the far side of the moon for the last decade or so, you know well that political controversies are regular fodder for news broadcasts. But it seems that more than ever (at least in my memory), citizens have become intolerant of any viewpoint but their own. Rather than having reasoned debate over issues, showing respect to other persons even while disagreeing with their opinions, the “opposition” is vilified, even demonized. Since, by definition, such persons are evil, their thoughts and actions are—at the least—suspect, or are even rejected automatically. That’s not a healthy attitude in a democracy. Five years ago, Archbishop Vigneron wrote a very insightful Pastoral Note called “The Beauty of Truth”. It is about “speaking the truth in love” rather than continuing “the uncivil nature of our civil discourse”. (This Pastoral Note is only 5 pages long, and is available on the AOD website, AOD.org. I highly recommend it!)

Violence in our society seems more and more accepted, and is actually expected in our “entertainment” whether “news”, sports or reality TV. Our tolerance of violence surfaces as road-rage, as well as other violent acts in our homes, workplaces, and schools. For years now at Mass, during the Prayers of the Faithful, we have been regularly praying for an end to our “culture” of violence, and for a greater respect for all human life. 

One of the acts of violence that disrespects life is abortion. The Dobbs decision by the Supreme Court (June 24, 2022) eliminated abortion as a “constitutional right”, but now all decisions about the legality and availability of abortions have been returned to the control of the individual States. Some States restricted abortions, but others have made abortion access a right, and there have also been efforts to repeal the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits the use of Federal tax dollars to pay for abortions. In Michigan, sadly, a pro-abortion ballot initiative was passed in November of 2022 has enshrined “Reproductive Rights for All” into the State Constitution. 

There are frustratingly difficult political situations like China and Taiwan, and there are many armed conflicts throughout the world, not the least of which is the Ukraine/Russia war. Hopefully there will soon be a resolution to the Iran conflict, including the elimination of nuclear weapons by Iran. Pray for wise decisions by political leaders throughout the world, and that they be successful in their efforts to bring about peace, through justice. 

To reiterate what I said in last week’s column, the threats to our religious freedom should be a concern for us all. One of those threats is the cultural conflicts that arise from gender dysphoria, same-sex marriage, and LGBTQ+ questions, and I don’t think these issues are going away anytime soon. I was glad that about two years ago Archbishop Vigneron released a Pastoral Letter, entitled “The Good News about God’s Plan: A Pastoral Letter on the Challenges of Gender Identity”. The letter has wisdom, insight, practical guidance, and clear policies for parishes and schools. This Pastoral Letter, and his Pastoral Note, “The Beauty of Truth”, are available on the Archdiocesan website, AOD.org. (Just use the “search tool”.) 

If you make the mistake of consistently listening to the evening “News”, you are probably aware that many items are not so much “news”, as stories designed to increase viewership with little regard for balanced reporting or attempting to fairly present both sides of an issue. No, controversy and sensationalism sells better. 

Fortunately, our primary citizenship is not “U.S.”; it is citizenship of the Kingdom of God, and we’re supposed to bring those values into our society, for its sanctification. Our identity is to be a “joyful band of missionary disciples”, as we seek to “Unleash the Gospel”! As citizens of the Kingdom, all of us have been called by our baptisms to embrace radically different values from the prevailing culture. As St. Paul said, we must “no longer live as the pagans do—their minds empty, their understanding darkened…[rather], lay aside your former way of life and old self which deteriorates through illusion and desire, and acquire a fresh, spiritual way of thinking.” (Eph. 4)

 Happy Fourth, and keep praying.

he summer, some people undoubtedly will try to get away for a few days of vacation. We pray that they return to us safe, healthy, and refreshed.

Getting away for vacation is great, of course, whether it’s just for a day or two, or for several weeks. But I remember something from my earliest seminary days that I share with you now because it applies to us all: "There is no vacation from a vocation!" We all share the vocation of being disciples of the Lord. 

When you do get away, relax and have fun. God wants that for you. But always remember your Christian vocation, and make prayer part of your vacation agenda. We also need to keep Mass on our vacation schedules as well. All Catholics, even those who are not able to physically come to Mass, have the obligation to keep Sunday as a special day of prayer and rest. Able-bodied Catholics fulfill their obligation by attending Mass. If you know of persons who are homebound, you might mention to them that a great way for them to fulfill their obligation of making the Lord’s Day special is by tuning into our livestream at 10:00 AM or praying along with the recording later in the day. It also has the advantage of keeping them more connected to the community. 

Have a great Fourth, and a great summer!

In Jesus, 
Fr. Michael



P.S. Our well-love receptionist here at the rectory, Rosie Campeau, is retiring after 25 years of faithful service. I know that many of you have enjoyed stopping by the front desk, or hearing her cheerful voice on a phone call. We wish her all the best! God bless you, Rosie!