This is not us:
If you read certain authors and certain publications, you would really think that the Church is just withering away. At best, it is in a civil war. I read a lot - lots of different views - people I agree with - people I cannot stand but still feel I must read - and a whole host of people in-between. I like to be informed. I like to learn about things in many different fields. I like facts and just seethe at those who speak authoritatively about things where they are so off-base it is scary. I like science. I like dialogue, even debate. I cannot stand those who demonize those who disagree with them. There are certainly people who use this approach to discussion: "My mind is made up and I will not be confused by the facts."
I read an article on a blog back in August and it is now being printed in America Magazine. It was written by a Jesuit Brother, Joe Hoover, who is on the staff of America. There is so much practical wisdom, so much unwillingness to get tangled in the mishmash that goes for talk within the Church today. It was refreshing. I may not agree with every word, but I agree with the thrust of his insights. He gave me some hope. He lifted me up out of the morass of so much going on in our world today. (Wow, I used "mishmash" and "morass" in the same paragraph - this could be a session of Jeopardy - "Alex, nice sounding words beginning with M").
Read the article. I won't reproduce it here because I could not figure out the reprint policy on America's website. So instead, here is the link. Just click The Catholic Church is not in a civil war.
TODAY'S GRATITUDE: I'm grateful for surviving a frightfully busy weekend even though I'm dragging - and did I mention that we have no water due to a water main break on our property.