A Sunday Thought About the One Life that Matters Most to Start the Week Off Right
As a movement, the "Black Lives Matter" folks press forward on all fronts. The latest incident in Charlotte, North Carolina resulted in days and nights of riots and calls for the indictment of the police officers involved. Even when the background of the gentleman shot by police revealed a violent past, the recent purchase of an illegal firearm, the story made up to fit the agenda of this politically-charged group continued unabated. The registered complaint by his wife (who falsely claimed he didn't have a gun) that specified his ownership of an illegally obtained gun (and willingness to use it to threaten to kill her) should have helped make the case for the deceased having possession of a gun during the incident. But facts, when they don't serve the agenda, are simply ignored. And, as Johnnie Cochran (the lawyer who famously defended O.J. Simpson) might have said, "If the fact don't fit, just ignore it." How and why people give any credence to these people escapes me. (If you're not clear yet that this is all ginned up nonsense, designed to stir up trouble to support an agenda, check out this recently published chart.)
But apparently some contingent of our fellow human beings doesn't see it that way. They've decided that, for whatever their reasons, the point must be made that black lives matter. Further, they take great offense if you dare to counter their propaganda with any other variation of that phrase: for example, blue lives (police) matter, or - worse - white lives matter. Speaking such phrases immediately labels you a racist.
As for us Catholics, we understand, without need of reminder, that all lives matter. Heck, we pray for our enemies (as Our Lord taught us). But even more than our understanding of the goodness of God's Creation and the fact that we are all created in His image and likeness, maybe it's a good time to remind ourselves that One Life matters most - not only to us Catholics, but to all people whatever their age, sex, religion, or wherever they live. Here's a simple thought from John Wu that captures this:
While we shouldn't expect such movements as Black Lives Matter to wise up upon grasping the Truth as we know it, we ourselves can simply recall such Truth. Rather than give into frustration or resentment of people who perpetrate falsehoods, we can pray for them. Even if they succeed in creating an atmosphere that results in riots, injury, even death (which doesn't seem to bother them), we can rest assured that "with Christ, there is peace, even in war."
Happy Sunday!
But apparently some contingent of our fellow human beings doesn't see it that way. They've decided that, for whatever their reasons, the point must be made that black lives matter. Further, they take great offense if you dare to counter their propaganda with any other variation of that phrase: for example, blue lives (police) matter, or - worse - white lives matter. Speaking such phrases immediately labels you a racist.
As for us Catholics, we understand, without need of reminder, that all lives matter. Heck, we pray for our enemies (as Our Lord taught us). But even more than our understanding of the goodness of God's Creation and the fact that we are all created in His image and likeness, maybe it's a good time to remind ourselves that One Life matters most - not only to us Catholics, but to all people whatever their age, sex, religion, or wherever they live. Here's a simple thought from John Wu that captures this:
With Christ, there is peace, even in war. Without Christ, there is war even in peace. With Christ, the poor are rich. Without Christ, the rich are poor. With Christ, adversity is sweet. Without Christ, prosperity is bitter. With Christ, the ignorant are wise. Without Christ, the wise are fools. With Christ, life is a prelude to Heaven. Without Christ, life is a prelude to hell.Again and again Mr. Wu drives home the point: We need Jesus Christ in our lives and in our communities. We need Him in our society, our culture, and, yes, in our government. He embodies all that is good in His Person. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
While we shouldn't expect such movements as Black Lives Matter to wise up upon grasping the Truth as we know it, we ourselves can simply recall such Truth. Rather than give into frustration or resentment of people who perpetrate falsehoods, we can pray for them. Even if they succeed in creating an atmosphere that results in riots, injury, even death (which doesn't seem to bother them), we can rest assured that "with Christ, there is peace, even in war."
Happy Sunday!
Comments