Sunday, July 26, 2015

Pastor's Corner, July 26, 2015

Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Laudato Si’ is an urgent appeal from our Holy Father. In the introduction Pope Francis says that he desires a “new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet” (14) and that he wishes to draw from the best scientific research and then consider certain moral principles which can give us a coherent approach to be good stewards of creation.
In the first chapter of the encyclical the Pope explains what is happening to our common home. Note that this section is simply a summary of what can be observed and also what some say come from scientific research. It is not an exhaustive exposition of the situation nor is this section meant to settle the questions involved. Some people of good will may in fact disagree with the Pope about his description. He is not claiming to be an expert or to be presenting doctrinal principles which are infallible. I believe the Pope simply wants to engage all mankind to reflect on his summary of the situation and begin to see some of the problems we need to face.
At the heart of the problem is what Pope Francis calls “rapidification.” He observes that “the speed with which human activity has developed contrasts with the naturally slow pace of biological evolution” (18). Herein lies a problem and a challenge. We have developed so quickly technologically yet creation has not kept pace. In some sense we have gotten “ahead” of creation and often used and abused creation. Now, the consequences of our rapid advance and behavior have begun to harm us.
In Christ,
Msgr. Baker

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Pastor's Corner, July 19, 2015

Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ did not come out of a papal vacuum. What I mean is that the papacy has spoken often on the issue of creation, especially since the Second Vatican Council. The Holy Father points out that Pope Paul VI, Saint John Paul II and Pope Benedict have written and spoken on ecological matters in a variety of ways over the last several decades. They have commented on the potential “ecological catastrophe,” the need for “authentic social and moral progress” as we advance scientifically and technologically, and that the environment has been gravely damaged by our irresponsible behavior (cf. 4-6). These concerns have been echoed by our brothers and sisters in the orthodox churches for many years.
I think this brief historical perspective is important. Pope Francis is not some renegade pope proclaiming new doctrines. His thought is a continuation of reflections from a variety of magisterial and church documents and this encyclical should be seen within that framework. 
A great inspiration behind the new encyclical is the person and teaching of St. Francis of Assisi. Pope Francis calls his patron saint “the example par excellence of care for the vulnerable and of an integral ecology” (10). For him, “creation was a sister united to him by bonds of affection” (11).
In Christ,
Msgr. Baker

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Pastor's Corner, July 12, 2015

Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Pope Francis recently published a new encyclical letter entitled Laudato Si’ (“Praise be to You”). The title comes from the famous canticle of St. Francis of Assisi in which he reminds us that creation is our common home and that she is “like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us” (1).
Many news outlets said that the encyclical was all about global warming. This is far from the truth. Essentially, the Holy Father speaks to us about our duty to be a good steward of creation. Certainly climate change is an important topic and Pope Francis speaks clearly about it. However, there is so much more to the encyclical than a particular political point of view or solution to a social problem. In the next several weeks I would like to explore some of the major themes of this encyclical. I hope it will be a catalyst for you to read the letter and discover the deeply biblical doctrines of this new social encyclical.
Pope Francis outlines the reason for Laudato Si’ in the second paragraph, “This sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her” (2).
As we go through the encyclical we may find ourselves making an examination of conscience with regard to our use and/or abuse of the great gift of creation. I think the Pope wants that to happen so that we become better stewards of His gifts.
In Christ,
Msgr. Baker

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Pastor's Corner, July 5, 2015

Dear Parishioners and Friends,
On this Fourth of July weekend we love to watch the fireworks and are moved by the sight of the American flag. Love for our country is not foreign to our life as Christians. As a matter of fact, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “the love and service of one’s country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity” (2239).
The love of country should compel us to be involved in society and the political process. Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia writes in his book Render Unto Caesar, “I’ve grown increasingly tired of the church and her people being told to be quiet on public issues that urgently concern us. Worse, Catholics themselves too often stay silent out of a misguided sense of good manners.”
Archbishop Chaput concludes that “if we really believe God exists, that belief will inevitably color our personal and public behavior: our actions, our choice, and our decisions. It will also subtly frame our civic language and institutions.”
At times we all hear people complain about the direction our country is taking or they complain about this politician or that decision. If we truly love God and our country, we will not remain silent but get involved so as to make a better future.
In Christ,
Msgr. Baker