Pastor's Column 10-15-2023
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October 15, 2023Dear Parishioners,
Last weekend Hamas terrorists attacked civilians and soldiers in Israel. Footage released by the terrorists shows the barbarism of their actions. It shows civilians and soldiers killed indiscriminately. At a music festival around 260 civilians were gunned down; many as they fled into the desert. It shows the bodies of the dead mutilated and put on grotesque displays. It shows the elderly, women, and children taken as hostages to be used as human shields. Hamas is known for locating their terror cells in hospitals and schools; using their own civilians as shields. These are heinous acts and should be called such.
Some have described this attack as Israel’s 9/11. Many of us remember the horrific scenes that day of planes crashing into the Twin Towers, Pentagon, and a Pennsylvania field. On that day and today we remember that evil exists in the world. It exists in the actions of individuals and organizations such as Hamas.
For the past few weekends, I have been describing the meaning and parts of the Mass. One word constantly appears in the Mass: “peace.” “Peace be with you,” “grant us peace,” “graciously grant peace in our days,” “my peace I give you,” “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to people of good will,” are just a few of the numerous examples found in the Mass. In a word, the Mass brings peace.
The Lord’s path to peace is not principally one of politics or economics. It is not to say that politics and economics do not matter. Military options and diplomatic solutions offer a piece of the puzzle; and will do so in this conflict. But, ultimately, peace doesn’t result simply from the absence of violent conflict. True peace, rather, means the tranquility of order—peace between God and humanity that only Jesus brings. Forgiveness, reconciliation, absolution from sin, becoming saints: these alone promise true peace. The path to peace comes not when conflict has subsided but when sin is overcome, and God and humanity reunited. Christ is Prince of Peace because the peace we really seek is between God and us. This dynamic happens at every Mass.
October is also the month dedicated to praying the rosary in front of the Blessed Sacrament. At many of her appearances, Mary told us to pray the rosary for peace. I hope to see more people come to this essential devotion. It can be our way of praying for peace in the world.
In Christ,
Fr. Barrow
