Current World Events…
What Kind of a World Do We Live In?
These last few months have been especially filled with troubling news that has shocked us all.
There have been several horrible Radical Islamist terrorist events, in Orlando, in Pakistan, and recently throughout Iraq. Many hundreds of people have lost their lives in the most horrible way imaginable. Thousands of friends and relatives grieve for them.
There was a bitter election in England that voted to leave the European Union, dividing not only nations but families and friends who strongly supported each side.
This week began with a bitter and predictable partisan divide on the circumstances of former Secretary of State Clinton and the results of an extensive FBI criminal investigation.
Finally, a series of recent dramatic and tragic police shootings has resulted in even more killings and bitter civil unrest.
What kind of a world do we live in?
The answer is remarkably simple. We live in a world that Our Lord desired to enter personally and even vulnerably precisely to rescue, save, and heal us from our sins. Our Lord arrived on planet earth knowing full well the long lasting consequences of the sins of Adam and Eve. Remember that the very next story in Genesis is the story of the murder of Abel by Cain. Sin always leads to even more tragedy.
I just returned a few weeks ago from our annual archaeological tour of the Holy Land. While there, we saw not only the famous biblical sites of our faith but also the modern tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. But it is not just that area that has problems. As we have seen this month, sin can find a home anywhere.
I believe it is something quite beautiful and meaningful that Our Lord wanted to enter our world, as difficult as it is. Far from avoiding us, He wanted to come to this dangerous place to offer a way that provides peace and joy. That is a powerful love!
Every day at Mass He is made present again, and in a way that can nourish our soul with hope, love, and especially courage. Never lose sight of that!
Christians began surrounded by a hostile Roman Empire, which was about the same size as the United States. Yet after just a few generations, it completely converted to Christianity. The power of Christ living within Christians is greater than any earthly force.
What kind of a world do we live in? We live in a world that God was willing to send His Son to us for our salvation. Let us never lose sight of that!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Thank you Fr Dave for these words which give us hope in this time – a time in which God and His light is as strong as ever and will always stand stronger than any darkness.
Yes, we need the presence of Our Lord more than ever.
Oh, how very true!! Thank you ever so much, Father Dave. We certainly need that focus and love you for bringing it into our hearts and minds…….
Peter and Joan
You are very welcome!
Thanks Father Dave,
You gave me hope this morning as I heard about another senseless incomprehensible killing spree , by reading your article and by reminding me why Jesus came to save us🙏🏻🙏🏻. We hope, we pray! Thank you!
I thought it was just the right time to write this article. I am glad you found it helpful.
In Walt Disney’s film “Poro and Perri”, the character said “It is a beautiful world, but it is a hard world”, or words to that effect. Isn’t that the truth? God created such a beautiful world, but our ancient ancestors found a way to make it hard. As you say, “I believe it is something quite beautiful and meaningful that Our Lord wanted to enter our world, as difficult as it is.”
Thank you for bringing us back to the truth. Hate for sinners does not lead us to truth. Following Jesus leads us to truth.
Well said!
Hello Father Dave,
I am sorry to hear about your father…However he is now in God’s home laughing and healthy again…
As far as our world, God gave us His Son Jesus so we could learn to mimic and live like Him… Jesus taught us
Love, Faith, Healing, Peace…However this world is very corrupt, and so are most of its leaders…They seem to be
playing a game with the people as pawns…Jesus came to unite us by teaching Love…The world leaders divide
us by teaching hate…Jesus gives us freedom… The leaders want control…If we all turned toward God we could
have Peace…We sheep cannot seem to hear the voice of Jesus…For He commands us to Love one another as
He has Loved us… May He soon return…MARANATHA…
Blessings to you in your new parish…
Mary…
Nicely said, Mary. We need leaders who lead us to goodness and virtue.
Father Dave, Beautifully said, ” God sent His Son into our world so that we might have salvation!!!God loved us that much!!! Incredible, precious, beautiful, love!!!!We are so blessed as catholics for when we receive our loving Jesus, Jesus lives so lovingly in us!!!We then have to make a differnce in this world and make it loving and beautiful!!! Our loving faith determines who we are!!! We are followers of our Jesus!!!In every situation we have to stand up for what is right!!! We need a pro life America and elect a pro life President!! We need a moral America and teach vaues in school,, not to steal, kill, but reach out and help others, respect for authority and love of God and neighbor!!! whatever our religion might be!!! We have to be the change we want to see in the world!!! It begins with us!!!! for Jesus lives in us!!!!! Thank you for your precious words and insights!!! Jesus loves you for being beautiful you and leading us in Jesus” love!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
You are welcome!
Kathleen and I send our prayers for your Father.
Much appreciated. Thank you.
Oh, how very true!! Thank you ever so much, Father Dave. We certainly need that focus and we love you for bringing it into our hearts and minds…….
Peter and Joan
You are very welcome!
Fr. Dave,
Thanks for focusing on the seemingly unexplicable and helping to clarify it. Obviously the Evil One is running rampant and won’t stop until God puts him down in the End.
IN the end, Our Lord wins, but it will be a tough fight all the way.
What the world needs now is a zillion “Good Samaritans” Thank you and thanks to your parents for having such a wonderful son.
Thank your for those kind words. I had two great role models in my parents.
Thanks father Dave for your great wisdom and insight! I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I have wonderful memories of both your dad and mom! They were exceptional people who left a lasting impression!
God bless!
Pat Wickhem
Yes, you knew them well. They loved coming to Holy Angels Church, and especially the golf tournament!
Fr. Dave,
A perfect commentary on recent events! Many Christmases ago you stated in your homily that “the angels warned the Lord not to go to earth saying:’Don’t go – the world is a dangerous place!'” As indeed it continues to be! But He did come, and He remains with us always in spite of all the danger!
John rests in peace with The Lord, and you and Dennis have the wonderful memory of a truly exemplary role model. Prayers always. Bob and Rose Mary
Yes, you knew them both well. They were great examples for my brother and I.