St. Joseph Basilica

Dear St. Joseph Family,
We continue to watch as our country grapples with the prospect of the overturning of Roe vs. Wade. We have seen protests outside of government buildings, protests outside of private residences, protests inside churches. As I met with some priests today for our monthly prayer gathering, I was startled to hear that some in favor of protecting Roe vs. Wade are planning to make this summer a “Summer of Rage.” Expect to see more protests. Expect to witness more anger. Perhaps even expect to be confronted at our church. When it comes to confrontation in churches, you may have heard of the shooting at the church in Orange County. I am not writing this to scare you. I just want you to be aware of the way in which our society is tending towards. When we have disagreements, we attack one another. This cannot stand. We must choose a different way.

As Christians, we have been shown this other way, this higher way. Jesus taught us in the Gospel passage last week, no, commanded us, to love the way that He loves us, which means compassion, mercy, forgiveness. We do not settle disagreements with attacks, but with charity. This is what St. Paul said, we live the truth in love and grow in closer conformity to Christ (cf. Ephesians 4:15).
(For the full message click here)