Opinions
I am breaking away from the Bible for a day. It is time to look at what is happening in our culture and in our immediate homes. Division is being created by people trying to put their faith into science. The mask issue is probably most prominent as an example. We have the people who want masks and those who do not. Both sides have scientific proof that masks work or do not work. When the collective data is so inconclusive, we find it hard to decide what we should believe. This is divisive. Then we take it one step farther by trying to impose our viewpoints and our opinions on other people. We maintain that our scientists are smarter than your scientists. It is this junior high attitude that we end fighting with one another. But there is one more level of division to experience. Now we go out to solicit other people to our way of thinking that a majority will sway the opinion of all. We should know that certainly does not work in a democracy by now.
The Church has always respected the dignity of the individual to make their decisions from a fully formed conscience. You are expected to study the situation to the best of your ability and then decide with the aide of prayer and the Holy Spirit what is best for you and your family. Your decision should always be focused on the common good of the other. If you have decided only for yourself that is selfish and does not have respect for others.
We have always encouraged people to wear masks and will continue to do so. This is not a mandate. No one is turned away. We have multiple mass times with varying numbers of attendees. There is a place for you.
Be the person who seeks peace in these difficult times. Begin with forgiveness.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen