"As I walk through this wicked world, searchin'"

A three post day is a rarity for me these days. But I was only asked last night to preach at our parish school Mass this morning and I've been conscious of my need to "blog" something about my new bishop, His Excellency, Oscar Solis, since Tuesday. But today is Friday, the second Friday of 2017. Hence, we need a traditio, right?

This week I read Pope Francis' annual address to the members of the diplomatic corps who are accredited to the Holy See. The theme of the Holy Father's address was not only the need for peace, but the deep longing of the vast majority of people for a sustainable peace. He noted something that is de rigueur when Catholics and other Christians address the topic of peace, but worth mentioning anyway: peace is more than just the absence of war. Peace requires us to constantly strive "for an ever more perfect reign of justice" (Gaudium et Spes par 78).

Pope Francis noted, "We are dealing with a homicidal madness which misuses God’s name in order to disseminate death, in a play for domination and power." As a result of this he appealed "to all religious authorities to join in reaffirming unequivocally that one can never kill in God’s name." The Pontiff also warned against the dangers that result from taking a "reductive" view of the human person and the ever-present danger of deadly, poisonous ideologies. I encourage you to read the address for yourself.

Our Friday traditio, then, is Elvis Costello and The Attractions with "Peace, Love, and Understanding":