On Religious Freedom
Parish Pastoral Councils. Finance Councils. Trustees. Lay ministers. Parish business administrators. Most of us in parish life take these developments for granted as if they have always been a part of our church reality. Yet, until 1965, and the genius work of the Jesuit from the United Stated, John Courtney Murray, SJ, all of these realities would be mere fiction.
At the third session of Vatican Two, John Courtney Murray proposed that democratic principles, ones that formed the American Experiment for 150 years by that time, be instilled in the life of the Church. At issue was the age-old reality that the Church was not a democracy like the United States. Rather, the Church was living out of its worldview as a kingdom, the Holy Roman Empire, with the Pope as its head. How could democratic principles be infused into such a history that would never change?
Enter the young theologian, Courtney Murray. In conciliar discussions that lasted for hours, days, and even weeks, the U.S. theologian was pitted against the old Italian churchman, Alfredo Ottaviani, the conservative voice in the 1950s and early 1960s. Who would win? Ultimately the Church did as the two had to come to some considerable compromises to create the groundbreaking documents, On Religious Freedom, published by the Vatican Council in 1965. If only democratic principles had ruled the day, as Murray proposed, then the Church would most likely flail in the wind with any new potential development. But if only the institution as it was known at the time had won out, the needed changes to bring the Church into the modern times would have been lost. Compromise. Ultimately the Church was the winner as it has continued to evolve in this new, People of God, Pilgrim People mentality.
Which brings us to this week as we celebrate July 4. Our country is at a pivotal point in its history as well, just as the Church in the early 1960s. What will be needed to coexist, to thrive as a people: compromise and dialogue. Just as the Church was going to continue after 1965, the U.S. will continue after November 5. But what kind of people will we be? A people that continues to evolve to become the great nation that we were called to be by our Founding Fathers and Mothers? Or a warring nation that insists that our way is the right way—red state and blue state; conservative and liberal; us and them.
As we watch the fireworks of July 4th rise into the sky, let’s remember those who have brought us to this point, both as a country and as a Church. Courtney Murry. Ottaviani. They both show us a path can light up our way forward. God Bless America. And God Bless the World!
Focusing on What's Most Important: Lessons from Sts. Peter and Paul
Today, we celebrate the feast day of St. Peter and St. Paul. Although they had differences in their views on practicing the Christian faith, both men shared a deep love for Jesus and dedicated their lives to serving Him.
Despite their disagreements, both individuals played crucial roles in the early days of Christianity and are revered as great saints. Simon Peter, also known as Cephas in Greek, was the foundation on which the Church was established. On the other hand, Paul, formerly known as Saul, contributed significantly to our understanding of the early Christian era through his extensive writings in the New Testament.
Discover the lessons your Church of the Home can learn from these two great men to apply to our own tricky relationships. After all, Peter and Paul didn't let their disagreements stop them from being brothers in Christ or fulfilling their missions. (source: Aleteia.com)
Find a common goal
The pair were ardent supporters of Jesus, who was the compass that pointed them in the right direction, even if they both had different ways of arriving at their final destination.
Speak the truth with love
While Paul mentioned his differences with Peter in Galatians 2:11-14, he didn't do so to score points. He explained his position and how he felt Peter was wrong. He certainly didn't go behind Peter's back or use inflammatory language.
Show a good example
Paul considered Peter a hypocrite in how he dealt with Jewish Christians. He also didn't appreciate how Peter rejected Christ three times. However, by staying strong in his own beliefs and striving to be faithful,
Look for the good
You can't always persuade people to act and think your way. However, if you keep an open mind and appreciate that not everybody must think just like you it's easier to find more positive points about the other. For example, despite their differences, Paul referred to Peter specifically out of all the Apostles in his first letter to the Corinthians, which can be seen as a form of admiration.
Respect each other
In following the lessons above, you'll find room for mutual respect. This doesn't mean you have to be great friends, or even agree with each other, but that you recognize the value of the other person and can even learn to appreciate them. This is exactly the case when Peter referred to Paul as "our beloved brother" in 2 Peter 3:15.
Join us for Mass this weekend in person at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 AM on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
Sometimes people may cut off communication without explanation, and it's important to find peace within ourselves. Healing and resolution is possible when powerlessness is acknowledged and we surrender to a higher power. Instead of trying to solve everything on our own, we should turn to God and let Him take charge. Join Marla as she reflects on this weekend's scripture readings.
Families
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
Parish Lyceum
The Parish Lyceum will feature a variety of topics, guidelines, and relevant information to nurture the PIESS of our lives – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social.
Recent Loss in Our Parish Family
Announcements
Parishioners Tim and Mary Doemel are also walking in honor of their son Tim Jr.
Resurrection would love to help get 12 members on their team as well.
Please consider joining Team TimJr.
Ruby and Res
Ruby invites everyone to check out the new Peace Garden Fr. Tom worked hard on creating on the south side of the church.
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