The pictures of death this week were very disturbing. First were the pictures of the animals killed in Ohio. Appraently their owner took his own life after releasing the animals from their pens. I was especially saddened by the pictures of the tigers who were killed. Their situation in the world is so precarious as their numbers continue to dwindle. It is too bad that the law enforcement officials couldn't have tranquilized them instead but I understand the seriousness of the situation and they appear to have made the right decision based on protecting human life. The second more disturbing picture was that of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi's lifeless body. Equally disturbing was the chorus of cheers when the images appeared to the public. The world seems to be embracing what Pope John Paul II described as the "Culture of Death." We know that President Obama is an adherent of this ideology as he demonstrated on his first day in office by allocating funds to murder babies. He also trumpeted the death of Gadhafi in a press conference. A pattern has emerged with him as this is the second national leader that Mr. Obama has claimed to have facilitated the operation and approved of the method. I understand the rules of engagement for war. Is this what we really want our world to be? I can't help but think of Jesus imploring us to be peacemakers in his sermon on the mount. Let me be clear. Gadhafi was an evil man. His atrocities have been well documented and he should not have been leading a country. His actions have led to misery and sadness for many people and it should have been ended a long time ago. That being said, we must stop and think deeply about how he was killed. Does this point to a more brutal world that handles its problems with violence? In John 16:33 Jesus says, "I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Jesus' way is not the way of the world and we are called to make a difference in this world. I pray that more peacemakers stand up and say "enough" to this culture of death.
Pope Saint John Paul II , a towering figure of the 20th century, was a staunch critic of socialist ideologies. He recognized the inherent flaws in systems that sought to control economies and societies through centralized planning and state ownership. The pontiff's teachings offered a prophetic warning against the dangers of such regimes, which often led to oppression, poverty, and the erosion of individual freedoms. Recently, a conference organized by the Catholic Association of Propagandists in Spain brought together prominent figures who echoed the concerns raised by the late Pope. Bishop José Ignacio Munilla of Orihuela-Alicante boldly declared socialism an "enemy of the cross," highlighting its incompatibility with Christian values. He emphasized the need for a spiritual renewal, urging individuals to embrace the cross as a path to true happiness and fulfillment. French philosopher Fabrice Hadjadj also addressed the challenges posed by modern society, warning ag...
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