For The Bulletin Of This parable, then, is read like last week’s, October 11, 2020 in Christian-Jewish terms. The people whom God has chosen ignored His invitation both when the prophets announced it and when the apostles were sent. We recall that Matthew is writing people being killed and the city burned quite literally happened when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. The original audience of Matthew’s gospel did not need much imagination to get the point. The last four verses conclude on a troubling note. When the new guests arrive, the king sees someone not properly dressed. For that he is bound and thrown out. Again, we might wonder what kind of king this is. But the image of a king in Jesus’ time certainly THE 28TH SUNDAY IN had the power of life and death over his ORDINARY TIME subjects. It makes for an apt image of God, even if the behaviors of the king in this From Father Robert particular parable sound off-putting. We recall earlier Matthean parables like the Today we come to the third of three parables weeds and wheat. Matthew knows the in three weeks. After learning about the two church is a collection of the good and bad. sons and the evil tenants, we now hear about Some quite literally need to be tossed out. the royal wedding feast. This parable, like (These Matthean themes of violence are the one from last week, is addressed to the often seen as problematic today and the chief priests and elders. Care should be subject of many scholarly works.) exercised to remember that Jesus is not talking about all Jews; He speaks to the Those invited to the feast, and those who leaders in a particular time and place. And attend, should not be smug. There is no the parable He speaks to them is harsh, guarantee. An invitation does not especially the end. necessarily mean attendance, and attendance does not necessarily mean celebration. In the shorter reading of the gospel, the There are expectations that need to be met. parable is fairly straightforward. The king “Many are invited but few are chosen” is a sets a banquet, but the guests do not come. sober remind for us all. The first servants (the prophets) are ignored, as are the second set (the apostles). The invitees kill the messengers! The king enacts his vengeance on these people, killing them and burning their city before extending the invitation to others. (The fact that the king burns a city between setting a table for guests and serving the dinner tells us clearly that we are in the realm of story.)

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passages. Today’s gospel parable is a part of that literature. How are we to hear this passage and what questions does it raise for our being missionary disciples in the world today?

Isaiah prophesies, “The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces.” Where is there suffering or sadness in our community? How might God be calling you to be a source of comfort for others? Living The Paschal Mystery St. Paul tells the Philippians, “I know how to In a story filled with such violence as we live in humble circumstances; I know also have today, it might be easy to forget we are how to live with abundance.” What do you dealing with a merciful God. God calls a think is the key to living well in differing people to Himself and desires that they situations? come to Him. The destruction of Jerusalem with its temple was interpreted at the time St. Paul also writes, “I can do all things in by Christians as God’s judgment on Judah. Him Who strengthens me.” Where are you A violent world saw stories of violence. in need of God’s strength to take on a new Though we may wish to minimize the challenge? violence, unfortunately it has been part of human history from the beginning and In today’s parable, Jesus likens the kingdom continues to this day. of God to a wedding feast. In what ways to you think this might be an appropriate It might be difficult to strip away the violent description of heaven? imagery and focus instead on the kernel underneath it all. Matthew’s church has the wisdom and experience of decades since the death and resurrection of Jesus. It has learned that there are some in the church who do not belong, as indicated in several parables. Sadly, our modern experience reflects this as well. Simply being in the church does not make one holy, God’s chosen, or a paragon of virtue. There are weeds within the wheat. Only God has the authority to definitively and eternally expel such a person. The sobering reminder that “many are invited but few are chosen” should cause us to pause, reflect, and reexamine our lives.

With only six weeks remaining in this Liturgical Year, the scriptures turn to “apocalyptic” or “end-of-the-world” type

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month's two election cycles: The election of 'Fratelli Tutti' challenges a president by the nation on Nov. 3 and the our country and our selection of new leadership at the U.S. bishops' conference the following week. church A word about the document's structure. As Oct 4, 2020 in his first encyclical "Laudato Si', on Care by Michael Sean Winters for Our Common Home," Pope Francis here follows the "see, judge, act" methodology originated by Cardinal Joseph Cardijn of Belgium. The first third of the document entails a survey of the contemporary situation in which humankind finds itself. I confess I still find this approach a bit jarring. There are plenty of quotes from earlier statements by Francis, as well as citations to Pope Benedict XVI's wonderful encyclical Caritas in Veritate. But the theological observations are like grace notes in a musical score in this section. The essence of the melody is descriptive and pastoral, not didactic and theological. So, for example, we read this observation Pope Francis waves from his car after about the international response to the celebrating Mass and signing his new encyclical, pandemic: "Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship" at the Basilica of St. Francis Oct. 3 For all our hyper-connectivity, we witnessed in Assisi, Italy. (CNS/Paul Haring) a fragmentation that made it more difficult to resolve problems that affect us all. Any attempt to read Pope Francis' new Anyone who thinks that the only lesson to be encyclical Fratelli Tutti solely through an learned was the need to improve what we American lens is bound to result in a were already doing, or to refine existing distortion of the document. The pope is the systems and regulations, is denying reality universal pastor of the Catholic Church and (Paragraph 7). this text is available to all, even to non- It is pithy and true, but it does not sound like Christians. And, while it began as a the kind of magisterial text to which we are reflection on interreligious dialogue, the accustomed. pope makes clear that the onset of the Or, consider these comments about the post- COVID-19 pandemic took the text in a war consensus on the need for regimes different direction, a direction that also inspired by Christian democracy and built makes all parochial readings inadequate. on solidarity and freedom, and the That said, the document is not the least bit unravelling of that consensus in our own abstract; it is meant to be applied. And, in time: the event, the moral and anthropological For decades, it seemed that the world had lessons the Holy Father draws in this learned a lesson from its many wars and reflection could scarcely be more relevant to disasters, and was slowly moving towards the unique circumstances of the Catholic various forms of integration. For example, Church in the United States as it faces next there was the dream of a united Europe,

3 capable of acknowledging its shared roots week presidential debate between President and rejoicing in its rich diversity Donald Trump and former Vice President (Paragraph 10). … Joe Biden! Our own days, however, seem to be showing Other comments ring true but, again, have signs of a certain regression. Ancient the feel of a sermon rather than a teaching conflicts thought long buried are breaking document. "Digital connectivity is not out anew, while instances of a myopic, enough to build bridges," Francis writes at extremist, resentful and aggressive Paragraph 43. "It is not capable of uniting nationalism are on the rise. In some humanity." And, in the next paragraph, he countries, a concept of popular and national observes that, "Even as individuals maintain unity influenced by various ideologies is their comfortable consumerist isolation, they creating new forms of selfishness and a loss can choose a form of constant and febrile of the social sense under the guise of bonding that encourages remarkable defending national interests (Paragraph 11). hostility, insults, abuse, defamation and … verbal violence destructive of others, and One effective way to weaken historical this with a lack of restraint that could not consciousness, critical thinking, the struggle exist in physical contact without tearing us for justice and the processes of integration all apart. Social aggression has found is to empty great words of their meaning or unparalleled room for expansion through to manipulate them. Nowadays, what do computers and mobile devices." certain words like democracy, freedom, He deals with migrants and their plight as justice or unity really mean? They have been well as an odd section on national self- bent and shaped to serve as tools for esteem. He addresses some of the ecological domination, as meaningless tags that can be concerns he raised in Laudato Si'. But, the used to justify any action (Paragraph 14). most recurring theme of this "see" part of The style is more homiletic than magisterial, this document is the reiteration of the but the insights demonstrate the keen eye of traditional concerns of Catholic social a pastor who has been immersed in the work teaching with the influence of market of helping the people of God navigate the ideology. complexities of their times. In this case, Pope Francis concludes his survey of the while the lesson is more obviously contemporary socio-politico-cultural applicable to the situation of the European landscape, conscious that it is a "downer," Union, the note about "new forms of with some words of hope : "Despite these selfishness" is an apt description of the dark clouds, which may not be ignored, I laissez-faire economic ideology of would like in the following pages to take up Reaganism that has so shaped U.S. domestic and discuss many new paths of hope. For policy for the past 40 years. God continues to sow abundant seeds of When Francis writes, "Employing a strategy goodness in our human family" (Paragraph of ridicule, suspicion and relentless 54). criticism, in a variety of ways one denies the The pope then begins an exquisite reflection right of others to exist or to have an opinion. on the parable of the good Samaritan that … In this craven exchange of charges and serves as a key pivot to deeper theological counter-charges, debate degenerates into a reflection as well as to the "judge" part of permanent state of disagreement and the document. If you only read one section confrontation" (Paragraph 15), I wondered if of the text, read this beautiful reflection. he had received a premonition about last's

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None of us can reflect on these questions for its own purposes, or a liberalism that Francis poses without a sense of shame: serves the economic interests of the Which of these persons [in the parable] do powerful" (Paragraph 155). And, a little you identify with? This question, blunt as it later on, he states that: is, is direct and incisive. Which of these characters do you resemble? We need to [A popular government] can degenerate into acknowledge that we are constantly tempted an unhealthy "populism" when individuals to ignore others, especially the weak. Let us are able to exploit politically a people's admit that, for all the progress we have culture, under whatever ideological banner, made, we are still "illiterate" when it comes for their own personal advantage or to accompanying, caring for and supporting continuing grip on power. Or when, at other the most frail and vulnerable members of times, they seek popularity by appealing to our developed societies. We have become the basest and most selfish inclinations of accustomed to looking the other way, certain sectors of the population. This passing by, ignoring situations until they becomes all the more serious when, whether affect us directly (Paragraph 64). in cruder or more subtle forms, it leads to Note the adjective "developed" in that the usurpation of institutions and laws passage. Francis is aware that, as he puts it, (Paragraph 159). "The decision to include or exclude those lying wounded along the roadside can serve Far be it from me to suggest that the pope as a criterion for judging every economic, had President Trump in mind when he wrote political, social and religious project" those words. It might have been Hungarian (Paragraph 69). Prime Minister Viktor Orban or Italian politician Matteo Salvini. What is not really a matter for conjecture is that the pope is here condemning the nationalistic, and sometimes racist, populism they espouse. Pope Francis' critique of market economics in this chapter really shuts the door on the attempt of neoconservatives like George Weigel and the late Michael Novak to open Catholic social teaching to a greater valuation of free market ideas. Regarding those who seek to embrace a more full- blown libertarian economic theory, the door Detail of engraving "The Good Sa maritan (St. is not only shut, but it is boarded up with Luke, Ch. 10, ver. 30)" by Je an Marie Delattre, Gospel truth: engraved by Simon Francis Ravenet, published by John Boydell, Feb. 24, 1772 (Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, The marketplace, by itself, cannot resolve 1932) every problem, however much we are asked to believe this dogma of neoliberal faith. I should like to jump ahead and focus on the Whatever the challenge, this impoverished fifth chapter titled "A Better Kind of and repetitive school of thought always Politics." The pope states, "Lack of concern offers the same recipes. Neoliberalism for the vulnerable can hide behind a simply reproduces itself by resorting to the populism that exploits them demagogically magic theories of "spillover" or "trickle" —

5 without using the name — as the only of the consciousness that we are responsible solution to societal problems. There is little for the fragility of others as we strive to appreciation of the fact that the alleged build a common future" (Paragraph 115). "spillover" does not resolve the inequality This leads to his reiteration of something that gives rise to new forms of violence St. Pope John Paul II taught in his 1991 threatening the fabric of society (Paragraph encyclical Centesimus Annus: "God gave the 168). earth to the whole human race for the sustenance of all its members, without Last week, in anticipation of the encyclical, excluding or favouring anyone" (Paragraph the Catholic University of America sent 31 in CA). Francis continues in Fratelli journalists a list of faculty experts, about Tutti: "The right to private property can only half of whom were drawn from the Busch be considered a secondary natural right, School of Business. Reading this section of derived from the principle of the universal the encyclical, it is clear that the text is destination of created goods. This has directed at these would-be experts, not the concrete consequences that ought to be fruit of their work. This encyclical poses reflected in the workings of society" questions to all of us but it poses a very (Paragraph 120). specific question to the U.S. bishops who are responsible for CUA: How can they Again, I pose the question: How can the keep that business school open and under its bishops of the United States justify the current leadership in light of Fratelli Tutti? continuance of a business school at a university they own that so consistently and These passages harken back to early sections comprehensively contradicts these of the encyclical that have a more teachings? anthropological focus. For example, Pope Francis writes that: Similarly, the pope highlights a virtue and a value that Pope Benedict articulated in his Individualism does not make us more free, 2009 encyclical Caritas in Veritate: more equal, more fraternal. The mere sum gratuitousness. There, Benedict applied it to of individual interests is not capable of economics and here Francis invokes it generating a better world for the whole regarding treatment of migrants: human family. Nor can it save us from the many ills that are now increasingly "Gratuitousness makes it possible for us to globalized. Radical individualism is a virus welcome the stranger, even though this that is extremely difficult to eliminate, for it brings us no immediate tangible benefit. is clever. It makes us believe that everything Some countries, though, presume to accept consists in giving free rein to our own only scientists or investors" (Paragraph ambitions, as if by pursuing ever greater 139). ambitions and creating safety nets we would somehow be serving the common good Will conservative Catholics who support (Paragraph 105). President Trump wrestle with the implications of this teaching when assessing The pope argues for a social outlook rooted the president's policies towards immigrants? in solidarity that "finds concrete expression in service, which can take a variety of forms in an effort to care for others" and is "born

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pangs of self-condemnation? How much "respect for others" have the bishops shown in their religious liberty campaigns or in their treatment of gay and lesbian employees?

Fratelli Tutti will, like all encyclicals, require several readings. There is much in this text that I have not touched on, such as the pope's discussion of religious fanaticism, but that is powerful and provocative. His

Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, vice pastoral style is rooted in theology but is not president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic itself strictly theological, so our church's Bishops, speaks on the first day of the spring theologians have their work cut out for general assembly of the USCCB June 11, 2019, them, expounding upon the themes here and in Baltimore. (CNS/Bob Roller) supplying the theological justifications for, and explications of, its many pastoral Equally important, how will the U.S. insights. If I could interview the pope, I bishops wrestle with the fact that so many of would have a few thousand questions for their number, in issuing pastoral letters to him! the faithful in advance of the election, clearly articulate a worldview that is more What is clear is that Pope Francis has given consistent with that of the president than the church a testament of authentic solidarity with that of the pope? Will there be at a time when our president — and his sufficient votes at their November meeting, nationalistic allies abroad — offers a the first since the entire body completed counterfeit of solidarity. Both varieties of its ad limina visits with Pope Francis, and solidarity are responses to the excesses and now that they have time to read Fratelli the poverties created by neo-liberalism. Yes, Tutti, to reorient the conference away from poverties, it is clear, as David the reflexive, partisan agenda that has Schindler pointed out 20 years ago, that the dominated their work for more than a material wealth neoliberal economies decade and finally to begin embracing the generate is precisely coincident with the magisterial teachings of Pope Francis? generation of spiritual and moral poverty. Consider this passage: The whole world groans to move beyond the moral slovenliness of laissez-faire ideas. But At a time when various forms of only the pope's version represents an fundamentalist intolerance are damaging authentically Christian version of solidarity relationships between individuals, groups and, I would add, an authentically human and peoples, let us be committed to living version. This text challenges Christians in and teaching the value of respect for others, unique ways, but it challenges all. (It a love capable of welcoming differences, challenges the Catholic left also, and I will and the priority of the dignity of every come back to that another day!) human being over his or her ideas, opinions, practices and even sins (Paragraph 191). If this pandemic does not shake us out of our post-modern cultural and moral and spiritual Ask yourself: How many bishops in the U.S. lethargy, what will? Pope Francis is can read these words and not experience the

7 throwing the Catholic Church and the whole theology. He also traveled to Assisi this world a lifeline. Will we grab it? weekend to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis and officially sign this new [Michael Sean Winters covers the nexus of encyclical. religion and politics for NCR.] As in his earlier encyclicals and exhortations, Francis draws from a wide Relationship leads us to range of sources throughout Fratelli Tutti. peace: Three key At times the Franciscan tradition, and St. Francis in particular, are featured explicitly. Franciscan themes in Such is the case with the encyclical's title. It is an Italian translation of the opening 'Fratelli Tutti' phrase of St. Francis's Admonition VI, which Oct 4, 2020 the medieval saint preached to his brother by Daniel P. Horan friars in Latin.

Although the encyclical does not offer many direct references to the person or writings of St. Francis beyond the opening and closing paragraphs, the inspiration of the saint from Assisi and the tradition that bears his name is present throughout the text. There are several key themes that carry a distinctive Franciscan valence worth identifying and unpacking. The following is a sampling of just a few of the many ways the Franciscan tradition has, as the pope acknowledged, shaped the focus of this social teaching.

The concept of fraternitas The English translation of the Latin term fraternitas as "fraternity" has Detail of mural of St. Francis of Assisi and the garnered criticism, even before the wolf of Gubbio painted on the St. Francis Inn, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, seen Oct. 1, 2010. encyclical was published. Understandably, (Flickr/Jim McIntosh) the common-sense interpretation of the term views the concept as exclusively masculine, "Francis inspired these pages," said Pope referring to the "bond among brothers" or Francis about St. Francis of Assisi in the "brotherhood." Indeed, this is an accurate opening section of his new encyclical letter, understanding, particularly when one "Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social considers that the term is most often used in Friendship." Recalling that St. Francis the contemporary context of the United inspired the pope to write his last encyclical States in reference to male college students letter in 2015, "Laudato Sí, on Care for Our belonging to exclusive social organizations Common Home," Francis situates this that often emphasize a party lifestyle. current teaching document again within the framework of Franciscan spirituality and

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However, the term takes on a slightly individual liberties, or even of a certain different and notably significant meaning administratively guaranteed equality. when viewed through the lens of the Fraternity necessarily calls for something Franciscan theological tradition. It carries at greater, which in turn enhances freedom and least two senses in this context. The first is equality" (Paragraph 103). not that unlike the reference to college social organizations, albeit without the Earlier in Chapter 2 of the encyclical, the implications of bacchanalia. Dating back to pope uses the parable of the "Good St. Francis himself, whenever the Franciscan Samaritan" (Luke 10:25-37) to show how friars refer to their local communities of the Christian notion of relationship with men religious, the term used has been others transcends the limits and "fraternity." It is also a term that is used by qualifications we are quick to use in the Secular Franciscan Order in reference to isolating ourselves from solidarity with the local communities or associations of others. By contrast, if we recognize that we women and men who have professed to live are all sisters and brothers to one another, according to the Franciscan Rule in their then we have an inherent bond with each respective secular contexts. In this way, other that demands something of us — our fraternity takes on a rather practical love, respect and care. meaning, serving as the term for a particular group of Franciscans. Francis highlights the demands that a spirit of fraternity places on us in relationship to The second sense of fraternitas also goes one another in human society. Too often, the back to St. Francis and it is more theological pope says, "we are constantly tempted to than it is practical. Fraternity in this sense is ignore others, especially the weak." He more expansive and has to do with the kind notes that, "for all the progress we have of relationship one has with another. The made, we are still 'illiterate' when it comes reason that St. Francis preferred the title to accompanying, caring for, and supporting "brother" was simple: He truly meant that he the most frail and vulnerable members of saw himself as inherently related to all our developed societies. We have become women, men, and even nonhuman creatures accustomed to looking the other way, as part of God's one family of creation. To passing by, ignoring situations until they talk about fraternity as a disposition or value affect us directly" (Paragraph 64). is to talk about how you view and relate to other people, including strangers and those St. Francis instructed his followers that who may be very different from you. It is living the Christian life according to his about recognizing intrinsic familial ties with distinctive vision basically boiled down to all people and creatures. "walking in the footprints of our Lord Jesus Christ," a phrase that appears throughout his Pope Francis picks up on this Franciscan writings. Living like Jesus means logic of fraternitas in the third chapter prioritizing relationship above all else; it of Fratelli Tutti. He critiques societal means caring for those in need, regardless of relationships determined by affinity, their identity or what affiliations they might preferences, status or any other feature, and have. argues for a more fundamental concept of human relationship: fraternity. "Fraternity is Pope Francis lifts this up as not only born not only of a climate of respect for something reserved for Franciscan friars and

9 sisters, but also for all human beings, who Fraternity for World Peace and Living are fundamentally interdependent and Together," which included the shared connected to one another. How we think of assertion that, "God has created all human ourselves in relationship to others ought to beings equal in rights, duties, and dignity, be governed by this principle of our a priori and has called them to live together as interrelatedness as sisters and brothers. And brothers and sisters." the way we form our worldviews, make decisions, engage in the public square, and The nod to the importance of interreligious interact with one another at all levels should dialogue and friendship across differences in be grounded in our the global effort to promote human inextricable fraternitas with all. solidarity is no small gesture. Francis, taking seriously the prioritization of fraternal and sororal relationship with all people modeled by St. Francis, describes this social teaching as directed not only to his Christian sisters and brothers, but also addressed to all women and men of good will.

This expansive audience reflects the inclusive vision articulated at the outset of Laudato Sí and encyclicals of his predecessors, dating back to John XXIII's 1963 document Pacem in Terris, which was geared not only to Catholics and other Christians but also all people of good will.

St. Francis is known to have crossed many borders and built many bridges in his time. He intentionally transgressed the social, civil Painting of St. Francis of Assisi by Federico and ecclesial borders of his community to Barocci, circa 1600-1604 (Metropolitan embrace and then live with lepers who had Museum of Art) been ostracized from the ordinary life of Assisi. He crossed the border of the Fifth Crossing borders, building bridges Crusade's battle to engage in a peaceful Early in the document, the pope recalls encounter and exchange of ideas with the St. Francis' famous encounter with Sultan Sultan, despite the vilification of Muslims Malek al-Kamil at Damietta, Egypt, in 1219. by the majority of Christian Europe at the Drawing a connection to that historic time, including and especially by Pope episode of mutual respect, peacemaking and Innocent III. He even moved across the fraternity — a shared sense of a fraternal border of species when he sincerely referred bond between the two men from different to nonhuman creatures as his "sisters" and cultures and religions — Pope Francis "brothers," recognizing that lines of identified a comparable sense of encounter demarcation between the human and he had with Grand Imam Ahmad Al- nonhuman are in some ways artificial Tayyeb, whom he met in Abu Dhabi in constructs, given our interdependence on 2019. At that meeting, the two religious leaders signed a document on "Human

10 one another and universal reliance on our everyone" (Paragraph 216). He speaks common source, which is God. throughout Fratelli Tutti of the evils of apathy and indifference, a recurring theme in his preaching and magisterial teaching. These attitudes not only prevent us from the capacity for compassion — the ability to suffer with others in solidarity — but they also promote an individualism that creates separation and prohibits authentic relationship. What results is not only social division, but also tremendous suffering, which is felt most acutely by the poor and vulnerable.

The imposition of physical and ideological borders does great harm to human dignity, particularly for migrants and immigrants, which is why Francis strongly emphasizes the need for "fraternal gratuitousness" or the

Pope Francis celebrates the Eucharist at the building of bridges to a better life for those tomb of St. Francis in the crypt of the Basilica of who suffer the most without asking the costs St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, Oct. 3. (CNS/Vatican (Paragraph 140). This is only possible, the Media) pope notes, if we measure ourselves not merely as one country competing against Today Francis calls on all his brothers and others but "as part of the larger human sisters, regardless of their religious tradition family." He adds: "Only a social and or nation of origin, to "see things in a new political culture that readily and light and to develop new responses" to the 'gratuitously' welcomes others will have a challenges before us (Paragraph 128). future" (Paragraph 141). It is only in the Among these challenges is the increasing spirit of St. Francis' fraternitas that such tendency that individuals and nations have reforms can take place. to erect borders and walls, literal and figurative ones, which separate, isolate and Peacemaking and reconciliation exclude the most vulnerable in our world. Toward the end of Fratelli Tutti, Francis Francis' consistent critiques throughout the writes: "In many parts of the world, there is encyclical of consumerism, capitalism, a need for paths of peace to heal open nationalism, xenophobia and other wounds. There is also a need for ascendant ideologies of our time also gesture peacemakers, men and women prepared to to the importance of bridge building work boldly and creatively to initiate between peoples. processes of healing and renewed encounter" (Paragraph 225). Here he again The pope points to love as the necessary embodies the wisdom of St. Francis as a ground for our building a "culture of promoter of peacemaking and reconciliation. encounter," which "means that we, as a people, should be passionate about meeting Remembered as a faithful reformer of the others, seeking points of contact, building church and society, St. Francis' commitment bridges, planning a project that includes

11 to peacemaking and reconciliation as the vulnerable members of society" (Paragraph means for reforming dysfunctional relations 234). He adds: "Those who work for between people was grounded in his tranquil social coexistence should never understanding of universal fraternitas — forget that inequality and lack of integral that we are all brothers and sisters to one human development make peace another and ought to act like it. In his impossible" (Paragraph 235). famous "Canticle of the Creatures," St. Francis barely mentions human beings. Again, this hearkens back to the model and When he does toward the end of the text, vision of St. Francis, who in after invoking many other aspects of promoting fraternitas as the lens through creation, he says that we humans are most which to view all relationships, always authentically in keeping with God's intention prioritized the poor and marginalized. for us when we "give pardon," "bear infirmity and tribulation" and "endure in Francis, like his medieval namesake, does peace." not condone "easy" forgiveness or reconciliation, which often comes at the Similarly, Francis stresses the need for expense of silencing or dismissing the another kind of being in the world, one that discomfiting experiences and histories of is more human, one that returns to this those who have been victimized. Instead, he foundational vocation wherein God calls all insists on the importance of memory in a people to be peacemakers and reconcilers. manner evoking the theological concept Returning to the Franciscan principle "dangerous memory" of Fr. Johann Baptist of fraternitas, the pope invokes the family as Metz, and the rejection of decisions or a metaphor for reimagining social structures actions arising from "fear and resentment" and political engagement. He notes that (Paragraph 266). families regularly have disputes, but the way that healthy families resolve them can be a In the final chapter of the encyclical, the model for thinking about the bigger picture pope appeals to all religious believers, of human dynamics in society. regardless of their tradition, to be agents of reconciliation, recognizing the fundamental They may quarrel, but there is something commitment we all have to promote the that does not change: the family bond. common good. Family disputes are always resolved afterwards. The joys and sorrows of each of Speaking from the Christian perspective, its members are felt by all. That is what it Francis ties together the importance of the means to be a family! If only we could view example of Jesus Christ and fraternitas as our political opponents or neighbors in the the foundation for our universal human same way that we view our children or vocation to be peacemakers and reconcilers. spouse, mother or father! How good would "For us the wellspring of human dignity and this be! (Paragraph 230) fraternity is in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From it, there arises, for Christian thought Authentic peacemaking requires truth telling and for the action of the Church, the and a shared commitment to the good of the primacy given to relationship, to the other. It also requires recognizing how encounter with the sacred mystery of the decisions have consequences — sometimes other, to universal communion with the dramatically negative ones — for "the more

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entire human family, as a vocation of all" teaches systematic theology and spirituality. (Paragraph 277). His recent book is Catholicity and Emerging Personhood: A Contemporary Theological These three themes — fraternitas, crossing Anthropology. Follow him on borders and building bridges and Twitter: @DanHoranOFM.] peacemaking and reconciliation — only begin to signal the manifold ways the inspirational specter of St. Francis haunts 'Fratelli Tutti' seen as this latest encyclical letter. As the church speaking to a divided US begins to unpack the wisdom and challenge present in this teaching during the coming church and country weeks, months and years, the fullness of the Oct 5, 2020 Franciscan influence will become even more by Christopher White apparent.

My sense is that St. Francis would be very pleased with the message and content of Fratelli Tutti, but that he would be truly overjoyed if the people of the world actually took this teaching to heart and put it into practice.

Free copies of the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano with the front page about Pope Francis' encyclical, " 'Fratelli Tutti,' on Fraternity and Social Friendship," are distributed by volunteers at the end of the Angelus in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Oct. 4. (CNS/Reuters/IPA/Sipa USA)

The release of Pope Francis' latest encyclical has been greeted by a number of leading U.S. Catholics as a letter that speaks directly to a deeply polarized church and The Basilica of St. Francis is seen as Pope country struggling to overcome racial, Francis celebrates Mass at the tomb of St. economic and political divides. Francis in the crypt of the basilica in Assisi, Italy, Oct. 3. The pope was to sign his new Fratelli Tutti, signed on Oct. 3 and released encyclical, " 'Fratelli Tutti,' on Fraternity and on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. Social Friendship" near the tomb of St. Francis. 4, challenges unbridled capitalism and the (CNS/Paul Haring) market economy, reiterates that the death [Daniel P. Horan is the Duns Scotus penalty is inadmissible and condemns Professor of Spirituality at Catholic populist, "narcisstic" leaders who are Theological Union in Chicago, where he

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concerned with own popularity over the President Joe Biden, the lessons from the common good. encyclical feel especially close to home.

Social Justice Sr. Simone Campbell said that The pope's condemnations, wrote Dionne, of many of the themes are particularly salient " 'empty individualism,' a 'narrow and in the face of a presidential election and violent nationalism, xenophobia and legislative gridlock. contempt, and even the mistreatment of those who are different,' and 'a cool, "Pope Francis is sending a simple but jarring comfortable and globalized indifference,' " message to our world: We must move will make it "much harder for conservative beyond continuous divisiveness and come and right-wing Catholics to insist that the together to build a world worthy of all God's only orthodox vote is for Trump" in the children," said Campbell, executive director election. of Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice. "His words are an indictment on John Carr, director of Georgetown rampant individualism, 'got-you' politics and University's Initiative for Catholic Social economic exploitation. Thought and Public Life, said in a statement that "the encyclical affirms and applies the "It is notable that Pope Francis traveled to principles of Catholic social teaching to the Assisi to remind us of Saint Francis' 'new things' of 2020: a global pandemic, teachings on community and inclusivity at a economic crisis, political polarization, and time when economic and racial inequality social isolation and exclusion." are so prominent in the United States and around the world. In this moment of great "In this letter, Pope Francis asks us to extend peril, elected leaders in the U.S. have failed 'fraternity' from our own families to a in their responsibility to care for the least suffering world and to expand 'friendship' among us," her statement continued. from the personal to the political and global," wrote Carr. "Pope Francis calls for a renewal of politics as 'one of the highest forms of charity' Among the U.S. Catholic hierarchy, Los because at its best politics should 'seek the Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez, who is common good,' " wrote Patricia McGuire, president of the bishops' conference, president of Trinity University in welcomed the document as "an important Washington on Twitter. "Can Americans contribution to the Church's rich tradition of ever recognize this as the real purpose of social doctrine." politics? We have a long journey ahead of us!" "In analyzing conditions in the world today, the Holy Father provides us with a powerful Writing in The Washington Post, political and urgent vision for the moral renewal of commentator E.J. Dionne, a Catholic, said politics and political and economic that while Francis writes with a much institutions from the local level to the global broader audience in mind than just the level, calling us to build a common future United States and that he doesn't believe the that truly serves the good of the human pope to be trying to influence the choice person," wrote Gomez. "For the Church, the between President Donald Trump and Vice Pope is challenging us to overcome the individualism in our culture and to serve our

14 neighbors in love, seeing Jesus Christ in Respect Life Month, and just days before the every person, and seeking a society of annual commemoration of World Day justice and mercy, compassion and mutual Against the Death Penalty on Oct. 10," she concern." added. The reiteration by Francis of the Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago said that inadmissibility of the death penalty comes the document is "destined to be a defining less than two weeks after the National document and body of teaching for the Catholic Prayer Breakfast honored U.S. pontificate of Pope Francis." attorney general William Barr, which prompted backlash from Catholics across "With this powerful encyclical letter, the country over the fact that at his urging, addressed to all people of goodwill, the Holy the Trump administration resumed federal Father again reminds us why he is executions, ending a nearly two-decades- considered a preeminent moral teacher — long bipartisan halt to them. and in an extraordinarily critical and fraught While much of the early reaction to the moment in human history," wrote Cupich in encyclical has been praiseworthy, several a statement. theologians expressed disappointment that Several other bishops also took to social the document — which has already media to welcome the document. Bishop Ed been subject to criticism for its title, a quote Scharfenberger of Albany, New from St. Francis that directly translates as York said the document offers "Brothers All" — does not cite any women "encouragement for all members of God's in the text. family to know that they are loved, that they Theological ethicist Kevin Ahern of are connected." Bishop Daniel Flores of Manhattan College took to Twitter Brownsville, Texas, encouraged Catholics to to note that he had read the document twice avoid quick takes on the document and take and reviewed the footnotes and was time digesting the 43,000-word letter before "amazed by the absence of recognized commenting on it. "Think and pray while women's voices." you read," he said. "The world will not be "Not surprised at this point but it all makes worse off, and your soul will thank you." the good parts of the text seem less shiny Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, executive and new," he wrote. director of the Catholic Mobilizing Network, For those still slugging their way through an organization working against the death the entire text, Jesuit Fr. James Martin penalty and for restorative justice, praised offered a quick synopsis, saying it builds on the document in a statement for putting a Francis' 2015 encyclical on the environment spotlight on the death penalty, dedicating a and care for creation. dozen mentions to the matter. "If the message of #Laudato Si was "Social encyclicals are designed to point out 'Everything is connected,' " wrote Martin on the most pressing social issues of our day," Twitter, "the message of #Fratelli Tutti is said Vaillancourt Murphy. "In dedicating a 'Everyone is connected.' " section of Fratelli Tutti to the issue of the [Christopher White is NCR national death penalty, Pope Francis has leveraged correspondent. His email address is the full weight of the Church's teaching [email protected]. Follow him on behind its opposition to capital punishment." Twitter: @CWWhite212.] "The significance of the document is further punctuated by its release during the Church's

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REJECTION who suffered scorn and A Reflection from the rejection. Sometimes, in name of what we say we believe, we reject Christian Traditions other people because of the Matthew 21:33-46 uniqueness of their beliefs or the ways by Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P. they express their love for others. Even peacemakers Jesus called "blessed" have and do suffer Rejection is a terrible rejection. thing. I hope and pray none of you ever experienced the pain and anguish Jesus himself, like so many of rejection. I suspect you did. It is great people, suffered rejection almost impossible to go through life because he uplifted the rejected, and not. welcomed the stranger, and became a friend of his would be enemy. Jesus I remember when I was a became more and more tender and little boy venturing out into the open to others as he suffered more and World. I wanted to join a more rejection and scorn. He might neighborhood baseball team but, not have something to say to us today. being very good at sports, I was rejected. The only consolation I had If any of us have ever was the company of other kids who suffered rejection, we know some had been rejected as well. We became things. We know the pain of rejection best friends forming a science club and the hurt it causes. Why would we and running off to the library and ever do to another person what we museums on weekends. We found ourselves abhor? Why would we ever our niche the hard way. I think about allow anyone to reject or hurt another that little gang of would be scientists person in our name? The time has and literary explorers but often come to put our faith where our heart imagine I won the game I was never is by opening the doors of our hearts invited to play. to the rejected and hurt of this World.

It breaks my heart to live in a Jesus taught a parable time when powerful people would inspired by the Prophet Isaiah rather build a wall than welcome a (Matthew 21: 33-46). The parable stranger, would rather separate an was about the treasure the powerful immigrant child from her parents than and cruel rejected. Jesus said the shelter them with love, would rather "stone rejected by the builders has insult than uplift. It breaks my heart become the keystone!" (see Matthew to witness so many people being 21: 42). I have come to believe that rejected. the rejected people of today are the keystone to our future as a We have a long history of compassionate and welcoming World rejecting people. Think of the where all can live in peace and dignity indigenous people, the people of with self-respect and a sense of color, and even our own ancestors serenity.

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The worthy brothers are: Lucky The politics of rejection Thammalangsy, Isaac Torres, Bill cannot long endure. No Church can Barbanica, Steve Rojek, and Chip survive unless it welcomes those with Sharpe. no place to go. No community can possibly survive unless it finds in Well done brothers, and thank you. We others the essence of its future, leave no neighbor behind. namely, the welcoming of others. Grand Knight Chip Sharpe

As Covid-19 rages in the Brothers, land and threatens the World, we are Please join with me in congratulating Sir realizing how much we need one Knight Pat McConnell, Sir Knight Tony another for comfort, healing, support, Gumina and Sir Knight Bill Stuhlreyer in and hope. We cannot, or better, completing their Fourth Degree should not waste these precious exemplification this afternoon. The Fourth moments strategizing how to reject Degree Committee did an excellent job people. We are in this situation putting on a beautiful patriotism ceremony together and together we can do what with emphasis on our American Flag. no one of us can do alone. Thank you, Brothers, for taking the time to be part of this ceremony. Blessings and peace to you, Holy Community. Vivat Jesus, Father Tom Bonacci, C.P. Bill Barbanica

Tri-Tip Sandwiches The Knights of Columbus will be selling their delicious Tri-Tip Sandwiches as part of the Grand Raffle Celebration.

Order your meals now on Flocknote or by contacting Steve Rojek at 925-642-2329 (or call the office and leave a message). You may pick them up on Sunday, October 18th between noon and 1:00 pm. It will be a drive-thru, and you can pay when you pick Please join me in thanking our five up your order. The cost is $10 which volunteers who worked hard this morning includes a Tri-Tip Sandwich (prepared by loading literally mountains of clothing the Knights of Columbus), chips and a soda. donations into a gigantic truck trailer headed to the Pittsburg St. Vincent de Paul facility All proceeds will support the Parish Hall in Pittsburg. The folks at SVDP will sort Expansion Project. Many thanks for your these donations and either sell them to needy support. clients or pass them on to needy people all over the world. It was hard and sweaty work, but our sizable contribution of brother power was greatly appreciated.

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Five things to look for in Pope Francis' new encyclical, 'Fratelli Tutti' Oct 6, 2020 by Thomas Reese, Religion News Service

Can you believe it? This is October already! And also, the most amazing month with temperatures in the mid-nineties. Yet the need for food has never been greater.

Too many families are struggling to make it to the next paycheck, or worse, just through another week. We are so fortunate to be able to help the needy by distributing free food to them, compliments of the food bank Free copies of L'Osservatore Romano, the of Contra Costa and Solano Counties. These Vatican newspaper, with the front page about wonderful folks make it possible for us to Pope Francis' new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, on help distribute the food. Fraternity and Social Friendship, are distributed by volunteers at the end of the Angelus in St. nd Last Friday, October 2 , was no exception. Peter's Square at the Vatican Oct. 4, 2020. Due to the smoke and heat, only two helpers (CNS/Reuters/IPA/Sipa USA) were able to come, but it was not a problem. With the assistance of the new driver, Fratelli Tutti ("Brothers all"), the new papal myself, and one very enthusiastic lady, we encyclical on fraternity and social managed just fine. Also, Estrella Rusk friendship, is an important teaching helped each time with the check-ins. We document that must be read by anyone who were fortunate to give large cantaloupes. wants to know where Pope Francis is The nice driver saved them just for our stop. coming from. Each family also enjoyed 3 cauliflower, along with a bucket of the biggest carrots I Through the centuries, popes have written have ever seen! And we topped off their letters or encyclicals on important issues, bags with apples and small onions. sometimes addressed to bishops, other times to all Catholics, more recently to all people. It was nice to see so many delighted faces By using the encyclical format, Francis is when they saw the great variety of food they announcing he has something important to had received. That is what makes helping so say about fraternity and friendship, and he very satisfying. Thank you to everyone and I wants people to pay attention. wish you a wonderful week. Here are five things to look for in the new Werner Hoch 💒💒 encyclical.

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1. It's not a beach read we should see everyone as our brother and First, there are a few ways to take in the new sister and treat them with kindness and encyclical: skim it or read it slowly in small respect. chunks. I don't recommend trying to get through the 43,000-word document, written Finally, Chapter 8 speaks of the role of in stately papal prose, as you would a book religion in building fraternity. This chapter — say over a weekend. You'll find yourself will be especially useful for ecumenical and nodding off. inter-religious dialogs.

Skimming the encyclical for a few juicy quotes will get you ready for the next Catholic cocktail party.

But if you want to understand Francis, take your time. Do not try to read more than a chapter in one sitting. Give the text time to marinate. Each chapter takes time to digest. Chapter 1 describes the sad state of the world. It is depressing, yet the pope offers Pope Francis signs his new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship after hope. "Difficulties that seem celebrating Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis in overwhelming," he writes, "are opportunities Assisi, Italy, Oct. 3, 2020. (CNS/Vatican Media) for growth, not excuses for a glum resignation that can lead only to 2. You've heard much of this before acquiescence." The second thing to note about the encyclical is that much of it repeats what Chapter 2, a meditation on the parable of the Francis has said before. Quotations make up "Good Samaritan," could make good more than a fourth of the encyclical, with material for parish discussion groups. 288 footnotes to lead the reader to their sources. Chapters 3 and 4 present the pope's fundamental vision. "The spiritual stature of Here Francis is like an op-ed writer who, a person's life is measured by love," he after seven years of writing, has decided to writes. This love must extend beyond repackage his work and present his thoughts family, tribe and nation to strangers, in a comprehensive and systematic way. migrants and all people into a social Those who have been paying attention will friendship where the worth of every person recognize in the encyclical the principles is acknowledged. These chapters are that guide Francis' papacy. For those who foundational to Francis' approach to have not been paying attention, the humanity and its problems. encyclical will be a grand introduction to the thought animating this papacy. Chapter 5 presents the pope's political philosophy, Chapter 6 is on the importance There may also be a theological strategy of social and cultural values, and Chapter 7 behind all of these quotes. By incorporating deals with reconciliation and peace building. past sayings from homilies, speeches and One can only wish politicians and world statements into an encyclical, one of the leaders read these chapters, which stress that highest levels of teaching in the church, he

19 raises their authority. Surely he had this in on Fraternity and Social Friendship, at the mind when he quoted extensively from last Vatican Oct. 4, 2020. Also pictured are Cardinal year's Abu Dhabi agreement with the Grand Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot, president of the Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed Al- Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Tayeb. These citations are now the official and Judge Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel Salam, secretary general of the Higher Committee of teaching of the church. Human Fraternity. (CNS/Paul Haring)

3. You're not going to be shocked 4. It's an assertion of values, not a The third thing to note about the encyclical prescription of solutions is that there are no bombshells. He avoids The fourth thing to note about the encyclical mentioning the topics the media likes to is that, though it does make specific write about. He says nothing about internal proposals, it is more about attitudes and church issues. He mentions abortion only values than programs. In his meditation on once in passing. There is nothing about the "Good Samaritan," he concludes, "The LGBTQ persons and little about women. decision to include or exclude those lying What he does say about women is positive: wounded along the roadside can serve as a "The organization of societies worldwide is criterion for judging every economic, still far from reflecting clearly that women political, social and religious project." possess the same dignity and identical rights He also speaks eloquently of kindness that as men." He also condemns violence against involves "speaking words of comfort, women and human trafficking. The strength, consolation and encouragement" encyclical sees men and women as equal and not "words that demean, sadden, anger partners in dealing with the world's or show scorn." problems. For Francis, however, kindness is not just a The encyclical does express strong views on personal virtue, but something that needs to capital punishment, war and economics, but permeate culture. Because kindness "entails the pope writes with nuance. He offers no esteem and respect for others, once kindness simple solutions, instead encouraging dialog becomes a culture within society it and inclusion: Everyone must be brought transforms lifestyles, relationships and the into the conversation and decision-making ways ideas are discussed and compared," he process to deal with the world's challenges. writes. "Kindness facilitates the quest for consensus; it opens new paths where hostility and conflict would burn all bridges."

This should lead to a "culture of encounter," he says, where people "should be passionate about meeting others, seeking points of contact, building bridges, planning a project that includes everyone."

But this focus on high-minded values does not stop Francis from telling politicians they Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of should implement these values. state, speaks at a press conference for the release of Pope Francis' new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti,

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Politicians are doers, builders with before he resigned. Francis made minor ambitious goals, possessed of a broad, changes and signed onto the encyclical in realistic and pragmatic gaze that looks 2013 to show the continuity between his beyond their own borders. Their biggest papacy and that of Benedict. concern should not be about a drop in the polls, but about finding effective solutions to The second, Laudato Si' ("Praise be to "the phenomenon of social and economic you"), was a clarion call to action on behalf exclusion, with its baneful consequences: of the earth, which is suffering from human trafficking, the marketing of human environmental devastation and global organs and tissues, the sexual exploitation of warming. The response to the 2015 letter boys and girls, slave labour, including was overwhelmingly positive except from prostitution, the drug and weapons trade, climate-change deniers. terrorism and international organized crime." Fratelli Tutti, Francis' third encyclical, presents his vision of how humanity must 5. This is not a document only for respond to the needs of the 21st century. It Americans will take time to absorb, but it can be life The fifth thing to note about the encyclical is sustaining. that it is written for the entire world, not just for the church and not for the United States. [Jesuit Fr. Thomas Reese is a columnist for Do not try to read it in the context of the Religion News Service and author of Inside presidential election! the Vatican: The Politics and Organization of the Catholic Church.] The philosophical style of the encyclical, in fact, may be more accessible to Europeans and Latin Americans than to U.S. citizens, ‘Fratelli Tutti’ challenges who tend to be more pragmatic and concrete the American way of life. in their thinking. For that very reason, the encyclical is especially useful to Americans Are we listening? who need to raise their eyes to a higher vision while at the same time maintaining their practical focus.

In conclusion, this encyclical is not a quick read that can be used for partisan bickering. It is a work that requires meditation for true understanding. It should provide input for philosophers and theologians as well as political and social leaders and ordinary citizens.

Encyclicals are important but rare teaching documents under Francis. He has only issued two other encyclicals. The Pope Francis devotes the second chapter of first, Lumen Fidei ("The light of faith") was his new social encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti,” basically written by Pope Benedict XVI to a meditation on the parable of the good

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Samaritan. In doing so, he offers a And Francis reminds us that it is compelling theological and moral lens for always people who suffer from these understanding our world, examining our injustices: the poor, the disabled, women, conscience and finding a pathway to racial minorities, migrants, refugees, the universal fraternity and social friendship. elderly, prisoners, the unborn, the lonely. The events of 2020 and the failure of our He describes the various characters in the leaders to meet the moment have exposed parable: robbers who beat and leave a man and exacerbated deep-seated social to suffer in the street, priests and religious injustice. Racism, our nation’s original sin, types who step to the other side so they do has proven to be “a virus that quickly not have to walk by him. Then comes the mutates”; the Covid-19 pandemic has foreigner—a total stranger—who gives his affected all communities, but people of tenderness, money and time to care for the color and the elderly have suffered wounded person. disproportionately; the economic devastation that followed has forced The pope asks, “Which of these characters millions of low-income workers to the do you identify with? This question, blunt brink of desperation, while at the same as it is, is direct and incisive. Which of time billionaires’ wealth has grown more these characters do you resemble?” than 25 percent. If the United States were to answer the Pope Francis devotes a significant amount question honestly, it would be filled with of attention to the plight of migrants and contrition. refugees. In 2019, there were more than 272 million migrants worldwide, according The pope writes, “The true worth of the to the United Nations. “We can then say different countries of our world is that each country also belongs to the measured by their ability to think not foreigner, inasmuch as a territory’s goods simply as a country but also as part of the must not be denied to a needy person larger human family.” How exactly, then, coming from elsewhere,” writes the pope. does the United States measure up? The Trump administration has consistently sought to curb immigration, legal as well “The true worth of the different countries of as illegal, setting obstacles for asylum our world is measured by their ability to seekers fleeing violence, attempting to end think not simply as a country but also as part the Deferred Action for Childhood of the larger human family.” Arrivals program and making it more difficult for green card holders to maintain Who are the people beaten in the street legal residency in the United States. today? It seems impossible that one could list every social injustice that plagues our The pope identifies the plague of political society, but Francis comes close. A short polarization and the collapse of genuine listing of the evidence demonstrates that public discourse as a primary reason for our world is broken, divided world our failure to respond to the moment. includes: war, climate change, the death Francis warns that “[t]hings that until a few penalty, poverty, abortion, inequality, years ago could not be said by anyone unfettered capitalism, racism, nationalism, without risking the loss of universal unemployment. respect can now be said with impunity, and

22 in the crudest of terms, even by some But his views could also prove prescient. political figures.” Nationalism remains on the rise; the world is threatened by weapons of war in the The pope identifies the plague of political hands of bombastic leaders whose false polarization and the collapse of genuine populisms thrive on conflict and division. public discourse as a primary reason for our Francis warns, “We may often find failure to respond to the moment. ourselves succumbing to the mentality of the violent, the blindly ambitious, those “Fratelli Tutti,” then, beyond serving as an who spread mistrust and lies.” excellent primer on Catholic social teaching, reminds all people of good will But, like Jesus, who was no stranger to that work against the structures of social political strife and violence, Francis is sin goes hand in hand with personal, resolutely hopeful: “Others may continue individual growth in virtue. This pope has to view politics or the economy as an arena constantly encouraged believers to follow for their own power plays. For our part, let Christ to the peripheries of society, and he us foster what is good and place ourselves reminds us in this encyclical that “some at its service.” peripheries are close to us, in city centers or within our families.... It has to do with Surely, the United States has done much our daily efforts to expand our circle of that is good in the world. But all this is for friends, to reach those who, even though nothing without a national reckoning with they are close to me, I do not naturally the political and spiritual crisis that has consider a part of my circle of interests.” befallen us. “Fratelli Tutti,” read during an election year, is a reminder that Catholic While most Americans agree that our social teaching offers a profound challenge national politics are broken, it sadly goes to the national conscience, but also too often unnoticed that our personal contains the seeds of national conversion. neighborliness is also in decline. As David Brooks put it recently in an essay for The During the presidential candidacy of John Atlantic, “interpersonal trust is in F. Kennedy, voters fretted that Rome catastrophic decline.” Only 30 percent of would infiltrate the top levels of our Americans believe that “most people can government. Now, one presidential be trusted.” We are at high risk of not candidate proudly touts his Catholic faith knowing what afflicts even the person next while embracing policies that ignore some door to us. Most Americans know only core Catholic moral teachings; the other relatively few of their neighbors, and proclaims himself a champion of Catholic hardly any know them all. It is a problem values but would likely reject most of the that Americans have lost trust in pope’s encyclical. And yet Americans— institutions. This country will be including American Catholics—do not ungovernable and unlivable if we all lose seem worried that Catholicism’s influence trust in one another. will upend their way of doing things. In “Fratelli Tutti,” the pope has sent a In a pandemic that has shown how limited reminder: Perhaps we all should be. the protection is that is offered by national borders, the pope’s words strike a chord. From the Jesuit Magazine, “America” October 7, 2020

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If you or someone you know would like to receive a turkey and food gift card as part of this outreach, reservations are required. Call 757-7450 (English) or 757- 0941 (Español) on Monday, November 2 or Tuesday, November 3 from 9:00am – noon Thanksgiving Outreach 2020 and 1:00pm to 4:00pm on both days. Thanks to your generosity, this summer’s Reservations will be taken only at these Mary Project and St. Peter Martyr Backpack numbers and there is a limit of 150 Project proved to be very successful virtual reservations. If the lines are busy, keep events. Now the ongoing pandemic is also trying. You must speak to a representative in changing our role with the St. Vincent de order to make a reservation. Antioch Paul (SVdP) Thanksgiving distribution – it’s residency is required. going virtual too! Bishop’s Appeal The distribution will be a drive through only Message from Diocese of Oakland Office of event in our parking lot and participants will Mission Advancement: On behalf of receive a turkey and a food gift card – no everyone at the chancery, we extend our baskets. We are asking our parishioners to sincere thanks to all parishioners who have make cash/check donations in lieu of supported the 2020 Bishop’s Appeal with a creating a basket. Please write gift or pledge. Of course, we understand that Thanksgiving Outreach in the memo line for many, charitable giving has been on the check. All money collected will be adversely impacted by financial hardship forwarded to the SVdP Conference at Holy due to the Coronavirus pandemic. During Rosary. PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE such challenging times, a gift of any amount INDIVIDUAL GIFT CARDS. SVdP will is appreciated more than ever. purchase the gift cards and please do not purchase individual turkeys. The parish does Thank you to everyone who has supported not have any capacity to store frozen this year’s Bishop’s Appeal. As of turkeys. Monetary donations will be August 31, 2020, two hundred ten accepted through Sunday, November 22. St. Ignatius of Antioch families have raised $17,392 (53%) towards our goal of If you would like to provide a Thanksgiving $34,900. The 2020 Bishop’s Appeal hopes card with an expression of love and support, to raise $3,000,000 to support important feel free to drop them off at the parish work of the Diocese and $1,507,672 has office, the rectory or at the weekend liturgy. been raised diocese-wide so far. These will be collected and handed out as part of the distribution process. If you in a position to support the Bishop’s Appeal but have not yet done so, please We look forward to returning to our prayerfully consider a gift of any amount. traditional outreach efforts next year, filling Make your check payable to “Bishop’s our sanctuary with baby clothes, diapers and Appeal” and place in the collection basket at supplies for the Mary Project, backpacks either liturgy or walk up Holy Communion. and school supplies for St. Peter Martyr and You may also mail your donation to the Thanksgiving baskets for the SVdP rectory, 209 Tanganyika Ct., Antioch, CA outreach. 94509.

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wrapped in the wedding garment of God's Justice Corner by Carolyn Krantz, grace. I know that God provides His love Pastoral Associate every day, every hour. We cannot solve the The hope of returning to worship in the problems of the world, but we can firmly church brings joy amid the continued know that God's love is ever present. We struggles of this time. The King is inviting can bring God's love to those around us who us to the wedding feast and we leave our may be depressed or in need. We must hold other preoccupations to come. After seven on to Isaiah's promise that “He will destroy months out of our sacred space, we rejoice the veil that veils all the peoples” and “wipe to return to these familiar surroundings the tears from every face.” God “will fully dressed in our “church clothes.” We make supply whatever you need in accord with the sure that we have a “wedding garment” glorious riches of Christ Jesus,” says St. made of good deeds in this “time of Paul. COVID.” This is why He left us Eucharist, to “supply God continually offers us the “wedding what we need.” This is why we gather as garment” of grace. I imagine myself His body. We rejoice to be in our sacred wrapped in this garment when things are space once more and resolve to move difficult. A spiritual director once said to forward toward the new future before us. So me, “You don't know that God loves you!” come a little early. Spend time rejoicing in He was referring to all my doubts and fears. the beautiful windows and the autumn décor This time of sickness, fires, economic and so artfully arranged. Spend time thanking political unrest has certainly brought all God for this space to quietly reflect on the those feelings back. I have had to week. Wrap the wedding garment of God's consciously train my mind and emotions to love around you and breathe a sigh of relief trust that the King provides that garment of that we have such a merciful God. Then grace every day. Each day presents the shake it out and get ready to wrap it around beauty of nature. Each day shows me someone you know who needs a reminder opportunities of extending love to others. that they are loved. The garment is here if I choose to put it on. We are in a time of great change. Our old There are many who do not. They stand way of doing things needs a new structure. outside amid “weeping and nashing of Illia Delio says, “The livingness of God teeth.” They let their emotions run through disrupts and disfigures every stabilizing all the changes and lament that the past will structure, thereby keeping the playful whole not come back. It will never “be normal” if in movement. Just when we think we have a normal means like it was before COVID. certainty of God, divinity will slip out from All has changed. Education, meetings, under our evolutionary feet and, like the working from home, all has been influenced speed of light, elude our grasp to become the by the pandemic. Our families have had to power of the future.” (1) So hang on to adjust to living more closely together. And your hat, it's going to be quite a ride! The we as the faithful, must choose to put on the “livingness of God,” the “wedding wedding garment of God's continued love garment,” awaits us. Put it on and know that for us and move forward in hope. the Eucharist will always be there to supply what we need. Our move back into church is So, I imagine walking into this feast the promise we need to face the future as

25 followers of Christ. means will I start to think I’m some sort of modern-day George Jetson. Sometimes it is (1) Illia Delio, The Unbearable Wholeness the littlest thing that we miss or forget that of Being, Maryknoll, New York: Orbis makes a technological task impossible. We Books, 2013, p. 113. learn by doing.

Parish Perspective by Are you longing for the days before covid- Peter Degl’Innocenti, Pastoral Associate 19? What a lot of writers would have an Eu-phoria, Greek for Good Feeling indigenous people say after a cataclysm, “In Well, I did it! I know most of you don’t wait the Before time.” Well, we can experience impatiently for this column to appear each the thrill of driving by the Knights of week, but if you have been following it for Columbus pop-up tent and collecting a the last three weeks you are privy to my delectable and mouth-watering Tri Tip tribulations of emerging into the 21st century sandwich next Sunday, the 18th of October. via Wi-Fi and Zoom technology. I For a mere $10 you can participate as in “the successfully scheduled a Zoom meeting for good old days” when every other Sunday the proper time slot, sent the “invite” to the during summer was a Tri Tip Sunday. correct recipient, was able to go to the Support the Knights who support the Church correct meeting (as the host, not a and help them to honor their pledge to participant), allowed the participants into the contribute to the expansion fund. meeting, had video and sound going, conducted the class, and ended the meeting when we finished. The euphoria that filled me when I finally closed the lid on the laptop was tremendous.

Like most things in life that aren’t easy to come by, the reward is proportional to the difficulty beforehand. It did take several tries to log onto the coded meeting instead of popping up into a new unscheduled meeting. As the clock ticked towards the 5:30 pm start time the butterflies in my stomach started an aerobatic routine of chandelles, snap rolls, and tailspins. Relief came the moment the screen announced that the guests were in the waiting room and would I like them admitted. Boy, would I!

Afterwards, as the euphoria started to subside the words of Han Solo from the movie Star Wars came to mind. They were the words spoken just after Luke had destroyed his first Tie Fighter and exclaimed, “I got one!” Solo’s reply is, “Great kid, don’t get cocky!” So, by no

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Catholic Vote 2020 St Anne Church Byron, CA. Issue 5 This series is for Catholic-Christians to reflect on the teachings of Jesus and his Church as we prepare to vote. These are the part of The Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching 5. The Dignity of Work & the Rights of Workers Work is more than making a living; it is the way that we participate in the work of “You shall not creation. We are co-creators with God as we contribute to the shaping of society defraud a poor and and the common good. But for many that creativity is becoming impossible due to needy hired servant, a predatory economic system that sees profit as the only valuable measure. whether he be one of your countrymen In 2014 Pope Francis in a speech before a world meeting organized by the or one of the aliens Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace spoke, “…there is no worse material poverty who live in your than the poverty which does not allow people to earn their bread, which deprives them of work…If economic profit takes precedence over the individual and over humanity, we find a throw-away communities. You culture at work that considers humanity itself, human beings, as a consumer good, which can be shall pay him each used and then thrown away. This happens when the deity of money is at the center of the economic day’s wages before system rather than man, the human person.” sundown on the day itself, since he is Following in line with the early Fathers of the Church and the teaching of the poor and looks popes since Leo XIII at the end of the 19th Century, Francis affirms that people forward to them. have a right to decent, meaningful work and fair wages. Work should promote the Otherwise he will dignity of the worker. Workers have the right to organize and join unions, own cry to the Lord private property, including the means of productivity and to economic initiative. against you, and The economy should serve people not the other way around. you will be held guilty.” Slaves No Longer “Six days you may labor and do all your work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord, Deuteronomy your God. No work may be done then…for remember you were once slaves in Egypt, and the 24: 14-15 Lord, your God brought you from there…That is why the Lord your God, has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.

The reason for the rest of the Sabbath was a sign to the Israelites that they were not enslaved to work any longer. In Egypt they were slaves to a never ending forced labor. But God is a God of freedom. The meaning of their life is not found in endless servitude chasing after ever elusive wealth. Meaning and true wealth is found in family and community. The Sabbath recreates these bonds each and every week. Even God is not a slave to the work of maintaining creation for God also takes a Sabbath rest.

One of many things that came with unionization was the idea of the forty hour work week. Workers were humans who needed time for forming social bonds of family and friends. As unions have faded so have many of the benefits. Are we free

or merely cogs in economic systems that have re-enslaved us. How might we find balance again? How can we help all find meaningful work? 6. Solidarity “We though many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.” Romans 12:5

We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, religious differences. St Paul reminds us that we are one body. Our love of neighbor has global ramifications in our ever shrinking world. The COVID 19 outbreak has reminded us just how connected together we “Peace is my farewell are. to you, My peace is my gift to you; I do not As Catholics we believe that we are saved together as part of the “communion of the saints” as we profess in the creed each Sunday. Pope give it to you as the Francis says that “solidarity…is a word that means much more than an occasional world gives peace…” gesture of generosity. It means thinking and acting in terms of community. It means that the lives of all take priority over the appropriation of goods by a few.” John 14: 27

“If you want Peace, work for Justice”—Pope Paul VI At the core of solidarity is the communal pursuit of justice and peace. Peace is more than merely a lack of conflict. The Hebrew word for “Peace” is “Shalom.” Shalom means literally “right relationship.” It means we seek to live in right relation with God, others and creation. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” Our love for the whole human family demands that we work together for justice that we might Promote God’s Shalom in the world.

7. Care for God’s Creation “God looked at everything that he had made, and God found it very good.” Genesis 1:31 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth and set humans as his stewards to care for his creation. Creation witnesses to God by its very existence. God reveals Godself in creation and in a sense is the first sacrament of God’s presence.

Creation is always an object of praise in the worship of Israel and the prayer of the early Christians. Care for creation was the first commandment to humanity and a requirement of faith. We are called to honor and protect our planet and its people to live in right relationship with all God’s creation.

The pollution of the environment and global warming demonstrate our lack of care. The Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle said, “We need to see our human vocation to live with the family of creation as stewards and not owners.”

NEXT: Climate Change St. Ignatius of Antioch 11th Annual Grand Raffle

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ARE ABLE TO SUPPORT THIS IMPORTANT FUNDRAISING EFFORT THAT BENEFITS OUR PARISH. Request additional books from the parish office by calling (925)778-0768.

Grand Raffle –Last Chance Bonus Offer If you’ve already sold one book of raffle tickets, here’s your chance to earn additional bonus tickets. Sell one more book of tickets between now and 9 am Sunday morning, October 18, 2020 (a Committee member will accept them as you enter mass) -- you will receive 5 bonus tickets AND be entered into the $300 multiple book seller drawing. Note: to participate in this special bonus offer, you must have already sold at least one book of tickets. Additional ticket books are available from the parish office or by calling 778-0768. Turn in your sales proceeds to the parish office, the rectory (209 Tanganyika Ct.) or at weekend Liturgies. Let’s try to hit 300 books between now and October 18th!

300 Books Books Sold as of 225 Books Sunday, 150 Books October 4: 75 Books 260