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The Southern Cross, Page 4 Ci>mim©a3ittsurf Open Wide the Doors to Christ Thursday, November 9, 2000 By Father Michael H. Smith T o open the door and let someone into your home, into your life, is one thing. But what follows thereafter shows the strength and depth of the relationship. Not even every marriage that begins well, ends well. The beginning of life as a Christian is to accept Christ as our Savior and invite him in to minister to our hurts and meet our deepest needs. But Jesus Christ comes not only to be our Savior, but to become Lord of our lives. His goal is to establish God’s rule over every aspect of how we think, what we do and desire, who we are at the core. Thus we will radiate his light, and spread abroad his love and goodness—all for the glory of our Father. The second group of Beatitudes are keys to this happening. Those who Hunger and Thirst for Justice: Our society is big into eating and drinking, even when we are not hungry. But how much does it bother me to see someone being treated unfairly, or when I know that something happening is wrong? Does my own wrongdoing touch me deeply? Many times do we not find ourselves complacent and tolerant, mostly concerned only about our immediate welfare. Sometimes this is even to the point of becoming cynical, feeling: “Nothing’s going to change, so why bother?” How often are you really upset over what is wrong, or seriously determined to make some thing better? The Merciful: reveal to us the heart of God, “a Diocese Father forever.” The merciful feel so deeply for what is happening that they truly come to under stand, to feel with another; and more, to stick with, to bear with this person no matter what. As Hosea says of God, “I will espouse you to me for ever” (Hosea 2:19). The opposite are those who are always and endlessly demanding: “Do this or you’ve had it.” People who think capital punish ment is the answer to many social problems have been little touched by the divine mercy. Mercy is more important to God than even the struggle for justice. How long do I hang in with someone? What causes me to give up? The Pure in Heart: Parents gazing at their newborn child maybe come closest to this ideal. Selfishness is practically banished. Their atten tion is focused completely on the good of this precious and innocent one, so deserving of all their love. As we receive a little child so are we to receive God, the pearl of great price, the treasure hidden in the field. We are called to love God freely, from the heart, and fully, with all that we are. We are to be single-minded and without guile in our response to God. The oppo site: To be anxious and preoccupied about many things, like Martha was when Jesus came to her home, and particularly to be always concerned about how we are coming across to others, always putting on a show, trying to impress. Am I the same person when alone and with others? When we come to seek what is right and just, God is taking hold of our actions. When we learn mercy, God is taking hold of our way of relating to others. When we become pure in heart, our heart belongs fully to our God, who has become our love. Father Michael H. Smith is pastor of Holy Redeemer, McRae, and Saint Mark, Eastman. This is the second in a series of four articles. 601 E. Liberty St. Savannah, GA 31401-5196 On behavior in Church Dear Editor: Triple kudos to William C. Scholly’s accurate descriptions about the ignorance displayed by the majority of church attendees. His recom mendation for a Catholic “boot camp” (quotes are mine) is right on target. Unfortunately it will fall on deaf ears in the current social politi cally correct climate: thou shaft not offend the parishioners with the truth. For those of us wishing to bridge the igno rance here are some starting points. Among Scott Hahn’s many excellent books these two are a great launch pad: Answers for Catholics and Answering Com mon Objections. Also, these two books provide keen insights into our Roman Catholic roots and help strengthen our resolve when con fronting a challenge to our faith: Karl Keating’s Catholicism and Fundamentalism, and Father Mario R Romero’s Unabridged Christianity: Biblical Answers to Common Questions About the Roman Catholic Faith. Finally, I highly encourage everyone to sub scribe to the best monthly resource for Catholics, New Oxford Review. Call or write NOR and they will provide information on trial issues and subscription rates. Reach them at (510) 526-5374 or by writing to NOR, 1069 Kains Ave., Berkeley, 94706-2260. Mr. Scholly, likewise, I long to hear the bells still echoing in my childhood memories. Nick I. Quintana Savannah Letters The Georgia Right to Life Convention Dear Editor: I had the privilege to attend the Georgia Right to Life convention in October. The keynote speaker was Joan Appleton. She was an abor tion provider for five years. The stories she told about the abortion industry were almost unbe lievable and too horrendous to share in this newspaper (unless you would like a follow-up article). Ms. Appleton is now a pro-life defend er and the director of Centurions, an outreach ministry to former abortion workers and those attempting to leave the abortion industry. She asked us for help in five specific areas and I would like to share the opportunity to help with your readers. 1. Pray for abortion workers. Many are suf fering from emotional and drug problems. Many are just numb inside. 2. If you know an abortion worker who would like to leave the job (and Joan explained it is not as easy to do) give them Centurion’s phone number 651-771-1500. 3. If you are in the position to hire medical workers, consider a Centurion. 4. Continue sidewalk counseling outside abortion facilities. That is how Joan got out of the industry. 5. Please continue to pray for women who have had an abortion. If your church does not have an active outreach for the post-abortive women, start one. It must be one that will go to the women, because many women are not FAX: (912) 238-2339 E-mail: DClark5735@aol.com strong enough emotionally to travel much out of her own community. If you would like additional information on Centurions or on Georgia Right to Life, please call me at 478-788-6386. Donna Hunt Warner Robins Kudos to Rita DeLorme Dear Editor: Kudos to Rita H. DeLorme. Since [my wife] Evelyn is a descendant of a long line of O’Haras, you can imagine my enjoyment read ing Ms. DeLorme’s article in the October 12 issue of The Southern Cross. Her grandfather, Timothy Frances O’Hara, was one of eleven O’Hara children. Although I enjoy The Southern Cross, a little more balance (news from the west) would be appreciated. Ray Crowley Columbus Note: All letters to the Editor must be signed. All letters sent to the Editor at The Southern Cross are assumed to be for publication, unless the paper is informed otherwise. Opinions ex pressed in the letters are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. Letters may be edited for length.