Brian R Corbin's Reflections on Religion and Life

The word “evangelization” means telling the Good News. What is the Good News? Last Sunday I used the example of the GPS – Global Positioning System to say that we are in need of a “way” to position ourselves
in the world that will bring new life. The “way” has to be life giving, establishing new relationships that will create a world of peace and justice. I heard a parent say that our children will never know a world where one could walk onto a plane without taking off your shoes, going through a scanner, and limiting the number
of ounces of mouthwash carried on-board. What will it take to enable our children to be able to live in a world that is safe and secure?
We have sought world security through economic, military and political power. At times that allows a stand-down or a period of quasi-peaceful co-existence; but we just never seem to be able to position ourselves for long-lasting peace. Our hope still remains, reflecting on the prophets Isaiah and Micah, for a time when, “Nation will not take up sword against nation and no one will train for war anymore.”
As we celebrate Respect Life Month, we look toward the day when there will be no more war and “nations will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.” True evangelization is allowing the Gospel to touch the “way” we live in this world. I have heard tele-evangelist speaking of the
“rapture” – as the day Christ’s returns. There is nothing biblical about the concept of the “rapture.” God will not destroy the world – we may – but God will not. And that message was embedded in the truth surrounding the story of Noah, as well as the creation stories in Genesis. God looked around and saw it was good. Jesus the Christ says, “I have come to bring life and bring it to the fullest.” That is not a word or message of doom and gloom but a word of peace and promise. The reality of Christ – the visible image of the invisible God – is one of peace and justice, love and righteousness, forgiveness and reconciliation. When the reality of Christ comes – that is the reality we will experience – peace and justice, love and righteousness, forgiveness and reconciliation.
This truth is the principle that grounds one of the primary reasons for the existence of our Catholic Schools; grounding them in the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church. When our children are enabled to use their education and formation – from pre-school though the university- for the global re-positioning of our world
toward peace and justice for all – then we will know Good News. Can we demonstrate in our parish life that Christ the Servant is the “way”, the “truth” and the “life” for the future generations?
Msgr Lew Gaetano
Pastor
Canton OH

Pastor
Pastor

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