Pastor John Wright

Recent months have found me nourished by many of the reflections at the "Traditional Catholic Review" (www.tcrnews2.com). Perhaps that sounds a bit curious for a Nazarene pastor and professor at a university of the Church of the Nazarene. Yet what I find here is a commitment to the full gospel that avoids the right/left dichotomy that shapes so much of American Protestant and Catholic life.

The following is a small piece from some reflections begun from a quote from Benedict XVI. Here's a quote that really struck out for me, something that I've come to think is very true:

"Christians represent to the world the alternative humanism which alone has the spiritual foundation to sustain the work of peace."

Of course, this also means that we have to learn to get along with each other in our local congregations as well! Enjoy the reflections!

The Eucharist and Peace Activism

"Those who share in the Eucharist must commit themselves to creating peace in our world" ---Benedict XVI, Synod Rome, Oct 2005

"Must commit themselves to creating..." The Eucharist is everything to a Catholic. It leads us to the imitation of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the reason a life of good works must lead to activism for peace, at least in our prayers and hopes and votes. Not because we share everything found among those on the political left, but, rather, because some of the things done by those on the left are good in themselves. Just as some---though hardly all---of those things espoused by those on the political right represent the good. Catholics look deeper than left and right and political labels. The work of peace is a fruit of the Eucharist. It is the heavenly sign of peace against those who would make war. Against those who would use the poor as fodder.

Christians represent to the world the alternative humanism which alone has the spiritual foundation to sustain the work of peace. It was Jesus Christ who broke the iron logic of the lex talionis, i.e., an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. In so doing he made all things new and brought Good News and Hope to the peoples of the world who are so often oppressed by their warmaking rulers.

Peacemaking is no substitute for an orthodox Catholic life, but the fruit of it. It is not the entire fulfillment of the Gospel, but the beginning of it. It seeks out the good wherever it is found and aims to build on it toward the fullness of the Kingdom and reign of God. Those crushed under the weight of war know this is the world's only hope. Catholics know it is the beginning of the fullness of the spiritual life.

Jesus died for the peace of the world, which begins now in our hearts and between neighbor and neighbor. God's love knows no national boundaries, and His only 'sword' is a spiritual one, against those who refuse His message of peace; sometimes, he said, even among those within the same family, brother against brother, children against parents, etc. For "peace on earth and goodwill toward men" is the beginning of His reign. "He Himself is our peace, who made enemies into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity...And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. (Ephesians 2:11-18)

Our Lady, Mary of Nazareth, echoed all of this in words we can never forget

"He has shown strength with His arm
He has scattered the proud in the
imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
and the rich [i.e., the powerful] He has sent empty away. (Luke 1:46-55)