Dear Parishioners,

     What a disturbing and difficult series of events unfolding in the Middle East we have witnessed over these days. The horrible attacks against civilians and loss of life that has followed has been deeply concerning, and the specter of continued conflict that could involve the whole region and even our own country is so troubling.  I encourage you all to join me in praying for the consolation of families who have lost loved ones or whose loved ones have been kidnapped, that those who perpetuated and promote bloodshed be punished and their terrorizing organizations destroyed, and that political leaders seek a path forward that will establish true peace and protect the innocent. 

     As Christians, we have the obligation to promote and protect the dignity of all human life, conception to natural death.  Jesus teaches us that each person is made in God’s image and likeness and that hateful and vengeful thoughts and actions toward others are in direct opposition to the will of God.  Furthermore, our longstanding moral teaching insists that it is never permissible to advocate for our carry out a violent act to further any cause, not matter how good or noble it may seem.  You cannot do evil that good may come of it.  Period.  The only time that violence against another is morally appropriate is when it is the only option that remains for the defense of human life, and even in such a case our intention should always be to protect and defend, rather than to injure or harm the aggressor.  St. Thomas Aquinas articulated this moral principle, called the “principle of double effect.”  It is the acknowledgement that sometimes in a fallen world there are negative consequences that are unavoidable when we are trying to carry out a noble and good act.  In protecting an innocent from an aggressor, we may have to cause harm the aggressor, but our intention and our actions must always be directed toward the good, toward protecting life, even if there is a “double effect” of causing harm.  As G.K. Chesterton wrote: “The Christian soldier fights not because he hates those who are in front of him, but because he loves those who are behind him.” 

     Let us continue our prayers that this horrible cycle of violence will not spread and spiral, but instead that all parties involved will resist the temptation to give in to diabolical hatred and vengeance and seek a peace that is rooted in the understanding of the dignity and preciousness of each human life.  Know of my prayers for you and your families!

Fr. Seamus