12-24-2025
A happy and holy Christmas to everyone.
A response to Kelly Scoles’ letter:
Merry Christmas, Kelly,
It’s a bit of a twist of thought to proclaim your support for “this Season of Joy” by “refraining from comments about the unholy carols sung by our president on the murders of Rob Reiner and his wife.” I think you could have celebrated “this Season of Joy” by simply refraining from thoughts of murder. I do, however, agree with your characterization of Trump’s treatment of Ukraine as a “sellout” – a disgraceful, treacherous one at that. But I will not let one man’s disgrace mar the greatest miracle in all of creation – the Incarnation of Jesus Christ through the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Mother. I would rather stay on a joyful note. So, once again, Kelly, Merry Christmas.
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In response to Pat Collins’ letter:
As mentioned before, I do believe we have entered a new era of human history, not the end of time.
I rely upon my personal understanding, through the Christian Gospels, Holy Tradition, approved mystics, apparitions, and saints. Summed up as faith, reason, and the Gospels. For me, and for many other Christians, nothing is more important than Doctrine (Gospels) which for Christians is preeminent. I think, you correctly esteem the Beatitudes because they are an essential part of the whole Gospel, in which we both believe. On a broader level I’m sure we both believe in the Ten Commandments.
You mention essential virtues which I believe are provided by the Holy Spirit. But whether “the future arrives not armored or armored” is largely a question of how mankind will use his free will, and whether he will unsheathe one of those most necessary virtues, courage. I think hope with faith is also based on reason, another of God’s gifts. After reviewing human history, I certainly have hope and faith in God’s mercy, but considerably less faith in mankind’s Christian fidelity. But I’m afraid I’ve drifted too far away from a Christmas message.
A happy, holy, and peaceful Christmas is what I had in mind to begin with. But though often acknowledged, “Hope springs eternal”, my view of the coming year is grim. Only prayer and humble repentance will bring us through an imminent period of justice.