What we learn

We are all still in our grieving period after the horrible disasters of Sept. 11. Grieving is important, and tears have their rightful place. Fright and anger are OK, too. It is impossible to move on without passing through these emotional states. Then we can begin to assess what we have learned from these experiences and share that knowledge.

It is important that we reflect on the values we hold dear as Catholics and that have something to say to this situation and the future. The fall of the twin Trade Towers was the end of the so-called postmodern age, one in which people said there were no rights and wrongs, no truths or falsehoods, just everyone's right to his or her point of view. Suddenly it is evident that such a society cannot really exist, that there are some principles very important to us as Catholics and citizens of this nation, and that we must learn to live by them. No group could live together as a people without them. Moreover, they give us benchmarks for creating a society that will last into the future.

The most important lesson we Americans have learned is the need again for community. We tend to be individualists, concentrating on our own little lives, often exaggerating our daily challenges. Love of neighbor as the expression of our love of God can slip by us. Our need for others, for community, is the first lesson we have learned. For Catholics that is significant since we have come to see church as the people of God individuals, yes, but not isolated atoms without connections. People not only saw the need to pray alone but felt the comfort and strength of praying with others. Prayer bonds us, not only to God, but to one another.

We Americans are also imbued with a sense of fair play.

For the complete column go to the Catholic Herald web site.


The following is an excerpt from a column written by Fr. Bryan N. Massingale, professor of moral theology at Saint Francis Seminary, that appeared in the September 27 edition of the Catholic Herald.

Christian patriot must offer genuine support, moral critique

Since the horrific events of Sept. 11, many people have written and talked to me about their reactions to this tragedy. Many are trying to reconcile two conflicting responses. On the one hand, they feel outrage and anger at the senseless murder of innocent lives; admiration for the heroism and dedication of rescue workers; pride in our country's unity which for the moment transcends partisan divisions; and a joy in being an American and sharing a common determination to combat the evil of terrorism.

But they also talk of feeling a vague discomfort with the current wave of patriotic fervor. They are uncomfortable with what they see as the overly aggressive statements from some of our nation's leaders; uneasy with the rhetoric of revenge and retribution they hear in many public discussions and private conversations; and uncertain over how to express a different opinion without appearing to be disloyal or unpatriotic.

These people are proud to be Americans; want to see the perpetrators of evil punished; and support their country and fellow citizens. Yet they sense, on an intuitive level, that Christian faith takes a different approach than what they often hear. In short, they struggle with how they can be both a Christian and a patriot. How can they love their country without compromising their religious faith? How are love of country and Catholic faith related? Are there any limits to patriotism, and why?

For the complete text go to the Catholic Herald web site.