IT IS GOOD TO NOTE THAT THE MAYOR SMITH WANTS TO APPEAL THE DECISION OF THE COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS ALLOW HIM TO THE BEGINNING OF CATHOLIC PRAYER MEETINGS OF CITY COUNCIL AND REQUESTING THE REMOVAL OF RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS AS THE CRUCIFIX ON THE WALLS OF THE MUNICIPAL HALL MEETINGS. ALL THIS ON THE BASIS OF THE PRINCIPLE OF secular state.
My dear Jean,
you and I. We share the same faith, that in Jesus of Nazareth, the land of Palestine, we delivered the message of the Beatitudes that of human solidarity, truth, justice and compassion. He had for his disciples and for those who would follow recommendations such as to make them avoid the pitfalls of fanaticism which is enwrapped the doctors of the law and the Pharisees who loved to show himself in public.
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before men, to make you notice them, otherwise you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, do not go the trumpet before thee as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and streets to be glorified by men, verily I say unto you, they have had their reward. For when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand, that thine alms may be secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers, to camp in the synagogues and intersections to be seen. Verily I say unto you, they have had their reward. For you, when you pray, go into your room and shut the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly . In your prayers do not babble like pagans, who think that by talking a lot they will be heard. Do not be like them: for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. " Mt 6, 1-8
My dear John, you and I take seriously these words of Jesus. I do no doubt the fervor of your commitments and the depth of your faith. What I fear, however, is that the circumstances and influences, closer to sectarian and religious visions of the faith itself, lead you to do something that will not only be harmful to the faith of inherited Jesus himself. This faith frees us from all this masquerade of customs whose peoples have inherited cultures and religions which they originate. Paul of Tarsus, which occupies a prominent importance in understanding the mystery that surrounds us and in that faith unites us had these words to the place of those who knew how sometimes behave with the Jews, sometimes with pagans. I invite you to read what he writes to the Corinthians who were asking these questions.
"" Everything is permitted "but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permitted" but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own interest but that of others. Everything that is sold in, eat it without question for conscience 'sake, for the earth is the Lord, and all that fills it. If some unbeliever invites you and that you agree to go, eat whatever is set before you without asking questions for conscience 'sake. But if someone tells you: "This has been slain in sacrifice," do not eat, because the one who warned you, and for conscience 'sake. By consciousness I mean not yours, but that of others for why she would report my freedom of decision of conscience? If I take something, giving thanks, why should I be blamed for what I give thanks? So whether you eat or you drink, and whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Do not give scandal to Jews or to Greeks or to the Church of God, as I try to please everyone in everything, not seeking my own benefit, but one of the greatest number, so they are saved . "Cor.1, 10, 23-33
John, I invite you to think these two extracts, the latter of Matthew and Paul. Ask yourself if you lead the country meets the spirit of the Gospels and Epistles of Paul that you think deeply, or if you do not make a puppet of those who would like to convert the Christian faith in a religious sect . In these days, they attract a lot of people in this environment and you do not miss support. But is this really the message that Jesus gave us in the Gospels? Before the holy women who wept to see him carry the cross he took those words that you know better than me: "Do not weep for me but about you and your children." I refer you to this article
directly related to the problem you are experiencing.
I finish, making you a secret. One day I was given a cross to bear as a sign of an apostle and missionary work for the poor and needy. In conscience, I gave it to an acquaintance, became blind at the age of 20 years and whose life was much closer to the Gospel message than mine. I told myself that in my inner I had to register first and foremost in my heart before you wear it on my body. I, today, 70 years and I'm still working. We must believe that God is patient and that the worship that pleases him is the one who revealed in works of justice, truth, solidarity with the marginalized of our societies, compassion and unconditional acceptance.
John, the faith we share does not need reasonable accommodations for the simple reason that it frees us of all the constraints and makes us able to adapt to all situations. Our faith is a faith in freedom. Let's scandals to person unless it is to witness this freedom that allows us to be close to one and all. May be witnesses of truth, justice of the apostles, people with an open heart can live in all environments and at the heart of all persuasions. Let us simply and profoundly human.
Well, John, what I wanted to tell you the name of the one in which we deeply believe you and me.
Fraternally
Someone who admires your zeal, but who questioned the guidelines.
Oscar
Fortin Quebec, February 16, 2011
In connection with this same issue, an article that might enlighten the debate
http://humanisme.blogspot.com/2006/04/ne-pleurez-pas-sur-moi.html
