Top photo caption: Canva image
A message from Rayanne Bennett, Associate Publisher
Yes, it’s been a very long time, but I remember well the days I sang in my parish’s folk choir. One of our favorite songs was a popular and relatively new hymn at the time: “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.”
I find myself reflecting on that verse quite a lot lately and the Scriptural tenets it reflects, especially as the meaning of the word “Christian” has been a source of intense debate in these heated political times. There are those – usually on social media – who have been brandishing the word “Christian” as if it were a weapon to be held against others who may not measure up in their minds. And there are others who have tried to call out the malfeasance of these declarations by reminding everyone of who Christians follow and what he stood for.
To be Catholic and Christian means that we are called to follow Christ’s instruction to “love one another.” It is that love that defines us. I was reminded of this unassailable truth these past few weeks as our team prepared the new magazine issue. Love is the common theme from the cover image of a husband and wife renewing their marriage vows, to page after page of coverage on how love expressed, shared and acted upon in this Church makes a true difference in this world.
This is particularly evident in this month’s IN FOCUS section that examines some of the many different ways that our Catholic brothers and sisters are working to help those in need. At a time when statistics tell us the poverty rate has declined, yet nothing is as affordable as it once was, far too many people are experiencing frustration, anger and sometimes even despair.
We hope that as you read these stories you remember countless other individuals – including in your own parishes – who are dedicated to ministries that support the vulnerable and the marginalized. And their work is made possible by the thousands upon thousands of people across this Diocese who support it through charitable donations.
There are endless opportunities for us to express our love – whether it be within our families, our co-workers, our parishes, or our communities. We might consider volunteering for a program or ministry near us. We might also try to be extra generous in the upcoming CCHD collection.
Yes they will know we are Christians by our love and what a beautiful reflection of Jesus Christ we are when we put that love into action.