WCR Letters to the Editor

Unite with the infinite Trinity

This one relates to the following Scriptural passage in Genesis: "And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower. . . . And the Lord said: 'Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do; and nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them'" (Genesis 11:5).

Man, because he is made in God's image, is in a very real sense "a little god." This means that the human mind is potentially infinite. As St. Thomas keenly observed: "Never does our intellect understand so many things, that it cannot understand more."

I could be mistaken, but I believe that the deception in the garden was to get man to pursue "infinite knowledge" apart from God's careful supervision and guidance. Satan's proposal was in a sense saying, "You can run, can't you? Well, then run over there to the horizon and you'll find what you're looking for." And after they reached that point, "You just have to go a bit further, you're almost there!"

Unfortunately, such a quest never ends in fulfillment, but in eternal frustration. It is strange that man didn't catch on to this trick sooner and realize that no amount of series would be sufficient to "actualize" our potentially infinite minds.

An image that comes to mind is that of a thirsty man chasing a mirage - which vanishes once he gets there. In this case, the oasis sought is Eden.

This same ruse plays itself out today though under different appearances.

In fact, there are many people today who see human fulfillment strictly in terms of an acquisition of knowledge: "We just need to learn more and then we will discover how to fix all of our problems."

Only God's children can see that this "solution" is really a recipe for disaster; the real problem with the human person being not quantitative (a lack of knowledge per se) but rather qualitative (that is, the human will and original sin).

Thus, true fulfillment can only be found when we, who are potential infinite, unite ourselves with the actually infinite - the Sacrosanct Trinity.

It is the age-old heresy of Gnosticism that promotes the idea of a "sublime quest," of "infinite progression" without God.

Indeed, it is as silly as if a moving arrow were its own target.

Lonny D'Agostini
Edmonton

Potter really nothing but kiddies' Star Wars

I recently saw Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's or Philosopher's Stone.

I would like to start with the insidious concept of platform 9 3/4 or their entrance into an idyllic world. If you play with these numbers their meaning become clear. The 9 is always used to symbolize the sexual revolution. The 3/4 could be written .75. Seven is replaced in the alphabet by G meaning God's number and the 5 is replaced by E for evil. In other words the prerequisite for becoming a wizard is an acceptance of the sexual revolution and the embrace of both Good and evil. This type of numerology is used throughout the movie.

A careful study of the Gospels reveals the true nature of Satan. He is anyone who uses an evil or violent means to an end whether the end is justifiable or not. This is very revealing if you compare the lives of Jesus and Harry Potter. Jesus was a pacifist even unto death. He never sought revenge or used self-defence.

According to the movie these witches have a free hand in snitching and spying on us, and seeking revenge using black arts to protect themselves, their friends or the state. The witches I've known consider Christians evil and the enemy. They don't believe in Jesus and yet they are considered a benevolent force in the society. Isaiah said at 5:20, "Woe unto them who call evil good and good evil."

The reason that even the Church and the whole world it seems, has fallen under the spell of Harry Potter is because in our society, violence is a generally accepted means of revenge and self preservation at every level of government.

Harry Potter is nothing more than a kiddies' version of Star Wars.

It has its own Luke Skywalker, evil emperor, Obi wan Kenobi, Jedi Knights and even the dark side of the force. This last is a real red herring.

So in my humble opinion I believe Harry Potter is nothing more than candy-coated Satanism.

Bernard J. Rioux
Edmonton

Canada, Alberta must reset moral compasses

Indeed, our nation is in a "moral morass," like a rudderless (leaderless) ship on a sea of moral decay. This is especially true if we evaluate Canada (and especially Alberta) as outlined, by Mahatma Gandhi's seven deadly sins that "can destroy a nation."

In all areas: politics, business, our pursuit of wealth, pleasure, education, science and worship we as a nation (and especially here in Alberta) we deserve a failing grade. "What's in it for me now?" is our central concern.

Canada is 135 years old this year and blessed in countless ways; maybe it's time that we stop and take a moral, Christ-like appraisal of our actions in this global village.

Fortunately, we can count on the spiritual leadership of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (WCR June 17) who urged the G-8 leaders to "put people, not profits, first" in their deliberations at the summit in Kananaskis in order to eradicate poverty, create just economic relations and to defend the global environment. As our bishops pointed out: "There can be no security without justice" in this world."

The WCR should be applauded for its spiritual leadership and coverage of the news. It's a "must read" newspaper for all.

Gerald Beauchamp
Red Deer

Following faith's path proves a stable anchor for life

I am from Edmonton, my husband is from Cape Breton and we were married there and lived there for a short time. I have three children under four, run a business out of my home, cook huge meals for my husband who is a tradesman and works 10-12 hours a day six days a week.

I feel the WCR always has an article, especially Light One Candle, that always puts things into perspective and gets me through the week.

I was not raised Catholic, however attended Catholic schools. When I was in Grade 3 the children were getting ready for the sacrament of Reconciliation and I wanted to be a part of it. My parents then had me and my two brothers baptized. I was able to receive the sacraments of Holy Communion and then shortly after that Reconciliation. I was thrilled.

I then learned that my great-grandmother was Catholic and had to give up her religion because her fianc‚ was Protestant. She was very supportive of my decision at the age of eight. I went through school with top marks until high school, where my parents' divorce and a little bit of thinking that I knew everything took its toll. The only grades that remained consistent were religion.

I met my husband, now this is where it gets good, at the age of 18. He is the most wonderful, kind hearted, caring, loving and giving person I have ever met. He is a wonderful husband and father. He is a strong Catholic, a Cape Bretoner and his birthday is the same as the day I was baptized.

We figured these things out as we went along and there are many coincidences like that. Brad has inspired my faith, my belief in family and love. He doesn't shower me with gifts, but he soaks me with love. If I could have anything in the world, it would be the parenting skills of his parents who raised not only this remarkable man but four others as well.

His family has such strong bonds and unlimited love for one another. I have never in my whole life seen such a loving family. Now, his mother passed away when he was 21, his brothers are all older, and Brad has chosen to live his life with his mother as his guardian angel. When great things happen he thanks her, when hard times have been upon us, he prays to her and the Lord. I am so thankful to have him a part of my life; he has shown me that the world is made of good people.

My faith has been inspired to sponsor my mother and a great friend through the RCIA program at St. Thomas More (again a community of wonderful people) and volunteer on the baptismal team.

I really feel as though I am on some kind of journey, and it is nice to feel the closeness of community through the WCR, St. Thomas More, the baptismal team and most importantly, my growing family. Thank you for doing such a great job.

Liz MacDonald (Cummings)
Edmonton

He was there

The G-8 editorial was insightful and thought provoking; however, I have concern with the perception of Jesus in the past tense. Paragraph 5 of the article starts out with, "If Jesus were at the G-8 summit"

Jesus was at the summit - he works through us. He was there among the G-8 leaders. He was there among the protestors. He was there with the security workers. He was with the cooks and hotel staff. He was there with everyone who was in any way involved with the summit.

The article ended with, "We need to build a more just and peaceful world today - not tomorrow. That's what Jesus would do."

That is what Jesus is trying to do. It was a peace filled summit.

Bernadette Salamon
Camrose

Ukrainian coverage lauded

Renato Gandia did a super job of photography. The centre page was exceptional.

May God continue to bless your excellent work.

Sr. Laura Prokop
Calgary

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