From time to time, I, along with other celebrants, have heard the concerns from some within the congregation that “homilies should not be political.” The Church agrees that priests may never endorse candidates or political parties. At the same time, the Gospel cannot be separated from real life. Scripture consistently speaks to how societies treat the poor, strangers, workers, and those without power. Addressing moral realities that shape people’s lives is not partisan politics - it is Gospel fidelity.

Catholic social teaching has guided the Church for more than a century and is rooted directly in the Gospel. Pope Leo XIII in Rerum Novarum (1891), insisted that the Church must speak to social and economic conditions because they affect human dignity. “The Church considers it her duty to interpose her authority” when the dignity of persons is threatened. There are circumstances around us today that make it our duty to speak up. Principles such as the dignity of every human person, care for the poor, solidarity, justice for workers, and welcome to the stranger are not political slogans, they are core teachings of our faith.

Keep in mind the Church once faced criticism for speaking against slavery, segregation, and exploitation - issues that were legal and widely accepted at the time. The Gospel challenges every ideology and every party. The core of preaching is not about taking sides, but about forming consciences so that Christ - not politics - stays at the center of our lives. This is, at times, easier said than done. However, I pray for the wisdom to keep Christ as the focus in preaching and being a good shepherd in these challenging times.

As we celebrate African American Heritage in this month of February, let us remember African American Christian witness teaches us to live the Gospel with truth, dignity, and enduring love. For all of us, following Christ, we pray to walk in God’s truth and live in God’s love.

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. I hope you will join us in building your own retreat time helping us reflect on growing in love that is faithful and living lives that speak God’s truth.

Happy Valentines Day... we are God’s beloved!

With you a Christian, for you, a priest.

Fr. Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish