Fr. Benedict Groeschel is a Franciscan priest in New York City. The order he helped to found, the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal serve "the materially poor" around the world, and Fr. Groeschel has amassed a very faith-filled perspective on life, including politics. I was heartened and encouraged to read his take on the recent passing of the health care bill, and, especially his opinion on our current president. The debate on both sides of this issue has been contentious to say the least, and some of us have avoided thinking much about it due to the nasty nature of opinions expressed.
Fr. Groeschel told Deal Hudson, "I think it's a mistake to impute any kind of invidious intent to Obama -- he's from Chicago, he's a pragmatist, a man who learned to be tough growing up."
Deal goes on to say,
There was something cathartic for me in hearing Father Groeschel speak about Obama without any of the rancor that has become common among many pro-life Catholics -- including myself. It's as if he were saying to me, "Deal, I've been around a long time, and known a lot of people; and this kind of man and these kinds of events are nothing new -- take a deep breath."
I deeply appreciate Fr. Groeschel's trust in the Almighty and his focus on what is important: the poor, life at all stages, and faith.
The title of this post is intriguing, in and of itself.
ReplyDeleteWell, I know *I* need faith in the midst of politics!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing this. I'm finding I am feeling quite split about this issue when talking about politically versus spiritually. I'm not able to really articulate it to anyone. Words of Wisdom, Indeed!
ReplyDeleteIts hard for me to articulate it too, sometimes. I am glad to have found it on these two blogs.
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