By Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes
“For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal ( 2 Cor. 4:14-16).”
By Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In recent weeks and months we have seen reports of terrible acts of violence against innocent people. In a Colorado movie theater; at a temple of peacefully worshipping Sikhs; in Syria, where so many blameless children and families are caught in the crossfire of the political uprising, and in our own city of San Bernardino, where 30 people have already been murdered in 2012 as of this writing.
By Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes
Today we receive God’s greatest gift to us – new life in the Resurrection of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. We feel the warmth of God’s love and the hope that He seeks to kindle in us perhaps stronger than on any other day of the year. I join you in this joyful exaltation. Alleluia! He is risen!
By Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes
In about a month our nation will hold a general election to decide a number of important matters facing California and the country. It is a great gift from God that we have the opportunity to elect our government leaders and help determine public policy by voting on propositions and initiatives. First and foremost, I urge you to accept this gift by participating in the election. Our Catholic faith calls us to this participation as a moral responsibility. The Bishops of the United States often refer to this as “Faithful Citizenship.”
By Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes
Our faith promises great reward in heaven. But who could argue that it’s nice to receive commendation once in a while for our earthly achievements at work, in sports, academics, the arts or in ministry. I can also tell you that, from my perspective, it’s just as gratifying to give someone an award as to receive one.
By Bishop Rutilio J. del Riego
The new year has brought renewed hope for our immigrant brothers and sisters who have suffered under current federal laws in this area. Perhaps recognizing the signs of the most recent presidential election, policymakers in Washington D.C. have declared that comprehensive reform of the U.S. immigration system is a top priority in 2013 and they have, indeed, begun to lay out the principles of a proposed reform package. Whether or not this is politically motivated should not be our chief concern.
