Once again, I will begin this week’s article with a brief discussion of the ongoing the conflict between Israel and Hamas (see my previous articles “Escalating Conflict,” 10/10/23, “The Importance of Building Relationships,” 10/17/23, “Is Life Being Respected” 10/24/23).
Israel has now begun sending ground troops into Gaza. They are attacking specific Hamas targets. They have rescued one hostage. With this next phrase in the “war”, I put forth the same question as before, is Israel’s response justified? There are more deaths, injuries, and destruction. Is it justified? I don’t know.
Some people may want to say it’s no different than what we did in Afghanistan and Iraq (the second time). I know I wonder that. This leads me to wonder about the “probability of success” criteria for just war (see my article “Just War Theory”). Were our efforts in Afghanistan successful? Who is in power now in Afghanistan? The Taliban.
I don’t know the answer. I do know we are called to learn from the past. I know the attacks by Hamas must be stopped. I ask the Lord to guide those involved to know how to bring peace to a very troubled situation.
That’s all I have to say for today. I’ve run out of ideas to write about. Is there something you would like me to write about in future articles? Is there something you have heard about in the news that you would like to know what the Catholic Church says about? Is there some Catholic teaching that you don’t understand? Now is your opportunity to ask a question.
At the end of this article, you will see a line of smaller print. In that smaller print you will see the word “comment.” If you click on that, it will give you the opportunity to post a comment. You may enter your comment or question there. Please note that your comment or question will not be publicly visible until I approve it (protection against spam). I’ll approve your comment and provide a response by either replying to your comment or by writing a new article if the length of my response warrants it.
Peace,
Fr. Jeff
A topic I would like your opinion on is that of greed. Although I know what I think greed is, maybe I’m just judging people which I know is wrong!
At our parish we have a free clothes closet, frequent rummage sales which are by donation only, a blessing box and an active Christmas program with free gifts for children to chose and share with family members.
I find it very “annoying “ when a person comes and takes large amounts. For example people will come and literally take all the food in the blessings box instead of a few items. Another example is parents pushing the child to take up to 11 gifts for a sibling instead of one. Is this greed or need and am I judging or just reacting.
As volunteers we have discussed this but have no real solutions.
This is a good question. To make sure as many people as possible see it, I have posted my response as a new article at https://blog.renewaloffaith.org/blog/?p=9760.