No,
that would be too much fun, wouldn't it? But in this imperfect
world we must really work hard to find real gold. Especially
the immaterial one: the moral gold. The gold of truth and virtue.
Indeed we are faced today with a deluge of news, of declarations,
pretending to be true and virtuous. But it’s hard to discern
the real gold in all that. Some examples: Westerners are told
of a crusade against terrorism. Fine. But when we learn that
the capture and the following rescue of “soldier”
Jessica Lynch, last March, were a phony operation, created out
of the blue by the Pentagon to “look good”
in the medias, we are disgusted... but maybe not surprised.
On the other hand, the rulers of Saudi Arabia declare themselves
ally of the USA, but they finance Al-Qaida. Lies! Lies on both
sides! The Vatican Churchmen are not better, with their so-called
“springtime of the Church”. It is rather
the “springtime IN the Church”. I mean that
of the weeds (heresies) dismantling one by one the stones of
her walls. Oh! No, all that glitters is not gold. Even if it
can produce it, like when the trend of Fantasy Literature makes
some authors multimillionaires overnight, but with stories luring
the kids into the occult world, under pretence of amusing them
(see Befriending the Devil p. 4).
But
Truth and Virtue are not totally absent in this world of ours.
The Word of God united Himself to our human nature in the
Blessed Virgin Mary, and has revealed us the path of Truth
and Virtue. And His disciples became saints by the millions
(for example St Marguerite Bourgeoys, p. 17). A greater number
work at their purification and sanctification in various ways.
Some examples of that are recalled in this issue (see News
from the East, p. 14). Thinking about these events, we are
able to understand that nothing helps us better in our spiritual
life, than to live closely to Our Lord Jesus-Christ. Because
He is the Vine and we are the branches, receiving His Divine
Life. He is the Head, and we are His members. This invisible
reality is made visible when the Faithful flock around their
Priests, these “Other Christs” by the grace
of their Ordination. True Catholics, true living Members of
Christ, must be HAPPY to have occasions to meet with their
brethren. Indeed, the more we try to participate in the parish
life, the more we find strength and encouragement for our
persevering in the Faith, and also a lot of occasions for
sanctification! Many types of activities can take place, they
don't have to be the same in every parish, but they all have
that purpose of exercising LOVE towards God and towards the
neighbour. Members of a parish must overcome their pride,
laziness, or selfishness, if they want to receive all the
graces God wants to give them. And remember: This Ark of Salvation
that is the Church, is veiled under humble appearances: All
that is Gold does not glitter! You will have an example of
that axiom in the “Tale at the Tail” (see
p. 25).
Some news:
The
winner of the Tale Contest for issue # 16 is Mr. André Lambert,
teacher at our school in Lévis. The moral was not a religious
one. It was concerning the perfecting of our natural powers
and virtues. Here it is: When we persevere doing something
that’s loathsome, all obstacles finally disappear,
and the work itself becomes easier and even agreeable. (So
a good teacher is the one helping the students to persevere
despite the repugnance they may have). Mr. Lambert is winning
$10.00.
Please
pay attention to our new sales policy (see p. 31). We do
all we can to keep the prices low, even if those of postage
and printing are always going up!
We
are saddened by the death of our friend and quasi-brother
Mr. Michel Lambert. You will find more about it (see p.
29). We give our deepest condolences to his family.
God
bless you all! Have a good and holy year 2004. Thank you for
supporting this Apostolate of the Press!
