Editorial

The film, The Passion of the Christ, focuses primarily on Jesus' suffering and death. But in reflecting on the movie, I have also come to appreciate its portrayal of Jesus' disciples and what insights they give us as his followers today.

After seeing Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, I could better appreciate his disappointment in his friends. They couldn't even stay awake an hour to share his turmoil. They slept, perhaps just as many people today "sleep," unaware of how they ignore Jesus' teachings or fail to put them into action. Will we stay with him?

Peter denied Jesus three times. How often do we, too, fail to stand up for our faith when others challenge our beliefs? Of course, we know Peter and the other apostles later overcame their fear and timidity - strengthened by the resurrection and the power of the Holy Spirit - and spread Jesus' teachings throughout the world. Will we stand up for him?

In Jesus' mother, Mary, we find inspiration in how she faced his Passion. While she suffered deeply as Jesus was scourged and crucified, she stayed with him. She accepted his destiny. Like Mary, we should say "yes" to what God asks of us in our lives. Will we be willing to accept whatever suffering we face - either in our own lives or those of our loved ones - and keep our faith strong?

We must remember, too, that Jesus took on a human nature and presents himself as our model. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church says, "He is 'the perfect man,' who invites us to become his disciples and know him. In humbling himself, he has given us an example to imitate, through his prayer he draws us to pray, and by his poverty he calls us to accept freely the privation and persecutions that may come our way." Will we imitate him?

As we celebrate the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter, let us pray that we follow the disciples, Mary, and Jesus more faithfully in our own lives. Let our answer be "yes!"

Mary C. Uhler, editor

Mailbag

	Mailbag policy We reserve the right to edit or reject letters. Limit letters to 200 words or less. All letters must be signed. Please include your city or town of residence. Send letters to: Mailbag The Catholic Herald P.O. Box 44985 Madison, WI 53744-4985 Fax: 608-821-3071 E-mail: info@madisoncatholicherald.org

Jesus came to forgive all sins

To the editor:

I just wanted to add to the debate about whether the Jews are to blame for Jesus' crucifixion. As far as I have seen, no one has brought up one point from the Bible that should lay this issue to rest.

In Luke 23:24, Jesus says, as they are crucifying him, "Father, forgive these people; they do not know what they are doing." If we accept this scripture as true, then Jesus himself, who has the power to forgive all sins, forgave those involved with his crucifixion.

It seems clear enough that the passion and crucifixion were God's will, a fulfillment of prophecies so that a resurrection would be possible, thus ensuring believers life everlasting.

I agree with Mel Gibson that anyone holding Jews to blame for the crucifixion would be unChristian in their thinking. They missed the whole idea that Jesus came to forgive sins and he wanted us to forgive others as well.

Jeanne Bauhs, Madison

Clear division in parties on abortion

To the editor:

Mr. Murphy, in asserting (Catholic Herald Mailbag, 4/1/04) that the editor's offering (3/18/04 [print edition only]) was shortsighted, states that "our national parties are clearly divided about how to tackle almost every issue." Truly the division resides in the "how to." Both sides of the aisle assert their concerns about peace, finances, health care, and the environment. They differ on and debate the appropriate means to those ends. Some may question that perception, but only an ideologue would maintain that one party has a monopoly on resolution.

On the other hand, there is a "clear" division among the parties on the issue of abortion. If we are at a "turning point" in our country's history, then this issue is at the hub, and hence important. The abortion issue is a hinge pin from which emanates the corollary of the persistence of moral relativism in society. It is additionally important because the prevailing view may very well affect the composition of our federal courts, the issue of same sex marriages, and the freedom to acknowledge a supreme being.

Howard Kmak, Wisconsin Dells

Abortion impacts African-Americans

To the editor:

Recently Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke in Milwaukee. She addressed the social impact of abortion, particularly the African-American community.

"Abortion is socially and spiritually irresponsible," King stated. "A baby has the same civil rights we all do." Alveda King speaks from her own experience, having had an abortion, which she regrets.

Since 1973, 14 million black children have been aborted. She said that nationally African-American women make up 13 percent of the population, but have 33-40 percent of the abortions.

For further information, call 202-378-8858 BAL (Black Americans for Life) or e-mail BAL@nrlc.org

Charlene Tolmie, Beloit