Comments on: 11/23/2017 Thanksgiving for Religious Freedom

By: Ana

Ana — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 17:38:35 +0000

Thank you Mary for remembering Native Americans in your reflection. Indeed, Squanto survived, and forgave. Yet, so few know and remember the Genocide suffered by Native Americans here in this land not so long ago. My mother in law is Navajo and she recalls being punished for speaking Navajo and banned from practicing her faith through traditional ceremonies. Until 1978, Native Americans were not allowed religious freedom- here in this land, just one generation ago. For many Native Americans Thanksgiving Day is one of mourning, remembering and sharing the story of their genocide. Peace

By: A

Thu, 23 Nov 2017 20:56:49 +0000

I’m quite bothered by the fact that Mattathias killed someone in his zeal for upholding the religious law of his ancestors. Are the Ten Commandments not part of that law? “Thou shall not kill” is one of the Ten Commandments. In his zeal for upholding the law, was Mattathias not, in fact, breaking it?

By: Laura

Laura — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 12:24:45 +0000

Thank you, Mary, for your reflection. My heart is broken for those suffering religious persecution in so many areas of the world. I pray the persecutors will be converted to Christ. I have heard miraculous stories of such dramatic conversions. What struck me most in the readings was Mattathias’ zeal for God, and Jesus’ tears over Jerusalem’s seemingly lack of zeal. The contrast of the two extremes is striking. It forces me to ask myself, where am I on that spectrum?

By: O

Thu, 23 Nov 2017 06:50:33 +0000

Hello Mary.

You’ve added enough context to enable us now see how blessed some of us are.

I also appreciate the historical perspective that was provided.

Thanks and God bless

By: Uchenna Uju

Uchenna Uju — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 06:34:37 +0000

Thank you so much for this reflection.I thank God for the religious freedom we experience in the Southern part of Nigeria; I pray for the brethren in the Northern part of the country,that they still hold on to the faith, regardless of the throngs of persecution that come their way.May God grant them strength of body and mind.

By: Okpare Theophilus Onojeghen

Okpare Theophilus Onojeghen — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 06:18:25 +0000

Here in Nigeria particularly in Southern Nigeria, there’s so much religious freedom. But the reverse is the case in northern Nigeria where Christianity is fast growing. Angered by this development, many Islamic sects have sprang up killing and maiming those who refused to turn back. God will continue to grant strength to Nigerian Christians to overcome all forms of persecution.

By: Loloy

Loloy — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 03:30:40 +0000

The prayer of gratitude is Psalm 145 instead of Psalm 14.
5 may be typographically omitted.
Thanks.

By: Cecilia Briones

Cecilia Briones — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 02:16:44 +0000

Thank you Mary. Indeed your article is a very good reminder of the gift of our faith. Especially, we here in the Philippines, our Catholic Church is so alive. There is a Church anywhere and therefore no excuse not to visit or attend Mass. Gratias tibi Deus!