Need for greater commitment to Christ

Dear Editor, 

After the carnival (also described as ‘pentecostal’) celebration that marked the passing of the ‘yes’ vote in the recent referendum, it was interesting for me (who voted ‘no’) to react next morning feeling that nothing had changed – certainly for me. My views on homosexuality had in no way altered, nor was I likely in my thinking to consider gay marriage, as I see it, a marriage. I am sure many others who voted ‘no’ feel the same.

I have read many comments on this event since then, but the one that strikes me most is that it was a failure of humanity (Cardinal Parolin). Many believe that Christ’s teaching adorns humanity and a rejection of that instruction then clearly downgrades it. That is a truth of the Christian vision.

The main lesson for me from the referendum is that it shows a lack of acceptance of Christ and his teachings. This is the key issue that the Church has to face up to.

Living with Jorge Bergoglio (now Pope Francis) in the past, I learned vividly from him that no matter how dire a situation was (like with poverty), the first essential thing to do was to practice deeply the Faith – praying and attending Mass and having a spiritual outlook.

The present Irish reality summons us to do likewise. There is need for greater commitment to Christ.

Yours etc.,

James Kelly SJ,

Milltown Park, Dublin 6.