The social encyclical Pope Francis released in October extends a formidable challenge to us all, the challenge to create "a different culture." What kind of culture? It is the kind where people who basically are indifferent toward each other and deeply divided resolve their conflicts and begin to "care for one another" (No. 57).
Spring is coming! According to our calendars, it should arrive in 12 days, and likely for many Minnesotans this year, it simply cannot be here soon enough. With the bitter cold that began before Christmas, followed by more cold weather, a 10-inch snowfall in January and another dumping in late February, the first signs of spring will be a welcome sight.
My friend — I’ll call her “Veronica” — goes for the spiritual jugular, so to speak. It’s almost as if she avails herself to God and says, “All right, Lord, give me the toughest assignment you’ve got. Spare me no challenge.”
