Compelling and inspiring

Once in a happy while, we see something that just grabs our hearts and draws us deeply in. Such was the case for me when I picked up the Oct. 27 issue of The Catholic Spirit. What I saw on the cover of the newspaper that day was a picture of love, motherly love. I saw the beautiful image of a young woman embracing her baby son. That picture beckoned me to open the paper and read the moving story about the important help and free services being provided to mothers by pregnancy resource centers throughout Minnesota. As the story explained, trained professionals render compassionate care to those who come seeking support and assistance. They offer their helping hands, nonjudgmental ears, and a place of peace and welcome. The story on the inside of The Catholic Spirit was just like the picture on the front — compelling and inspiring. And it all began with those beautiful smiles of love.

Jim Mulrooney
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Paul

Abortion rights and the Ten Commandments

Some 4,000 years ago, give or take a century, God gave to Moses and the Jewish people the Ten Commandments. Over the years Christians and Muslims incorporated the Ten Commandments into their faith practices; the Ten Commandments are widely endorsed and preached across the globe. I have been taught to believe that God and his Commandments are eternal. The Fifth Commandment is “You shall not kill.” Based on this Commandment, it would appear that God reserved the prerogative of giving and taking life to himself. I ask — how do we reconcile “abortion rights” with the Fifth Commandment? Some thoughts for consideration. I am guessing that God will have the final say on this issue.

Duane Crosland
St. Vincent de Paul, Brooklyn Park