APR 19 E 3_14 FINAL.qxp_Mar E 12 3/15/19 12:02 PM Page 2
The Path to Heaven A CLASSIC EPISODE of The Twilight Zone begins with a jewelry thief fleeing the police and getting shot. He is awakened in the afterlife by a man dressed in white, a “guideâ€? who assures him he has only one concern: “Your comfort. My job is to see to it you get what you want — whatever it may be.â€? Incredulous, the shameless crook is soon wallowing in wealth, wine and women. Eventually, however, he becomes bored and argues there must have been some mistake. “Look, I don’t belong in heaven,â€? he says. “I want to go to the other place.â€? The guide responds, “Whatever gave you the idea you were in heaven? ‌ This is the other place.â€? In the episode’s closing narration, we’re told, “Now he has everything he’s ever wanted — and he’s going to have to live with it for eternity.â€? Though a work of popular entertainment, this episode of The Twilight Zone provides a practical lesson and invites us to examine our own consciences. As Lent gives way to Holy Week and Easter, we might ask ourselves: How often do we value our immediate desires and contentment over God’s will for our lives? Or, as Pope Francis once said, “Am I a Christian of the culture of comfort, or am I a Christian who accompanies Jesus to the cross?â€? The Way of the Cross, after all, is the path to heaven. During his agony in the garden, Jesus cried, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be doneâ€? (Lk 22:42). It was through his perfect obedience and love that the Lord reversed the original sin,
and we, baptized into his death, are now invited to share in his abundant life through grace (cf. Rom 5:19, 6:3). This new life is defined not by earthly prosperity and things that will pass away, but by the virtues of faith, hope and charity. Consider the saints and all who witness to God’s grace and mercy by their lives. For example, at age 10, Richard Moore was blinded by a rubber bullet during conflicts in Northern Ireland; rather than responding with anger, he has chosen forgiveness and peace (see page 13). In the case of many displaced Christians in Iraq, who lost everything fleeing the threat of genocide, they courageously continue to bear witness to their faith with joy and hope (see page 16). The life of grace is also evident in less dramatic circumstances: It is seen in all those who respond to God’s personal call to the priesthood, religious life or marriage and family, and live their vocations faithfully, as well as in all who follow the commandments to love God and neighbor. Christian witness demonstrates that authentic freedom and lasting joy are found not in getting exactly what we want, when we want it. Rather, they are found in conforming our wills to God. Christ’s victory over sin and death opened the true path to heaven and allows us to respond in faith: “May it be done to me according to your wordâ€? (Lk 1:38).♌ ALTON J. PELOWSKI EDITOR
Good Friday Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion Good Friday is the day Christ gave up his life out of love for each one of us. Every council is asked to encourage Knights and their families to attend their parish’s Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, April 19. It is also a perfect time to invite friends, fellow parishioners or others to worship together and rediscover the joy of faith. Help your pastor promote your local Good Friday Liturgy. Visit kofc.org/goodfriday 2 ♌ COLUMBIA ♌
APRIL 2019
COLUMBIA PUBLISHER Knights of Columbus ________ SUPREME OFFICERS Carl A. Anderson SUPREME KNIGHT Most Rev. William E. Lori, S.T.D. SUPREME CHAPLAIN Patrick E. Kelly DEPUTY SUPREME KNIGHT Michael J. O’Connor SUPREME SECRETARY Ronald F. Schwarz SUPREME TREASURER John A. Marrella SUPREME ADVOCATE ________ EDITORIAL Alton J. Pelowski EDITOR Andrew J. Matt MANAGING EDITOR Cecilia Hadley SENIOR EDITOR Margaret B. Kelly ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Venerable Michael McGivney (1852-90) Apostle to the Young, Protector of Christian Family Life and Founder of the Knights of Columbus, Intercede for Us.
________
HOW TO REACH US MAIL COLUMBIA 1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510-3326 ADDRESS CHANGES 203-752-4210, option #3 addresschange@kofc.org PRAYER CARDS & SUPPLIES 203-752-4214 COLUMBIA INQUIRIES 203-752-4398 FAX 203-752-4109 K OF C CUSTOMER SERVICE 1-800-380-9995 EMAIL columbia@kofc.org INTERNET kofc.org/columbia ________ Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See. This means that an applicant or member accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.
________
Copyright Š 2019 All rights reserved ________ ON THE COVER Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil blesses an image of Father Michael McGivney during Supreme Knight Carl Anderson’s recent visit to Iraq.
"! " " " "! " " " !! " ! " " "
E D I TO R I A L