A magnificent inspiration

Please accept my deepest, heart-felt gratitude for the article that appeared in the Herald in the Nov. 28 issue on page 8 about the gift of George Brosky.

Since I am also 83 years old, a former lector in our parish, retired from a state of Hawaii job, and have ties to the Philippines — this story really resonated with me and had so much impact.

The gift of Mr. Brosky is really a prime example of applied Christianity in full action! What a magnificent inspiration for us all!

Mahalo nui loa.

Richard W. Coller

Kapaa

Could have been clearer

The Dec. 12 Mana‘olana column, “Ask Mason and Teo,” which advised that a practice like oral copulation is permissible in marriage could have been clearer, as such counsel could be dangerous. It is accurate that the Church’s moral tradition doesn’t forbid genital arousal other than intercourse, provided this is not sought for itself, does not result in climax apart from intercourse, and prepares for normal intercourse. (Manual stimulation by a spouse can be included here.) This tradition also speaks of needing a justifying reason for performing such acts. It is thus one thing for practices not to be sinful, and another to approve or promote them. A minimalist approach is also a danger here, which simply seeks to avoid sin versus fostering chastity.

One must be watchful of justifying whatever practices by the fact that they will be connected with normal relations. Even legitimate acts could easily become sinful, by the spouse’s intention or going too far, and thus be occasions of sin. Such practices seem to seek individual gratification, making the pursuit of pleasure the primary aim, especially since they are devoid of aspects like procreation. Indeed, such acts have been suspect of being degrading, undermining respect between spouses, and a sign of excessive pleasure-seeking. Due to these dangers, spouses could easily be playing with fire, hoping not to get burnt.

Chris Brust

Honolulu

Mason and Teo Matsuda respond: Aloha, Mr. Brust. Human sexuality, created by God, is a challenging and difficult subject to discuss because it is the very core of who we are as male and female. Yes! We truly agree with you and thank you for articulating clearly what needed to be clarified. The line between lust and love can easily be crossed in any marital relationship and we truly need Christ and his saving grace to help us foster chastity. Please continue to pray for us and our ministry. And may God continue to bless you as together we spread the good news of Jesus Christ through His One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Peace, Mason & Teo

Not time to change tactics

It is most certainly not time to change tactics on the pro-life front, either now or ever. It is not time to express understanding for Obama voters who justify their vote for him based on issues other than the paramount right to life. If we don’t have the right to live, then no other rights matter. A candidate who does not understand that does not deserve our vote and should never receive it, no matter how much we may support that candidate’s views on other issues.

If the major parties knew that no Roman Catholic ever votes for a candidate who supports the choice to kill, then you better believe they would soon become unreservedly pro-life. If their pro-abortion candidates claiming to share our faith could no longer masquerade as Catholics by receiving Holy Communion, you would see a big change in them as well. Above all, they want to win elections. There are enough of us to ensure that only pro-life candidates win. If we only voted in keeping with our faith, the legal travesty that is Roe v. Wade would disappear one way or the other, either through a human life constitutional amendment or appointment of pro-life Supreme Court Justices. Hope would triumph. Babies would live. A culture of life in America would once again reign. We as Catholics have the power to make that happen. It is sad that we have not exercised that power.

Our votes do make a difference. We may differ on such matters as national defense, taxation, energy policy, the economy, etc., all of which is well and good, but not on our God-given right to life. That right must one day be restored. Then, and only then, can we in good conscience consider other important issues. Until then, we can only pray for our country and our own souls, knowing we must one day answer to God. We should also pray that, as unlikely as that may sound, our new president undergoes a true conversion of heart. As we do so, let us renew our commitment to the struggle for human life as we view the long, long road ahead, ever faithful, ever committed to the truth that makes us free.

Thomas D. Herndon

Honolulu