Words including Hobby Lobby

Reading the news, walking around, I have had thoughts concerning the Supreme Court's Hobby Lobby decision. You see I have not linked to the decision. I assume you know what I am talking about or, if interested, you will go and find it. I do not write these posts as a means of drawing attention to anywhere else. I want us to spend this time together, unimpeded by easy opt-outs.

Yes, I have considered Hobby Lobby. I have formed sentences or approaches. I have thought that I should read the entire ruling and dissenting opinions before forming my own opinion. That was very mature of me, I am sure you will agree. It's nice to see a blogger being so thoughtful and thorough and mature.

But it is not in the spirit of thought that I sat down to write this blog. No, it is in the spirit of having had thoughts that bored me to tears. I mean to say, quite decidedly, that I have nothing to say with respect to Hobby Lobby. Nothing. If I thought that anyone would benefit from my thoughts, or, indeed, if anyone's opinion would be influenced or altered, then I might express myself. But no one is interested in anyone else's opinion on things like contraception or abortion or women's rights, or things of that nature. There was a time, I seem to recall, when people had discussions about serious social issues, but that time is past. These matters, as vital and compelling as they are, have taken on aspects of some weird national sport, where you root for one or another team, come hell or high water, and that is that. Everyone is right and their respective moral ground is unassailable. They proclaim, they fight, but they do not talk, and they do not listen.

When I turn to actually writing this blog, or anything for OpenCatholic, it is as a Christian as I live that term in my life, by the grace of God. And, so, if pressed  - by either "side" - for an opinion on Hobby Lobby, or indeed any of the "hot button" issues related thereto, I would say that there are no limits to understanding and mercy. None. This is the light burden spoken of by the Lord, in that we are tasked with letting go of things (like, our opinions) in order to draw closer to God.

Let us love God and each other. Let us celebrate the Eucharist. For all the rest of it, may God have mercy on us. Amen.