Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Preparing for this LOA, I tried to think about what was capturing my attention a year ago. It is not because I think what I say carries any special remembrance, but it is interesting to see if I still agree with what I said and if there are any insights related to our current community. I have often encountered former students who are now priests, and they would tell me, “Jerry, I remember when you said … and I have never forgotten it.” To tell the truth, I could not remember saying it, but it must have been something that the Holy Spirit wanted me to convey at that time, and I am glad that it was received.

A year ago, we were grappling with the coronavirus and there was tremendous

uncertainty. Many wondered if we would ever return to our “pre-COVID” days. There was social unrest in the country; a type of anarchy seemed to have invaded our society. There was the presidential campaign, with traffic in ad hominem arguments rather than the issues facing our country. I can characterize these things from hindsight, but perhaps I was not considering them when I wrote the LOAs for June. Then again, perhaps they were challenging me on a subconscious level.

On June 3 of 2020, I was reflecting on our vision of heaven. Although this may seem innocuous, it may be that during the death toll of the pandemic, all of us needed to realize that our ultimate destiny is heaven.

On June 9 of 2020, I referred to the importance of moral absolutes; there is right and wrong. Perhaps during the social unrest and the nightly pictures of violence, I was reminded that immoral means cannot be justified in the name of reaching an end.

On June 16 of 2020, I questioned the utopian claim of some movements developing in our country. Any attempt to impose a utopian ideology carries with it a severe cost, often at the expense of human dignity. However, if true change is desired, it starts with a change of heart and living our commitment to God.

On June 23, 2020, I reflected on the practical wisdom that we encounter in the words of our parents, which are embedded in our psyches. “The family that prays together stays together.” During the presidential campaign, it would have been refreshing for the candidates to talk of what united us rather than what divides us.

On June 30, 2020, I found myself at home, having to cancel gatherings because of the pandemic. I started to examine my memorabilia of pictures and keepsakes of men, women, and places that have blessed my life. They remained in my heart, shaping my sense of God’s Providence. His hand was there guiding me. He will continue to be there for all who seek Him and pledge their love for Him.

I stand by those words in my LOAs, and I will continue to share them with all who LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

 
Note: This blog originally appeared as the June 15, 2021 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.