By Father Timothy Gollob
Special to The Texas Catholic
A long time ago, I was watching the Miss America Pageant during the part of the contest when the finalists were asked what was their greatest wish. Without exception the answers were similar….for world peace…for a healing for cancer…..for the end of violence….for food for the starving…etc.
Recently, we have heard the wishes of the politicians….for the elimination of terrorism…for the security of our borders…for jobs for everyone….for a respect for law and order….etc.
And also our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has been calling for an end to the destruction of the environment…for peace and harmony between factions within world nations and religions…for respect for life from conception to natural death…etc.
What do all of these have in common?
From the focus of a mountain top experience, these famous people are calling out for universal concerns. It is a good place from which to cry out for peace and for unity and for love between all in the human race.
But the implementation of these summons depends on each individual to take up a particular cause and work for it.
At the end of January, I was challenged to step out on a street corner during rush hour traffic to hold a sign with the message: “EXECUTE JUSTICE AND NOT PEOPLE!” Others held signs which declared: “THOU SHALT NOT KILL!”
The occasion was the date on which another inmate was about to be executed by our great State of Texas.
Since this year is a year of Mercy, as declared by Pope Francis, and since he has spoken vigorously for the bishops of the world to abolish the death penalty since it is an ineffective way to reduce violence, it was a small step for me to take for an hour on a chilly evening at the corner of Mockingbird Lane and North Central
Expressway to remind us of a better avenue for justice.
Most of the motorists were fighting the glare of the setting sun or talking on their cell phones. Many averted their eyes from my sign…but I did get five or six “thumbs up.” Thanks to them and for all who obey the signs of our time to make straight the way of the Lord.
Father Timothy Gollob is the pastor of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Oak Cliff.
