Taking a Stand

To the Editor:

Christianity is under attack throughout most of the known world, and the United States offers no refuge in the storm, “Standing with Oklahoma City” (CNY, Aug 21). So it is not surprising when an event occurs, such as a ‘black mass’ by a satanic cult planning its happy hour with the desecration of the Eucharist and defamation of the Church, while local officials sit idly by. 

We should all join in with Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, and the priests, and parishioners of his diocese, and “offer prayer and penance to prevent the blasphemous event from happening.” However, sometimes prayer alone will not suffice. God helps those who help themselves, so sometimes you must do the right thing and take a firm stand, and send a message to those perpetrating the irreverent act, as well the political class and anyone else, who whether willingly or out of indifference do not speak out in defense of the victim of an indignity. Sometimes “Silence is golden,” and other times “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good (people) to do nothing.”

Now is not the time to remain silent, so take a stand as admonished in the New Testament, Ephesians (6:10-18), which reads in part, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground...And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for the entire Lord’s people.”

Bob Pascarella

Bronx