Letters

A Blessing to All

Posted

I have to write to Catholic New York to tell of the wonderful man, priest and friend that Msgr. John Mescall was (Obituary, Page 54). His passing is a great loss to many. He was a blessing to everyone who knew him and to know him is to love him.

He followed Jesus’ way. He was a shepherd to his parishioners, kind in spirit and generous with his time. He was a cheerleader, counselor, leader and adviser. He had a great sense of humor.

He celebrated life, shared others’ grief and brought faith to his parishioners. He brought God’s grace to everything he did. He had a deep effect on the lives of countless people. I will always remember and be thankful for his words, his thoughtfulness and the blessings he bestowed on my family. He served this world well.

Rest in peace, dear friend.

Bernadette Kilgen

Bronx

Second Review

John Mulderig’s review of “Ben Hur” (CNY, Sept. 1) conflates Bonhoeffer’s concept of “Cheap Grace” with bad script writing and acting. Mulderig observes that the protagonist of the film receives “a redemption unjustified and unpersuasive precisely because it is unearned.” Of course, grace is always unjustified and unearned—otherwise it would not be grace.

One of Bonhoeffer’s points about “Cheap Grace” is that one has to truly repent before receiving it. Perhaps what Mulderig means to say is that the protagonist’s moment of repentance comes across as insincere.

Rachel Rigolino

Highland

Summer Reading

Thank you so much the advertisement recommending a good summer reading book. “All the Stars in the Heavens” by Adriana Trigiani was great reading

I’ve now been introduced to this author and just finished reading “The Shoemaker’s Wife,” which was also great reading this summer.

Josephine McDermott