"Where charity and love prevail..." - except for politics

The issue of immigration has not only overwhelmed talk radio and the mainstream media, it has also entered the Church through the comments from Cardinal Mahoney and other bishops and priests. It is almost impossible to find a "middle road". I find myself defending the Church's right to speak out to some folks, while admonishing others that public policy is the area of lay society. What is most disturbing however, is the lack of civility among those with opposing views.

As we celebrate Holy Week, our focus should be on Christ, not CNN or Fox News. Lou Dobbs and Paula Zahn did not lay down their lives for us. Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly are not the Authors of life (mo matter how many buy their books).

While Christians attack each other over immigration where is the zeal on the life issues? Why did not our Hispanic friends take to the streets to defend Christ or our Blessed Mother? Where are the boycotts over Sony's promotion of the Da Vinci Code movie or Rolling Stone's depiction of a rap star with a crown of thorns on the cover?

Catholics of good will can differ on practical applications of doctrine (eg the preferential option of the poor) in civil law. What they should agree on is civility and charity. For faith and hope will eventually become unnecessary, but charity will last forever.