Luke Stocking

Essentially the churches in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean have raised their voice ahead of COP30, the UN Climate Conference to take place in Belem, Brazil this November. We should listen.

“Truly, the way to heaven is through the Cross.” These are the best words to describe the emotion that hits me as I pray before a large and simple white Cross of wood.

The Gospel call to solidarity and justice is one that can only be lived in community with others. It is not a journey we make on our own. There are times when our brothers and sisters on that journey pass from this life into the full embrace of God. When they do, it is good give thanks for their lives and witness to the wider community the contributions they have made.

Long ago while walking in Montreal, I came across an orange street work sign alongside Montreal’s Cathedral, Marie-Reine-du-Monde. It said, “Rue Barré” (road blocked). I took a snapshot for Instagram and posted: ‘le chemin vers Dieu n'est jamais barré.’ – The way to God is never barred.

Sometime ago I was in conversation with a friend about the Church politics of the day. He said, “Sometimes I look at the people around me and it strikes me that 99 per cent of them know nothing about the Church politics we discuss so passionately. Even if they did, they would not care.”

“The game is over. Everyone repeat after me now, the game is over.” I speak with authority in a commanding voice. 40 high school students at the Catholic Leadership Camp in Huntsville repeat after me, “the game is over.” They calm down and we begin to debrief together the chaos of the last hour.

Peter Maurin, from the Catholic Worker movement, was known to proudly assert, “I am a peasant. I have roots.” Most would not share Peter’s pride. Thanks to the Middle Ages and Western pop culture’s treatment of it — the word is considered derogatory. That is something that needs to change.

Throughout the month of May, we have been responding to the call from Palestinian Christians to pray and walk in solidarity with them by making a “Ceasefire Pilgrimage” for peace.