Author: Mary C. Uhler

The economic downturn has affected many people in our state and nation. People have lost their jobs, benefits have been cut, and investment income has taken a nose dive. Gasoline and food prices continue on a roller-coaster ride, mostly rising.

Only if I serve my neighbour can my eyes be opened to what God does for me and how much he loves me. The saints — consider the example of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta —  constantly renewed their capacity for love of neighbour from their encounter with the Eucharistic Lord, and conversely this encounter acquired its real-ism and depth in their service to others. Love of God and love of neighbour are thus inseparable, they form a single commandment. But both live from the love of God who has loved us first. No longer is it a question, then, of a “commandment” imposed from without and calling for the impossible, but rather of a freely-bestowed experience of love from within, a love which by its very nature must then be shared with others. Love grows through love.

From Deus Caritas Est, “God Is Love,” Pope Benedict XVI, 2005

As our nation and world face challenging economic times, I think it is important to remember that all of us — each one of us — impacts what happens in our society.

Since the beginning of 2009, the topic of abortion seems to be the topic of discussion at the local, state, and national levels.

During the past two weeks, I’ve talked informally with both employees and patients of the University of Wisconsin and Meriter Hospital about the proposal to offer second-trimester abortions at the Madison Surgery Center at 1 S. Park St.

The 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision of Roe vs. Wade legalized abortion on demand for the full nine months of pregnancy. Attempts to overrule that decision by passing a Human Life Amendment have failed.

This week I had several topics for an editorial. Since I couldn’t single out just one topic, I decided to write on two important issues — perhaps more connected than at first glance!

It was especially distressing to follow news of the escalating conflict between Israel and Palestine during the Christmas season. How sad that the place of Jesus’ birth — the Holy Land — suffers from hostilities that seem insurmountable.

The World Day of Prayer for Peace, celebrated on New Year’s Day, is highlighted by the Holy Father’s message. This year, Pope Benedict XVI set the theme “Fighting Poverty to Build Peace.”