Mary Marrocco on Facing Death with Hope

"Increasingly, I've been observing incidents of white-hot anger flaring out on quiet streets or on public transit. To name but one, a pedestrian accidentally crossed in front of a cyclist, the two immediately started swearing at each other and almost came to blows. These strangers were dry tinder, ready to burst into flames of rage.

"I don't know if these particular events stem from the extraordinary pressures humanity has been facing this year. Still, they vividly illustrate the human capacity to absorb tension, fear and anger and store them inside somewhere, hidden but volatile. That's partly why we humans need tending."

In a recent commentary, Catholic News Service columnist Mary Marrocco reflected on how the Church asks us to "face death, not individually but communally and sacramentally, so we can be freed from fear and begin to live."

To access Ms. Marrocco's complete essay, please visit:

Boston Pilot: Echoes: Echoes: Facing death with hope (6 NOV 20)