News for Catholic living from the Diocese of Little Rock

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January 27, 2023

Aspire not to have more, but to be more.
-- St. Oscar Romero

Deacon Danny Hartnedy of Little Rock carries the Eucharist in a monstrance through Riverfront Park before the Mass for Life Jan. 22 in Little Rock. (Malea Hargett photo)

More work to do

Roe v. Wade was overturned in June, but there is still plenty of work to do in the pro-life movement. The diocese hosted its annual Eucharistic Procession for Life and Mass for Life in downtown Little Rock with 450 Catholics. Bishop Taylor reminded the congregation, "We’re not just anti-abortion. We’re pro-life on every matter that touches on our God-given dignity as human beings created in the image and likeness of God and redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ: in the womb and throughout life, all the way to natural death."

How many states, including Arkansas, have outlawed or restricted abortion since Roe v. Wade was overturned?
A. 32
B. 26
C. 18
(Answer at the bottom)

JUST ONE MINUTE

In Sunday's Gospel Jesus gives us the Beatitudes. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven." We can hear the Beatitudes and the rest of the Sermon on the Mount as routine. The first 10 minutes of "The Chosen" season 3 episode 1 offers us a wonderful look into what it may have been like to hear Jesus’ words for the first time. How very shocking the message was, and how it is truly Good News!

Reflection: Take some time today to read through the Gospel or watch the clip with an open heart and mind. Visit with Jesus about what is most striking.

— Deacon Danny Hartnedy

St. Thomas Aquinas
Jan. 28

Thomas' noble Italian family was so shocked when he entered the Dominicans about 1244 that his brothers imprisoned him for a year. He studied under St. Albert the Great, becoming a master of theology in 1256. His thinking became enormously influential and he was named a Doctor of the Church in 1567.

DAVE SAYS

What's my responsibility?

My father has never taken his finances seriously. He asked us for $400 to pay his cell phone bill and overdraft fees at his bank. Even as an adult, he would go to his parents regularly before they died asking for money. Do you have any advice?
Taking care of family ...

WHAT'S NEW

Super Bowl sidelines

The Super Bowl will be played Feb. 12. If the Cincinnati Bengals make it to the big game, you might see Little Rock native Fredi Knighten on the sidelines. The former altar server is now an offensive assistant with the Bengals after coaching in college for the past six years.

FEBRUARY DATEBOOK

4: Women of Hope, A Day of Retreat, Little Rock
4-5: CASA kickoff in parishes
7-14: National Marriage Week
10-12: Marriage Encounter in Spanish, Little Rock
10-12: Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Subiaco
11: Arkansas Catholic Men’s Conference, Little Rock

QUOTE UNQUOTE

"I sometimes hear people say, 'I went to this parish, and yes it was a good philosophy lesson, 40, 45 minutes.' (I encourage priests to keep their homilies to) no more than eight to 10 minutes (and always include in them) a thought, a feeling and an image, (so that) the people may bring something home with them."

— Pope Francis, Jan. 20

January aSpirations

• Pine Bluff man gets a statewide award for his dedication
• Diocese employee leaves for Shreveport ministry
• OCA junior leads dance team to state title

Answer: C
Eighteen states, including Arkansas, currently ban or restrict the procedure.

Did you get the right answer? Let us know!

Thanks for reading aSpire. Craving more? Take a nibble on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram; get some depth on the Arkansas Catholic website. And for a heaping helping, subscribe to Arkansas Catholic. Oh, and forward this issue to share!

Have a news tip? Please contact me.
Your humble editor,
Malea Hargett
Arkansas Catholic

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