One of the most important encyclicals we need to rediscover is Pope Leo XIII's Libertas (1888), on the true nature of human liberty.  This encyclical explains what true liberty consists of, followed by a lengthy exposition of the Church’s condemnation of liberalism, in the Enlightenment/classical sense rather than today’s narrower use of the word.  Most people who call themselves conservative now would, in certain ways, fall into the category of liberalism as defined by Leo.  Prophetically warning of the evil consequences of political liberalism, Leo also takes aim at various false liberties in which modern people take such pride:  freedom of speech, writing, thought, and worship.  As startling as Leo’s teaching may be to modern Catholics, his fundamental principle is the one that Pope St. John Paul II enunciated when he said that “freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” Pope Leo XIII:  “Man by a necessity of his nature, is wholly subject to the most faithful and ever-enduring power of God; and that, as a consequence, any liberty, except that which consists in submission to God and in subjection to His will, is unintelligible.  To deny the existence of this authority in God, or to refuse to submit to it, means to act as one who treasonably abuses his liberty; and in such a disposition of mind the chief and deadly vice of liberalism essentially consists.”

RIGHT-TO-VOTE AMENDMENT 

Please come learn why the Kansas right-to-vote judicial amendment vote set for August 4 is shaping up to be one of the most important voter choices of our lifetime. Find out why a YES vote restores your voice in selecting powerful State Supreme Court justices who are now chosen behind closed doors with little or no accountability to the people.  Join Chuck Weber, former executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference after 10:00 AM Mass on Sunday, June 21 in the Parish Hall for this brief and informative presentation about this critical issue.

Exchanging gifts is present in every culture. Whether a culture is Christian or not, the giving of gifts is an essential part of human communities. We have all had the experience of receiving a gift that was perfect. This person really knows me. The gift itself communicates the person's knowledge and affection. The gift brings to mind the presence of the person. I have a rosary that I received 20 years ago from Roman Kerschen. Whenever I use it I remember his kindness and generosity. I remember him. The gift contains the giver.

Today we celebrate Corpus Christi Sunday. The Eucharist is the source of the summit of the Christian life. It is the supreme act of worship, because it is a perfect sacrifice. It is the perfection of memory because it makes present the Paschal Mystery. It is the perfection of hope because it is the foretaste of heaven.

Jesus said, “I will be with you always.” In the Eucharist the giver of the gift and the gift itself are identical. The Eucharist is the supreme gift. Only those with faith can recognize the gift. It’s outward appearance is plain and dry. It does not delight our senses. The Eucharist is the gift that we really need. The one who gives it is our creator. He knows us perfectly.

How holy is this feast!

Christ's passion is remembered!

Grace fills our hearts!

And we receive a pledge of future glory!