The difference of one

Don’t ever think ‘I’m only one person, what can I do?’ When I was host of ‘The Right Questions’ radio show, I used to have a somewhat regular feature called ‘The Difference of One’, an interview with a guest who was remarkably inspiring as someone who saw a need a stepped up to fill it. One man, Joe, realized that all the good folks who stood outside a local abortion clinic and prayed all morning were gone by mid-day when the women were all inside, and no one was there when these women came out. He felt called to stand outside all Saturday afternoon, usually by himself, and have a brochure filled with resources for post-abortive women ready to hand anyone who stopped to receive it. And a rosary, if they wanted it. He has some amazing stories.

There are plenty of others. When I’m out there at speaking engagements or on the air on one of the radio shows talking news and politics, faith and culture issues, people usually come up or call and ask what they can do to make any difference. I always start by urging them to speak up, write a letter to the editor, send an email or make a phone call.

Today’s Chicago Tribune has a large ‘Letters to the Editor’ section, filled with feedback from citizen readers reacting to different news stories. Among them, is this letter from Fr. Ryan Larson, associate pastor at a church I regularly attend. He took on the Trib for its reporting on the recent Vatican document clarifying Church doctrine. Here’s what he said:

It was an act of journalistic irresponsibility to use the headline “Document reasserts other denominations can’t bring salvation.”

In fact the text of the document itself says other Christian groups “are deprived neither of significance or importance in the mystery of salvation. In fact the spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as instruments of salvation.” The article itself implied a harshness in the tone of the document that would not be seen by most people who took the time to read the document themselves. Those who covered the story of this document seemed more concerned with portraying Pope Benedict XVI in a negative light than in accurate reporting. I have seen the Chicago Tribune cover religious issues with much greater fairness and accuracy in the past and I hope that I will see the same in the future.

Now that’s short, to the point, charitable but firm. Note that he says “In fact….” to answer the Tribs implications, which he nails. Exhort people – especially alleged professionals – to higher behavior. Way to go, Fr. Larson. Well done.

That’s the same Fr. Larson who was just recently ordained, by the way. Who was also featured in Catholics in the Military “on-line base.”

And the really good news is, he’s one of a whole generation of young seminarians/priests serving and leading in tremendous ways. My son, Andrew, has been in seminary with Larson and scores of outstanding young men preparing to change the world, one person at a time if necessary. 

But also prepared to reach a whole lot of people at once in the media. Just by stepping up, and speaking out.