4/16/2019

My dear Friend and president, DJT,

            I am taking a moment this morning to grieve the damage at Notre Dame yesterday. My deep emotion about this loss takes me by surprise as I am ambivalent about grand cathedrals. On the one hand, the sense of awe and wonder that one feels when they look up and see the sun shine through intricate stained glass windows and gaze at the rays of sun glinting on the dust motes floating in the air reminds one of the glory of life. One cannot help but feel humble in the expanse of space and experience a sense of reverence for the life forces that made such a place possible. At the same time the institution behind such spaces is not always benevolent and wields the power gained from inhabiting the center of the city's landscape and social life in oppressive ways. When I traveled Europe as a young person I often wondered if the poor people of the diocese might be better served by a different use of resources. Instead of building a monstrous church, what if the investment had been made to house and feed the poor?

            The timing of the fire during Ester week adds to its poignancy. Is this a message of some sort? If so, how are we to understand it? 

            I saw a clip of your remarks in Minnesota about the fire, and I could tell that you shared my sense of loss. Some in the press are critiquing your suggestion to send water tankers to douse the flames. I am learning to keep such suggestions to myself with the understanding that I don't know everything and that folks with more knowledge and experience than I are handling the situation. It's the kind of humility that Notre Dame was meant to cultivate. Perhaps in her honor you could begin to practice it.

            With regards,