Having family near Grand Forks, I read the article in the Grand Forks Herald titled "World's din won't woo; only the holy will do." In the article, Forum Communications columnist Roxane Salonen noted that today's world is full of hustle and bustle.

There is still too much focus on the material instead of the Spiritual -- even during this COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. People are still lured into shops to buy things they don't need, despite the sparkle and luster. Too many people quibbled over not wearing medical masks to protect themselves and others; despite the fact that if they themselves were ever wheeled into a surgery-room they would almost universally insist that their doctor and nurses be masked before any invasive procedure. People are wooed by the rising stock-market. Some are wooed by seductive women using the age-old temptation of sexual overtures. And, conversely, by powerful men in politics, sports, or show-biz who use their positions of power to persuade younger women to give-in to intercourse to further their careers or under threat of even keeping a job. Political pandering and racial protests have upended the year 2020.

We can only pray that 2021 will be better; yet it's apt to begin on a rocky footing. The utter noise or din of people jockeying for position sometimes drowns out our moral compass. During this time around Christmas, many people are what I call saintly for a day, yet revert back to sinfulness before January is even halfway through.

The aspects of holiness are timeless, and should be practiced year-around. Archbishop Fulton Sheen had a great quote: "If you don't behave as you believe, you will end by believing as you behave." Granted, every human has faults and failings, but if we contemplate more on what is holy (or, at least focus more on what is decent, humane, moral and sacred), this world will be a better place.

James A. Marples, Longview, Texas

Excerpt from:

Letter: Be spiritual all the year through - Grand Forks Herald