Incommunion

The Multiplaction of Loaves & Fishes

Dear In Communion reader,

The sixth-century mosaic on the cover was chosen because several articles in this issue touch on aspects of Christian economics – not a topic we can ignore. The Gospel account of the multiplication of loaves and fishes is not only a fact of history but demonstrates Christ's compassion for the hungry. His action also poses the question: would it be possible for us to live in such a way that fewer people are hungry and homeless?

David Holden presents an alternative model to capitalism and socialism: distributism. (Note the related review by Daniel Lieuwen in the book section.) In a book excerpt translated by Macrina Walker, we find St. Basil the Great connecting our neighbors' needs with our salvation. Danny Abbot's report on the homeless in Nashville, Tennessee, opens a window on some of the casualties of the current economic order.

Let me use this letter not only to introduce the issue but also to ask you to help us put In Communion into more hands. We have no money with which to promote subscriptions. Our readership grows mainly by word-of-mouth recommendations and gift subscriptions. Christmas is not far away. Please consider giving a subscription to one or two people who matter in your life – a friend, a relative, your parish priest, or those who make use of your parish library.

We appeal to our web readers no less than to those who subscribe to the paper edition to help us continue. Use the donation button on this page.

We are able to carry on only because of your generosity. Thank you for whatever you manage to send.

In Christ's peace,

Jim Forest, editor

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Above: Loaves and fishes mosaic, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo Church in Ravenna

❖ IN COMMUNION / FEAST OF ST. ANASTASIA OF ROME / FALL 2010/  issue 58