The debate of ideas has always been part of the human exchange whether it is over a good cup of coffee, a beer or a drink of scotch. Whatever it is, wherever it is, the luxury of speaking openly seems to have shifted a little in this year of 2025. Not so much because of the content, but more because of the medium of the online environment.   

It is different when you are talking to someone over a drink, where you defend your point of view face to face, you own your opinions and listen to the other. Face-to-face debates require personal accountability and when it gets heated, you tend to maintain self-control in the presence of your “intellectual adversary.”

Who would have thought 10 years ago that expressing your views, particularly traditionally held views could lead to fear, threats and even death? 

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A staggering event unfolded on Sept. 5, when a young man offering a debate on a university campus was killed. This illustrates the perceived danger of engaging in public discourse, even in academic settings traditionally associated with the free exchange of ideas.

However, some ideas cannot be suppressed and stand the test of time, while others that appear to be popular, often tend to fade out. 

In the chaos of such polarization we have a means to peace within our grasp. While we saw the tragedy of Charlie Kirk’s death, we also witnessed the canonization of two young men, Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925) and Carlos Acutis (1991-2006). Through faith, both accomplished much in their short lives. 

Even though Frassati died in 1925, his words link well to today’s situation. He said, “with all the strength of my soul, I urge you young people to approach the Communion table as often as you can. Feed on this bread of the angels whence you will draw all the energy you need to fight interior struggles.” 

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Carlo, the first saint in the history of the Church to use the internet and to be buried in blue jeans, said: “the Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.”

Take comfort in knowing that the means for calming the confusion in our hearts and minds lies within easy reach. 

The bread of life, the Holy Eucharist is our nourishment. The sacraments are grace giving, Frassati wrote, “While true happiness, dear friends, does not consist in the pleasures of the world or in earthly things, but in peace of conscience, which we only have if we are pure in heart and mind” (Pier Giorgio to the Catholic youth of Pollone, 1923).  

This bread of life is freely available daily at the altar with Holy Communion, and the words to live by are in the Scripture. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4). 

For “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. It is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). It penetrates and changes a person’s innermost being, it is not dead but a transforming force that remains relevant and applicable today. 

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You do not need money, power, high academic diplomas to be in the service of Christ. You can participate in setting the world right by reaching for the food of faith in the Eucharist and in the Word of God. That is where the power lies. Build up the kingdom and change the world. One person, one prayer, one day at a time. 

(Donna Fagan’s website is foodandfaith.ca)