The world is mistaken about the church, just as it was about the revelation of Jesus, the reading from 1 John this Sunday asserts. A day after saying that progressive champion Sen. Elizabeth Warren was mistaken to oppose fast-track legislation to expedite a Pacific trade pact, President Obama Wednesday confronted a widening rift with his Democratic base that threatens the trade deal’s passage. The White House and Republicans have formed an unusual alliance in favor of putting the proposed 12-nation trade deal to an up-or-down vote without amendments, but many Democrats oppose the fast-track approach.

Homily hint: Free trade agreements are good for business, but they also need to protect the rights of laborers and protect the environment. Finding the right balance requires open and free dialogue and goodwill on all sides. Catholic social teachings provide a basis for some of the values that must be protected.

For more on the Pacific trade pact, see: Democratic Fissures Appear in Pacific Trade Pact