Seasons of Grace
I enjoy a good laugh as much as the next guy.
I’ve gotta say, though, that I’m having a hard time keeping my composure after watching the front-running commercial in the Pepsi Company’s 2011 Super Bowl advertisement contest.
Titled “Feed Your Flock,” the commercial satirizes the Eucharist, the most sacred mystery in which, Catholics believe, Jesus gives of Himself—offering us His body and blood. What’s so funny about that?
“Blasphemy” is irreverence toward holy personages, religious artifacts, customs and beliefs. In Islamic countries, blasphemy is punishable by death; but here in the free world, our First Amendment rights demand tolerance, even when our most cherished beliefs are challenged or mocked. But why should we, as shoppers and consumers, be expected to pay for the denigration of our faith?
If you think—as I do—that the “Feed Your Flock” commercial is a step too far, then the Frito-Lay Corporation, which produces Pepsi Max and Doritos, needs to know how you feel. You’ll need to act fast: The three finalists in this year’s contest will be posted on January 3, after which the public will vote for which commercial should air on Super Bowl Sunday.
Contact the company with your concerns. No shouting—be respectful, but insistent. Tell them not to air this commercial, which mocks Christ and His Church and perpetuates harmful misunderstandings of Christian belief.
Their website is www.crashthesuperbowl.com.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In