| The Invitation It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing. It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love for your dream for the adventure of being alive. It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon... I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow if you have been opened by life’s betrayals or have become shrivelled and closed from fear of further pain. I want to know if you can sit with pain mine or your own without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it. I want to know if you can be with joy mine or your own if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful to be realistic to remember the limitations of being human. It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself. If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul. If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy. I want to know if you can see Beauty even when it is not pretty every day. And if you can source your own life from its presence. I want to know if you can live with failure yours and mine and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, “Yes.” It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair weary and bruised to the bone and do what needs to be done to feed the children. It doesn’t interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back. It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away. |
Saturday, December 27, 2008
New Year's Reflection
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas - all year long!
The Work of Christmas
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among brothers,
To make music in the heart.
~by Howard Thurman
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among brothers,
To make music in the heart.
~by Howard Thurman
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas Message of Jerusalem's Church Leaders
"We must think even more Carefully and deeply about Jesus."
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Greetings from Jerusalem!
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas there seems to be even more, darkness, conflict and despair in the world around us. That means for us, as Christians, we must think even more carefully and deeply about Jesus -- the baby born in Bethlehem's stable.
Many people are afraid of the dark whether it be the absence of light around them or fear of the unknown in their personal lives or the world at large.
Despite all this we need to think and mediate about Jesus:
"A light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness could not overpower." (John 1:5)
St John's Gospel goes on to remind us of the facts of Jesus' birth:
"That he was born into a world which did not recognize him and a people that did not receive him." (John 1:10-11)
So, as we approach another Christmas we must show the world around us that Jesus is a light in the dark which never goes out, a burning light which takes the terror from the night and moreover, a light on which we should fix our eyes not least when the clouds appear to be
gathering around us.
Just as the baby in the stable is the focal point of our Christmas celebrations, so we must affirm and witness to the fact that Jesus is the light which shines out from our perosnal nad corporate lives at all times.
Again and again we need to ask ourselves "What would Jesus do, what would Jesus say". Then, our thoughts and ideas of his actions and words must be translated into the daily life of our community -- particularly in this Holy Land.
Similarly, we have to convince the world's political leaders that the true peace will only come on earth when we seek God's will for his people...not least through the words and actions of Jesus. Nor must we belittle the fact, affirmed in St. John's Gospel, that to all who accept Jesus, He gives power to become the Children of God.
This means we must stand alongside all who suffer around us -- the hungry, the homeless, the unemployed and the bereaved since Jesus tells us that when we help others we are doing it to Him as thought He were suffering for them.
To stand alongside also involves us in action. We need the lightof Christ to shine on this Land to enable us to work more realistically for a two state solution which would end the burden of restrictions arising out of Occupation.
So we pray for the president-elect of the United States that he and other world leaders may see the urgent need for peace in the Middle East and not least in this Land.
We need also to see the situation in which many are suffering in Gaza in the light of Christ and make a determined effort to bring them urgent relief.
Moreover, we must never forget our duty to point our children and young people to the light of
Christ assuring them that, through Jesus we all have hope for a better world.
Then we would greet our Sisters and Brothers across the world -- not least the thousands who have visited this Holy Land recently. It is important to recall that you are walking in the footsteps of Jesus and when you pause to see the plight of many of your fellow Christians that you respond as you believe He would.
We are conscious of all who suffer across the wolrd but for all we believe the only way forward is to see people and situations in "The light of Christ."
Be assured of our good wishes and prayers for all of you as Christmas approaches and may God's blessing be on your homes and families.
"Walk in the light and the light will illumine your path,
Walk in the truth and the truth will set you free,
Walk in the way of peace and you will have, through Christ,
The peace which passes understanding."
Jerusalem December 2008
Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem
(Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Franciscan Custos of the H0ly Land,
Coptic Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, Maronite Church, Greek Melkite, Anglican, Lutheran, Syrian Catholic, Armenian Catholic)
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Greetings from Jerusalem!
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas there seems to be even more, darkness, conflict and despair in the world around us. That means for us, as Christians, we must think even more carefully and deeply about Jesus -- the baby born in Bethlehem's stable.
Many people are afraid of the dark whether it be the absence of light around them or fear of the unknown in their personal lives or the world at large.
Despite all this we need to think and mediate about Jesus:
"A light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness could not overpower." (John 1:5)
St John's Gospel goes on to remind us of the facts of Jesus' birth:
"That he was born into a world which did not recognize him and a people that did not receive him." (John 1:10-11)
So, as we approach another Christmas we must show the world around us that Jesus is a light in the dark which never goes out, a burning light which takes the terror from the night and moreover, a light on which we should fix our eyes not least when the clouds appear to be
gathering around us.
Just as the baby in the stable is the focal point of our Christmas celebrations, so we must affirm and witness to the fact that Jesus is the light which shines out from our perosnal nad corporate lives at all times.
Again and again we need to ask ourselves "What would Jesus do, what would Jesus say". Then, our thoughts and ideas of his actions and words must be translated into the daily life of our community -- particularly in this Holy Land.
Similarly, we have to convince the world's political leaders that the true peace will only come on earth when we seek God's will for his people...not least through the words and actions of Jesus. Nor must we belittle the fact, affirmed in St. John's Gospel, that to all who accept Jesus, He gives power to become the Children of God.
This means we must stand alongside all who suffer around us -- the hungry, the homeless, the unemployed and the bereaved since Jesus tells us that when we help others we are doing it to Him as thought He were suffering for them.
To stand alongside also involves us in action. We need the lightof Christ to shine on this Land to enable us to work more realistically for a two state solution which would end the burden of restrictions arising out of Occupation.
So we pray for the president-elect of the United States that he and other world leaders may see the urgent need for peace in the Middle East and not least in this Land.
We need also to see the situation in which many are suffering in Gaza in the light of Christ and make a determined effort to bring them urgent relief.
Moreover, we must never forget our duty to point our children and young people to the light of
Christ assuring them that, through Jesus we all have hope for a better world.
Then we would greet our Sisters and Brothers across the world -- not least the thousands who have visited this Holy Land recently. It is important to recall that you are walking in the footsteps of Jesus and when you pause to see the plight of many of your fellow Christians that you respond as you believe He would.
We are conscious of all who suffer across the wolrd but for all we believe the only way forward is to see people and situations in "The light of Christ."
Be assured of our good wishes and prayers for all of you as Christmas approaches and may God's blessing be on your homes and families.
"Walk in the light and the light will illumine your path,
Walk in the truth and the truth will set you free,
Walk in the way of peace and you will have, through Christ,
The peace which passes understanding."
Jerusalem December 2008
Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem
(Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Franciscan Custos of the H0ly Land,
Coptic Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, Maronite Church, Greek Melkite, Anglican, Lutheran, Syrian Catholic, Armenian Catholic)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Fragility of Life: My first TIA
Last night at my sister's in Chicago Heights, I felt numbness in my face, arm, and leg - all on the right side. I thought it might be a pinched nerve, so I went to my chiropractor this afternoon. After telling Dr. Zrelak my symptoms, he said that I need to phone my primary Doctor. In ten minutes I was in Dr. J. Kopin's office at 11 South Clark in the Loop. After two hours of tests, questions, EKG, etc., it seems that I may had experienced/suffered a TIA. So tomorrow, Dec. 18, I will have an MRI, MAI, and and Echogram of my heart. Nine tubes of my blood was drawn by the lab today. Results......?
What an awakening to the fragility of my life! I will be 68 years old on January 30. The old grey stallion ain't what he used to be. I am concerned, worried,......grateful, feel so blessed too.
Too blessed to be stressed! And yet..... Prayers, please. How is your health? Seen your doctor lately? Peace and Everything Good!
What an awakening to the fragility of my life! I will be 68 years old on January 30. The old grey stallion ain't what he used to be. I am concerned, worried,......grateful, feel so blessed too.
Too blessed to be stressed! And yet..... Prayers, please. How is your health? Seen your doctor lately? Peace and Everything Good!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Holy Land Pilgrimage: Dec. 1-9 2008
For the last ten days, I have been a pilgrim with thirty-three others, in the Holy Land. This was my twenty-seventh pilgrimage to Israel and Palestine. What a transforming, up-lifting, healing experience each time.
We stayed in two hotels – at En Gev on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee in the north and at the Knights’ Palace in the Old City in Jerusalem – this hotel is owned by the Archdiocese (Patriarchy) of Jerusalem and a short walk from St Savior’s the Franciscan headquarters for the Custody of the Holy Land. Our 12 hour flight from Chicago through Madrid on Iberia Airlines was followed by a two hour bus ride from the coast of the Mediterranean through the Jezreal Valley past Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee.
Our first three days were spent visiting the sights of Galilee and Upper Galilee – beginning with an hour boat ride on the Sea of Galilee (the only fresh water lake in Israel – eight miles by ten miles), to Cana where the married couples renewed their marriage vows, to Nazareth where we celebrated mass at the grotto of the Annunciation, to Mt Tabor where we celebrated Mass
in the Franciscan church of the Transfiguration – from there we could see Nazareth, the Valley of Armageddon/Jezrael from the Jordan to the Mediterranean.
We drove the Golan Heights and Hula Valley in the north, surrounded by Lebanon on the left and Syria on the right to Caeserea Phillippi where in the front of the great shrine to gods of the Canaanites, Greek, Roman, especially the god Pan, Jesus asked the disciples: “Whom do you say I am?” And with Peter we proclaimed our faith that Jesus is the Son of the Living God. At the southern end of the Sea of Galilee/Lake Gennesaret, where the Lake overflows into the Jordan river, we stood in those flowing Jordan waters and renewed our Baptismal Vows – again, as if for the first time.
The next day was spent traveling to Jerusalem – ninety-miles south in the Judean hill country. On the way we drove to the top of Mt Carmel and to the seashore at Caesarea Maritima where St. Peter preached for the first time to a Gentiles in Cornelius’ home – Acts of the Apostles 10. From sea level, we went “up” to Jerusalem, 2400 feet in altitude, singing the Pilgrim Psalms, “I rejoiced when I heard them say, Let us go to the House of the Lord!” The last four days of our pilgrimage was spent visiting and celebrating mass in the Cenacle (Last Supper, Easter, Pentecost), in the Garden of Gethsemane, on the top of Calvary in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher, and we celebrated Christmas Mass in Bethlehem. At all of these Franciscan churches, the mass each day is the mass that remembers the particular Gospel event, no matter what feast or season of the church year it actually is. So for the first time in my life, I did not celebrate the Mass of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. Instead, we celebrated mass at Gethsemane where the liturgy is a special mass remembering Jesus in his agony after the last supper. We did end the mass by singing “Immaculate Mary” and praying for the USA.
One day was spent going “down” from Jerusalem to Jericho, from 2400 feet above sea level to 1400 feet below sea level to the lowest spot on the face of the earth – Jericho and the Dead Sea. There we walked through the ruins of the Essenes’ community where the Dead Sea Scrolls where discovered by a shepherd boy in 1947 and a visit to the mountain escape of King Herod, Masada. Whether we were walking down the Mount Olives on the path of Palm Sunday or walking through the streets of Jerusalem carrying a large cross praying the Stations of the Cross, or at the Pater Noster (Our Father) Church or visiting Shepherds Field outside of Bethlehem, we sang and prayed, shared faith and remembered all of our loved ones and those in need around the world. We laughed a lot and enjoyed delicious food and as our guide often said – “Shopping and Bathroom, Shopping and Bathroom.”
We were and will continue to be blessed by our ten days together – thirty-four persons from Chicago area, St Louis, and Kansas City MO who became a caring, life and faith-sharing community of believers. The Word of God has become ever more a living source of faith and healing, of strength and love.
Fr. Bill Burton OFM (www.biblicist.net) with whom I live in Chicago and I lead the pilgrims in prayer and reflection. Fr. Bill is a Biblicist, a friar who has a doctorate in Biblical Studies from the Biblicum in Rome. His teachings throughout the day added greatly to the pilgrimage.
I prayed for you all each day as we celebrated Mass. I would love to lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land for SFO’s. There we could reflect on the Rule of Life in the places where Jesus lived, taught, healed, died and rose. Inshallah! God willing! Since c. 1380, we Franciscans have been mandated by the Vatican to care for the Shrines and Churches, for Palestinian Christians and Pilgrims. Over 200 Franciscan Friars from around the world serve in the Custody of the Holy Land.
Happy Advent-ing! As the days become shorter and the nights become longer, let us place our fears and darkness before the Lord of Light.
We stayed in two hotels – at En Gev on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee in the north and at the Knights’ Palace in the Old City in Jerusalem – this hotel is owned by the Archdiocese (Patriarchy) of Jerusalem and a short walk from St Savior’s the Franciscan headquarters for the Custody of the Holy Land. Our 12 hour flight from Chicago through Madrid on Iberia Airlines was followed by a two hour bus ride from the coast of the Mediterranean through the Jezreal Valley past Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee.
Our first three days were spent visiting the sights of Galilee and Upper Galilee – beginning with an hour boat ride on the Sea of Galilee (the only fresh water lake in Israel – eight miles by ten miles), to Cana where the married couples renewed their marriage vows, to Nazareth where we celebrated mass at the grotto of the Annunciation, to Mt Tabor where we celebrated Mass
in the Franciscan church of the Transfiguration – from there we could see Nazareth, the Valley of Armageddon/Jezrael from the Jordan to the Mediterranean.
We drove the Golan Heights and Hula Valley in the north, surrounded by Lebanon on the left and Syria on the right to Caeserea Phillippi where in the front of the great shrine to gods of the Canaanites, Greek, Roman, especially the god Pan, Jesus asked the disciples: “Whom do you say I am?” And with Peter we proclaimed our faith that Jesus is the Son of the Living God. At the southern end of the Sea of Galilee/Lake Gennesaret, where the Lake overflows into the Jordan river, we stood in those flowing Jordan waters and renewed our Baptismal Vows – again, as if for the first time.
The next day was spent traveling to Jerusalem – ninety-miles south in the Judean hill country. On the way we drove to the top of Mt Carmel and to the seashore at Caesarea Maritima where St. Peter preached for the first time to a Gentiles in Cornelius’ home – Acts of the Apostles 10. From sea level, we went “up” to Jerusalem, 2400 feet in altitude, singing the Pilgrim Psalms, “I rejoiced when I heard them say, Let us go to the House of the Lord!” The last four days of our pilgrimage was spent visiting and celebrating mass in the Cenacle (Last Supper, Easter, Pentecost), in the Garden of Gethsemane, on the top of Calvary in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher, and we celebrated Christmas Mass in Bethlehem. At all of these Franciscan churches, the mass each day is the mass that remembers the particular Gospel event, no matter what feast or season of the church year it actually is. So for the first time in my life, I did not celebrate the Mass of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. Instead, we celebrated mass at Gethsemane where the liturgy is a special mass remembering Jesus in his agony after the last supper. We did end the mass by singing “Immaculate Mary” and praying for the USA.
One day was spent going “down” from Jerusalem to Jericho, from 2400 feet above sea level to 1400 feet below sea level to the lowest spot on the face of the earth – Jericho and the Dead Sea. There we walked through the ruins of the Essenes’ community where the Dead Sea Scrolls where discovered by a shepherd boy in 1947 and a visit to the mountain escape of King Herod, Masada. Whether we were walking down the Mount Olives on the path of Palm Sunday or walking through the streets of Jerusalem carrying a large cross praying the Stations of the Cross, or at the Pater Noster (Our Father) Church or visiting Shepherds Field outside of Bethlehem, we sang and prayed, shared faith and remembered all of our loved ones and those in need around the world. We laughed a lot and enjoyed delicious food and as our guide often said – “Shopping and Bathroom, Shopping and Bathroom.”
We were and will continue to be blessed by our ten days together – thirty-four persons from Chicago area, St Louis, and Kansas City MO who became a caring, life and faith-sharing community of believers. The Word of God has become ever more a living source of faith and healing, of strength and love.
Fr. Bill Burton OFM (www.biblicist.net) with whom I live in Chicago and I lead the pilgrims in prayer and reflection. Fr. Bill is a Biblicist, a friar who has a doctorate in Biblical Studies from the Biblicum in Rome. His teachings throughout the day added greatly to the pilgrimage.
I prayed for you all each day as we celebrated Mass. I would love to lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land for SFO’s. There we could reflect on the Rule of Life in the places where Jesus lived, taught, healed, died and rose. Inshallah! God willing! Since c. 1380, we Franciscans have been mandated by the Vatican to care for the Shrines and Churches, for Palestinian Christians and Pilgrims. Over 200 Franciscan Friars from around the world serve in the Custody of the Holy Land.
Happy Advent-ing! As the days become shorter and the nights become longer, let us place our fears and darkness before the Lord of Light.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land: Israel/Palestine
From November 30th to December 9th, I will be in the Holy Land (Israel and Palestine) with Fr. Bill Burton, OFM, and with 32 other pilgrims. This will be my 27th pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Each visit is like the first. I still get so excited about going and being there. In 1983, I lived in Jerusalem for four months on a study program with 38 others. We traveled all through Israel, Egypt, and Greece.
What a wonderful way to begin the 2008 season of Advent - in the land of Promise/Fulfillment!
Be assured of my prayers for you and yours daily as we celebrate mass each day in one of the Holy Places - in Bethlehem, in Jerusalem, in Nazareth, in Gethsemane, on Mt Tabor, etc.
May we all be blessed with Peace, with Shalom, with Salaam!
Fr. Chuck Faso OFM
What a wonderful way to begin the 2008 season of Advent - in the land of Promise/Fulfillment!
Be assured of my prayers for you and yours daily as we celebrate mass each day in one of the Holy Places - in Bethlehem, in Jerusalem, in Nazareth, in Gethsemane, on Mt Tabor, etc.
May we all be blessed with Peace, with Shalom, with Salaam!
Fr. Chuck Faso OFM
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
It's All About RELATIONSHIPS
May the Lord give you Peace!
St Francis of Assisi models for us all the most important aspect of our human journey - Relationship. To be in relationship with everyone and all creation was one of the central "organizing" values in Francis' life:
- Relationship with the Most High God
- Relationship with his brothers in the gospel fraternity
- Relationship with St Clare and the other women who followed her vision
- Relationship with the poor who represented for Francis a privileged moment of encounter with the living God
- Relationship with those in power who did all they could to stay in power and who kept trapped those living in poverty
- Relationship with leaders of the Church who themselves lost sense of their dignity and the dignity of those entrusted to their pastoral care
- Relationship creatures great and small who bore the various qualities of a God who refuses to be controlled and contained.
Let us reflect on the quality of all of our relationships in our personal and ministerial lives and to allow God to once again infuse these with the dignity and goodness reflective of God's originating grace, a grace that enables us to seek the way of the reconciliation and a new trust.
- from Oct. 4, 2008, letter to the Friars from Michael Perry OFM & Michael Jennrich OFM
St Francis of Assisi models for us all the most important aspect of our human journey - Relationship. To be in relationship with everyone and all creation was one of the central "organizing" values in Francis' life:
- Relationship with the Most High God
- Relationship with his brothers in the gospel fraternity
- Relationship with St Clare and the other women who followed her vision
- Relationship with the poor who represented for Francis a privileged moment of encounter with the living God
- Relationship with those in power who did all they could to stay in power and who kept trapped those living in poverty
- Relationship with leaders of the Church who themselves lost sense of their dignity and the dignity of those entrusted to their pastoral care
- Relationship creatures great and small who bore the various qualities of a God who refuses to be controlled and contained.
Let us reflect on the quality of all of our relationships in our personal and ministerial lives and to allow God to once again infuse these with the dignity and goodness reflective of God's originating grace, a grace that enables us to seek the way of the reconciliation and a new trust.
- from Oct. 4, 2008, letter to the Friars from Michael Perry OFM & Michael Jennrich OFM
Friday, November 21, 2008
Vatican Set to Go Green
VATICAN CITY, NOV. 21, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The Vatican will be taking a step toward promoting a greener culture next week as it inaugurates new solar panels on the roof of Paul VI Hall.
The inauguration will take place Wednesday at the headquarters of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, a Vatican communiqué reported today.
The 2,400 solar panels replace the deteriorating concrete roof panels, and the photovoltaic cells will convert sunlight into electricity, and generate enough power to light, heat or cool the 6,000-seat hall.
The Vatican says the solar panel project is one of the "concrete and tangible initiatives" of the Vatican to promote the protection of the environment.
The statement added that it is also is part of the "green culture characterized by ethical values" promoted by Benedict XVI.
Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, governor of Vatican City State, will preside at the event.
Pier Luigi Nervi designed Paul VI, which was completed in 1971.
The inauguration will take place Wednesday at the headquarters of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, a Vatican communiqué reported today.
The 2,400 solar panels replace the deteriorating concrete roof panels, and the photovoltaic cells will convert sunlight into electricity, and generate enough power to light, heat or cool the 6,000-seat hall.
The Vatican says the solar panel project is one of the "concrete and tangible initiatives" of the Vatican to promote the protection of the environment.
The statement added that it is also is part of the "green culture characterized by ethical values" promoted by Benedict XVI.
Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, governor of Vatican City State, will preside at the event.
Pier Luigi Nervi designed Paul VI, which was completed in 1971.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Call to Action - Call to Justice for All
From Nov 7 to Nov 9, I joined c. 2500 Catholics at the 30th Call to Action Conference. It was held in Milwaukee. Major talks and many break-out sessions continued to stir us Catholics to make real and visible, tangible and desirable the vision of Church that God stirred in our hearts during the Vatican Council II, 1962-1965. We committed ourselves to journey of making our Church and World a place of justice for all. One of the inspiring speakers I heard was John Dear, SJ, a writer and activist for all things just that will bring about peace for all. Here are some of his reflections on the Call to Action weekend:
"This weekend, Barack Obama just freshly elected, I joined 2,500 Catholics at the annual Call to Action conference in Milwaukee. A spirit of hope hovered in the air. And in the air, too, was a general agreement that, the election notwithstanding, our work must continue. We need to keep pushing for an end to the U.S. wars on Iraq and Afghanistan. We still need to work to eradicate poverty, hunger, disease, corporate greed and environmental destruction. We still need to work for a more just society. Shortly put, we too have to be hopemakers, and carry on the hard work of making our hope -- a world of peace -- come true. Being hopemakers, a synonym for peacemakers -- this was the theme of my talks. It is up to us to pursue the audacity of peace, to practice the nonviolence of Jesus, and in the process, to help the church reclaim its peacemaking vocation. "
"This weekend, Barack Obama just freshly elected, I joined 2,500 Catholics at the annual Call to Action conference in Milwaukee. A spirit of hope hovered in the air. And in the air, too, was a general agreement that, the election notwithstanding, our work must continue. We need to keep pushing for an end to the U.S. wars on Iraq and Afghanistan. We still need to work to eradicate poverty, hunger, disease, corporate greed and environmental destruction. We still need to work for a more just society. Shortly put, we too have to be hopemakers, and carry on the hard work of making our hope -- a world of peace -- come true. Being hopemakers, a synonym for peacemakers -- this was the theme of my talks. It is up to us to pursue the audacity of peace, to practice the nonviolence of Jesus, and in the process, to help the church reclaim its peacemaking vocation. "
Monday, November 10, 2008
CELEBRATE GETTING OLD
For over 7 years, Regina Brett was a columnist at The Beacon Journal in Akron, Ohio, during which time she was diagnosed and successfully treated for breast cancer. Regina is now a columnist for The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, Ohio.
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I’ve ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here’s an update:
1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.
8. It’s OK to get angry with God; God can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry, God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare. Then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words, “In five years, will this matter?”
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
35. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative—dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
41. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I’ve ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here’s an update:
1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.
8. It’s OK to get angry with God; God can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry, God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare. Then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words, “In five years, will this matter?”
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
35. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative—dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
41. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Have you danced today?
And we should consider every day lost on
which we have not danced at least once. 
- Friedrich Nietzshe-
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
From Paris, France, I received this short email on this day after Presidential Election:
I looked for your face in the crowd in Grant Park last night !!
Congratulations; hope really does seem to have returned to the world today.
Its a great credit to America to vote in such massive numbers for such real change.
You really deserve to be proud of your country.
I received this email today after the history making election of Mr Obama:
I cried last night when Obama won. It's just incredible, and we couldn't be happier! This morning when I got Pierson out of bed, I told him the big Obama news. When I asked him, "guess who won the race and has become the next president of the US?" His first reply was, "Uncle Ben!" (maybe 'cuz he recently saw our friend run in the Chgo marathon...??) When I asked him again, he said, "mommy and daddy!" Finally, I slightly changed the question and asked, "Pierson, who did you want to be the next president?" He replied, "PIERSON!" (After last night, now any child can dream big and really believe it!) Then when he went downstairs and saw the Barack poster we have hanging, he enthusiastically waved and said, "hi Barack Obama!" So funny esp since he rarely says Obama's 1st name. While the US and the world certainly has its problems, it's just become a better place. Have an awesome day! : )
I cried last night when Obama won. It's just incredible, and we couldn't be happier! This morning when I got Pierson out of bed, I told him the big Obama news. When I asked him, "guess who won the race and has become the next president of the US?" His first reply was, "Uncle Ben!" (maybe 'cuz he recently saw our friend run in the Chgo marathon...??) When I asked him again, he said, "mommy and daddy!" Finally, I slightly changed the question and asked, "Pierson, who did you want to be the next president?" He replied, "PIERSON!" (After last night, now any child can dream big and really believe it!) Then when he went downstairs and saw the Barack poster we have hanging, he enthusiastically waved and said, "hi Barack Obama!" So funny esp since he rarely says Obama's 1st name. While the US and the world certainly has its problems, it's just become a better place. Have an awesome day! : )
Love,
Gem & Ps
PS. Peter & friends volunteered in Indiana and went door to door for Obama. It's a double bonus that Barack won that state. A democrat hasn't won it since 1964!!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Waking Up to Your World
I am visiting friends in Kansas City MO this week. A magazine in the home of my friends is entitled "Shambhala Sun: Buddhism, Culture, Meditation Life." Thich Nhat Hanh is pictured on the cover - and rightfully so. Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, poet, scholar, and human rights activist. In 1967, he was nominated by Dr Martin Luther King Jr. for the Nobel Peace Prize. he is author of more than sixty books, including Being Peace, Calming the Fearful Mind, Blooming of a Lotus, Moment of Mindfulness and Touching the Earth. he lives at Plum Village, his meditation center in France, and travels world wide leading retreats on the art of mindful living.
An article in this monthly magazine "Shambhala Sun", begins with these words:
"Waking Up to your world: Throughout your day you can pause, take a break from your usual thoughts, and wake up to the magic and vastness of the world around you. this easy and spacious type of mindfulness practice is the most important thing we can do with our lives."
This reminds of the Center for Exceptional Living where I went for therapy 15 years ago. All was about living consciously, to be conscious every moment of what one is doing and especially why, the reasons behind one's actions. Those two years of therapy were a great gift to me and influenced greatly my Franciscan community living and my preaching. God's truth and love are available for all of us in so many places, cultures, religions, people. Thanks be to God!
An article in this monthly magazine "Shambhala Sun", begins with these words:
"Waking Up to your world: Throughout your day you can pause, take a break from your usual thoughts, and wake up to the magic and vastness of the world around you. this easy and spacious type of mindfulness practice is the most important thing we can do with our lives."
This reminds of the Center for Exceptional Living where I went for therapy 15 years ago. All was about living consciously, to be conscious every moment of what one is doing and especially why, the reasons behind one's actions. Those two years of therapy were a great gift to me and influenced greatly my Franciscan community living and my preaching. God's truth and love are available for all of us in so many places, cultures, religions, people. Thanks be to God!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
The Word of God Synod in Rome
On October 24, 2008, the c. 245 Bishops issued their final Message of the Word of God Synod.
This was the 12th Synod of Bishops of the World called by the Popes since Vatican II. The Synod is an ongoing way for the Pope to hear the voices of God's people through their Bishops. The Synod is a formal setting in Rome for usually four weeks - the 245 Bishops, 45 experts in the topic to be discussed, other religious leaders of various faiths. During this Synod, the Catholic Bishops heard from a Rabbi from Israel and from Bartholomeo I, Patricarch of the Ortodox Church in Istanbul -truly major breakthroughs on Inter-Faith dialog.
The Topic was The Word of God. In the ten page Final Message of Word of God Synod, we find so beautifully written, a contemporary, challenging and inviting message to read and reflect daily on the Word of God. The Bishops propose a spritual journey consisting of four phases that will carry us from all eternity and the infinite nature of God to our homes and the streets of our cities.
1) The Voice of the Word: The Revelation (Creation, Humanity, History)
2) The Face of the Word: Jesus Christ(The Word was made Flesh-the heart of Chrsitian Faith)
3) The House of the Word: The Church (Preaching, Breading of Bread, Prayer, Christian Love)
4) The Roads of the Word: Mission (Communication in all ways: Internet, Blogs, TV, Movies...)
For more, Google: Word of God Synod or www.zenit.org/article-24043?1=english
This was the 12th Synod of Bishops of the World called by the Popes since Vatican II. The Synod is an ongoing way for the Pope to hear the voices of God's people through their Bishops. The Synod is a formal setting in Rome for usually four weeks - the 245 Bishops, 45 experts in the topic to be discussed, other religious leaders of various faiths. During this Synod, the Catholic Bishops heard from a Rabbi from Israel and from Bartholomeo I, Patricarch of the Ortodox Church in Istanbul -truly major breakthroughs on Inter-Faith dialog.
The Topic was The Word of God. In the ten page Final Message of Word of God Synod, we find so beautifully written, a contemporary, challenging and inviting message to read and reflect daily on the Word of God. The Bishops propose a spritual journey consisting of four phases that will carry us from all eternity and the infinite nature of God to our homes and the streets of our cities.
1) The Voice of the Word: The Revelation (Creation, Humanity, History)
2) The Face of the Word: Jesus Christ(The Word was made Flesh-the heart of Chrsitian Faith)
3) The House of the Word: The Church (Preaching, Breading of Bread, Prayer, Christian Love)
4) The Roads of the Word: Mission (Communication in all ways: Internet, Blogs, TV, Movies...)
For more, Google: Word of God Synod or www.zenit.org/article-24043?1=english
Pilgrimage for the Year of St Paul
On June 28, 2008, Pope Benedict declared this year until June 29, 2009 (Feast of Sts Peter and Paul) to be the Year of St Paul, remembering the year of Paul's birth. Fr. Bill Burton OFM (www.biblicist.net) and I will lead a group of pilgrims in the Footsteps of St Paul, in Turkey and Greece. We will visit Ephesus, Izmir, Pergamum, Canakkale, Kavala, Phillippi, Thessaloniki, Monastery of Meteroa, Kalambaka, Athens, Corinth, Istanbul. Fr. Bill is a renowned Scripture scholar and teacher, a preacher on all things Biblical. His seven years in Rome earned him a high degree in Biblical Studies, not to forget his Irish wit and humor. For further information call
AMI Travel at 773-777-4900.
The Turkey Greece flyer is also online: www.amitravel.com/sitePage.aspx?pageID=336
Any suggestions for what to see and not miss on this pilgrimage?
Have you visited Turkey and/or Greece? Why? What did you bring home from that trip?
AMI Travel at 773-777-4900.
The Turkey Greece flyer is also online: www.amitravel.com/sitePage.aspx?pageID=336
Any suggestions for what to see and not miss on this pilgrimage?
Have you visited Turkey and/or Greece? Why? What did you bring home from that trip?
Going to the Holy Land - Israel and Palestine
On November 30,2008, Fr. Bill Burton OFM (www.biblicist.net) and I are leading a group to the Holy Land. This will be my 27 pilgrimage to the land of Abraham and Sarah, of Jesus, of Mary and Joseph, of Apostles, Saints, Martyrs, and believers in Christ for 2000 years.
Have you ever visited Israel and Palestine, Jordan or Egypt? How has that experience impacted or influenced your life? Join the conversation. Let's hear from you about your experience.
Have you ever visited Israel and Palestine, Jordan or Egypt? How has that experience impacted or influenced your life? Join the conversation. Let's hear from you about your experience.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Word of God: Care for the Alien/Immigrant & Poor
Peace and Everything Good to you and your loved ones!
I am working on my homily for this coming Sunday - October 26. I will be preaching at the Motherhouse of the Franciscans Sisters in Wheaton IL. The first of the three Scripture passages that the Sisters will hear is the same that all Catholics throughout the world will hear - from the Book of Exodus Chapter 22: 20-26. This is one of the major laws, rules, commands of the Lord God to care for the alien, the widow, the orphan, and poor neighbors ("lend money to the poor without demanding interest" and return a poor neighbor's cloak before sunset).
How does this direct, practical, concrete Word of God effect our dealings with immigrants and the poor? God's protection of the poor is the frequent testimony of the psalms. In this Exodus Reading, we read that the administration of God's protection of Israel's resident aliens, widows, orphans, and poor has been entrusted to the people itself. The people - that is us today, of course - must vigilantly protect them and punish whoever harms them. If it would remain faithful to God, Israel cannot tolerate the oppression of its most vulnerable. And the same goes for us - we cannot tolerate the oppression of immigrants and of the poor.
St John Chrysostom writes: "Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs." There's a challenge! There's the rub! There's the invitation to conversion and freedom.
We Franciscans of the Sacred Heart Province sponsor and founded the Franciscan Outreach with its two locations: Franciscan House of Mary and Joseph - a shelter with 250 beds, and Marquard Center - a food kitchen that serves 250 meals each day and offers laundry service and showers to the homeless. Check out this one way to care for the alien and poor: www.franoutreach.org.
What can we do to make God's Word real and visible in our world today?
I am working on my homily for this coming Sunday - October 26. I will be preaching at the Motherhouse of the Franciscans Sisters in Wheaton IL. The first of the three Scripture passages that the Sisters will hear is the same that all Catholics throughout the world will hear - from the Book of Exodus Chapter 22: 20-26. This is one of the major laws, rules, commands of the Lord God to care for the alien, the widow, the orphan, and poor neighbors ("lend money to the poor without demanding interest" and return a poor neighbor's cloak before sunset).
How does this direct, practical, concrete Word of God effect our dealings with immigrants and the poor? God's protection of the poor is the frequent testimony of the psalms. In this Exodus Reading, we read that the administration of God's protection of Israel's resident aliens, widows, orphans, and poor has been entrusted to the people itself. The people - that is us today, of course - must vigilantly protect them and punish whoever harms them. If it would remain faithful to God, Israel cannot tolerate the oppression of its most vulnerable. And the same goes for us - we cannot tolerate the oppression of immigrants and of the poor.
St John Chrysostom writes: "Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs." There's a challenge! There's the rub! There's the invitation to conversion and freedom.
We Franciscans of the Sacred Heart Province sponsor and founded the Franciscan Outreach with its two locations: Franciscan House of Mary and Joseph - a shelter with 250 beds, and Marquard Center - a food kitchen that serves 250 meals each day and offers laundry service and showers to the homeless. Check out this one way to care for the alien and poor: www.franoutreach.org.
What can we do to make God's Word real and visible in our world today?
Monday, October 20, 2008
Three Cups of Tea: Promoting Peace
I am reading an inspiring, challenging, and motivating book based on the life experience of Greg Mortenson. The Title of the Book is "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. Tom Brokaw comments on the book with these words: "Thrilling...proof that one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination, really can change the world."
This is Greg Mortenson's journey - one man's mission to promote peace...one school at a time.
Why the title: Three Cups of Tea? Hagi Ali, Korphe Village Chief, Karakoram Mountains, Pakistan tells us the meaning of three cups of tea: "Here in Pakistan and Afghanistan, we drink three cups of tea to do business: the first you are a stranger, the second you become a friend, and third, you join our family, and for our family we are prepared to do anything -- even die."
In 1993, a mountaineer named Greg Mortenson drifted into an impoverished Pakistan village in the Karakoram mountains after a failed attempt to climb K2. Moved by the inhabitants' kindness, he promised to return and build a school. "Three Cups of Tea" is the story of that promise and its extraordinary outcome. Over the next decade Mortenson built not just one but fifty-five schools - especially for girls - in the forbidding terrain that gave birth to the Taliban. His story is at one a riveting adventure and a testament to the power of the humanitarian spirit.
A great read, a challenging invitation to build something that will bring hope and meaning!
If you have read this book, or are reading this tale of changing peoples' lives, share your reflections. Or, if you are looking for a good book that will take you on transforming journey,
do read "Three Cups of Tea."
This is Greg Mortenson's journey - one man's mission to promote peace...one school at a time.
Why the title: Three Cups of Tea? Hagi Ali, Korphe Village Chief, Karakoram Mountains, Pakistan tells us the meaning of three cups of tea: "Here in Pakistan and Afghanistan, we drink three cups of tea to do business: the first you are a stranger, the second you become a friend, and third, you join our family, and for our family we are prepared to do anything -- even die."
In 1993, a mountaineer named Greg Mortenson drifted into an impoverished Pakistan village in the Karakoram mountains after a failed attempt to climb K2. Moved by the inhabitants' kindness, he promised to return and build a school. "Three Cups of Tea" is the story of that promise and its extraordinary outcome. Over the next decade Mortenson built not just one but fifty-five schools - especially for girls - in the forbidding terrain that gave birth to the Taliban. His story is at one a riveting adventure and a testament to the power of the humanitarian spirit.
A great read, a challenging invitation to build something that will bring hope and meaning!
If you have read this book, or are reading this tale of changing peoples' lives, share your reflections. Or, if you are looking for a good book that will take you on transforming journey,
do read "Three Cups of Tea."
Immigration: Catholic Unstanding and Commitment
Perceived Myth: Catholic Bishops (Church) support illegal immigration
Known Fact:
The Catholic Church and the Bishops do not condone unlawful entry or
circumventions of our nation’s immigration laws. The bishops believe that
reforms are necessary for our immigration system to respond to the realities of
separated families and labor demands that compel people to immigrate to the
United States in an authorized and unauthorized fashion. (Source: I Was a
Stranger, and You Welcome Me: Meeting Christ in New Neighbors Indiana Catholic
Bishops)
Why is the church so concerned about immigration?
The Catholic Church does not support unlawful entry into the U.S. or any country. The
Church respects the right of nations to control their borders and to enact laws in the best
interest of its citizens. Yet the Church teaches that some rights are inherent in the
human condition; these are natural rights, which extend beyond all national boundaries.
All immigrants, legal and illegal, have natural rights from their inherent dignity as
persons. Each is created in the image of God. (Gaudium et Spes)
All people should have their basic needs met in their homeland but have the right to
seek basic needs abroad if they cannot be met at home. The dignity of the human
person must be respected and priority must be given to family (re)unification. The
Church responds to immigrants not from their legal status but from the dictates of our
belief and teaching. While an action or immigration status can be illegal, a person can
never be illegal.
Nations may regulate borders to provide for national security, tranquility and prosperity,
but the right to regulate borders is not absolute. Regulations must promote the common
good, which includes not only members of the nation but also the universal human
family. (Catechism of Catholic Church)
The Church in the U.S. is especially mindful of the immigrant because it is an immigrant
Church, made up of people from all parts of earth.
The Church has a responsibility to assist the newcomer. In Scripture, God calls upon his
people to care for the alien. “So, you, too, must befriend the alien, for you were once
aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt” (Deut 10: 17-19). And in chapter 25 of the Gospel
of Matthew, Jesus identifies with the marginalized and commands us to respond when
he said, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me”.
For more information about the Church’s position see the pastoral statement by the
Catholic Bishops of Indiana, I Was a Stranger, and You Welcome Me: Meeting Christ in
New Neighbors available at the Indiana Catholic Conference web site, indianacc.org
Known Fact:
The Catholic Church and the Bishops do not condone unlawful entry or
circumventions of our nation’s immigration laws. The bishops believe that
reforms are necessary for our immigration system to respond to the realities of
separated families and labor demands that compel people to immigrate to the
United States in an authorized and unauthorized fashion. (Source: I Was a
Stranger, and You Welcome Me: Meeting Christ in New Neighbors Indiana Catholic
Bishops)
Why is the church so concerned about immigration?
The Catholic Church does not support unlawful entry into the U.S. or any country. The
Church respects the right of nations to control their borders and to enact laws in the best
interest of its citizens. Yet the Church teaches that some rights are inherent in the
human condition; these are natural rights, which extend beyond all national boundaries.
All immigrants, legal and illegal, have natural rights from their inherent dignity as
persons. Each is created in the image of God. (Gaudium et Spes)
All people should have their basic needs met in their homeland but have the right to
seek basic needs abroad if they cannot be met at home. The dignity of the human
person must be respected and priority must be given to family (re)unification. The
Church responds to immigrants not from their legal status but from the dictates of our
belief and teaching. While an action or immigration status can be illegal, a person can
never be illegal.
Nations may regulate borders to provide for national security, tranquility and prosperity,
but the right to regulate borders is not absolute. Regulations must promote the common
good, which includes not only members of the nation but also the universal human
family. (Catechism of Catholic Church)
The Church in the U.S. is especially mindful of the immigrant because it is an immigrant
Church, made up of people from all parts of earth.
The Church has a responsibility to assist the newcomer. In Scripture, God calls upon his
people to care for the alien. “So, you, too, must befriend the alien, for you were once
aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt” (Deut 10: 17-19). And in chapter 25 of the Gospel
of Matthew, Jesus identifies with the marginalized and commands us to respond when
he said, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me”.
For more information about the Church’s position see the pastoral statement by the
Catholic Bishops of Indiana, I Was a Stranger, and You Welcome Me: Meeting Christ in
New Neighbors available at the Indiana Catholic Conference web site, indianacc.org
Friday, October 17, 2008
A Pro-Life Litany
I will be attending the Call to Action Conference in Milwaukee WI, Nov.7-9. One of the dictums we learned in Theology Class in the 1960's is this: Ecclesia Semper Reformanda Est! The Church must always be reformed! This is another way of saying what Jesus preached: Repent! Change your ways! CTA (Call to Action) is one of the voices that calls us the Church to repentance and conversion. We are called to change our hearts and minds according to the Gospel message.
Check out CTA at www.cta-usa.org.
Today I received the Call to Action Church Watch Newsletter. There I read:
A Pro-Life Litany
I am more than pro-birth, I am pro-life.
I do not believe in unprovoked wars (which kill innocent people). I am pro-life.
I condemn torture. I am pro-life
I do not believe in the death penalty. I am pro-life.
I believe those we incarcerate must be taught skills so they can live in society. I am pro-life.
I work to eliminate racism. I am pro-life.
I do not believe that we should give obscene smounts of money to oppressive governments. I am pro-life.
I do not believe our government should train other governments to produce death squads. I am pro-life
I believe that everyone in the world should be able to live with healthful conditions. I am pro-life.
I believe that the social teachings of the church provide a strong foundation beyond being just pro-birth. I am pro0-life.
I am more than pro-birth. I am pro-life..
As Jesus says in Matthew's Gospel: "Now, what do you think?"
Check out CTA at www.cta-usa.org.
Today I received the Call to Action Church Watch Newsletter. There I read:
A Pro-Life Litany
I am more than pro-birth, I am pro-life.
I do not believe in unprovoked wars (which kill innocent people). I am pro-life.
I condemn torture. I am pro-life
I do not believe in the death penalty. I am pro-life.
I believe those we incarcerate must be taught skills so they can live in society. I am pro-life.
I work to eliminate racism. I am pro-life.
I do not believe that we should give obscene smounts of money to oppressive governments. I am pro-life.
I do not believe our government should train other governments to produce death squads. I am pro-life
I believe that everyone in the world should be able to live with healthful conditions. I am pro-life.
I believe that the social teachings of the church provide a strong foundation beyond being just pro-birth. I am pro0-life.
I am more than pro-birth. I am pro-life..
As Jesus says in Matthew's Gospel: "Now, what do you think?"
Voting and the Common Good
Every four years since 1976 the Catholic Bishops of the United States have produced a statement in advance of the election: "Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility." The 2004 edition of this document states,
"Politics in this election year and beyond should be about an old idea with new power - the common good. The central question should not be 'Are you better off than you were four years ago?' It should be, 'How can we - all of us, especially the weak and vulnerable - be better off in the years ahead? How can we protect and promote human life and dignity? How can we pursue greater justice and peace?'"
The document details principles of Catholic social teaching to serve as yardsticks for voters.
Before we vote, it would serve us well to read this years' statement: www.usccb.org
"Politics in this election year and beyond should be about an old idea with new power - the common good. The central question should not be 'Are you better off than you were four years ago?' It should be, 'How can we - all of us, especially the weak and vulnerable - be better off in the years ahead? How can we protect and promote human life and dignity? How can we pursue greater justice and peace?'"
The document details principles of Catholic social teaching to serve as yardsticks for voters.
Before we vote, it would serve us well to read this years' statement: www.usccb.org
Shalom! Salaam! Just Do It!
Someone gave me a T-Shirt with those words on the front of the shirt.
Just Do It! Nike uses those words for its motto. I think Jesus is always
telling us the same: Love one another. When we start to complain of how
difficult it is to love this person or that person, Jesus jumps in and simply
says - Just Do It!
Making Peace! - But it is so difficult! The Lord says, the Needs of our country and world
shout to us: Just do it!
So, how today, can you and I be peacemakers? How can we bring peace based on justice
to our world - to your world of family, friends, office, neighborhood.
One way is to hold precious, in our minds and hearts, words of peace, blessings of peace for all.
Did you ever stand in your home and face the north, then the east, then the south, then the
west. Raise your hands toward each direction and pray peace on all who live in that direction.
Send peace-filled energy and love to all who struggle for peace in that direction - in Iraq, in
India, in Columbia and Cuba, in Korea and Viet Nam, into the home and hearts of neighbors......
What can you and I do today to bring greater Peace on earth?
Someone gave me a T-Shirt with those words on the front of the shirt.
Just Do It! Nike uses those words for its motto. I think Jesus is always
telling us the same: Love one another. When we start to complain of how
difficult it is to love this person or that person, Jesus jumps in and simply
says - Just Do It!
Making Peace! - But it is so difficult! The Lord says, the Needs of our country and world
shout to us: Just do it!
So, how today, can you and I be peacemakers? How can we bring peace based on justice
to our world - to your world of family, friends, office, neighborhood.
One way is to hold precious, in our minds and hearts, words of peace, blessings of peace for all.
Did you ever stand in your home and face the north, then the east, then the south, then the
west. Raise your hands toward each direction and pray peace on all who live in that direction.
Send peace-filled energy and love to all who struggle for peace in that direction - in Iraq, in
India, in Columbia and Cuba, in Korea and Viet Nam, into the home and hearts of neighbors......
What can you and I do today to bring greater Peace on earth?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Quincy IL -
Hello from Quincy IL. I drove the almost five hours today, Monday October 13, from Chicago
to Quincy IL. I will be here for three days to visit Franciscan Friars and three classmates from
the seminary days of 1954. We Friars built a school here in 1861. This school has become Quincy University. In the 1960's we built a college seminary in Quincy, about a mile from the University Campus. My first visit to Quincy was in 1958 when I was a senior in the high school seminary in Westmont, IL. We Friars also serve in the parish of St Francis Solanus across the street from the University.
Lincoln-Douglas debated in Quincy in 1858. Quincy is built on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Mark Twain territory - Hannibal, MO is only ten miles down river. The last time I was here was nine years ago. Will be back in Chicago on Thursday.
Have any of you ever been to Quincy or attended our Franicscan Quincy College, now University?
May the Lord give you Peace!
to Quincy IL. I will be here for three days to visit Franciscan Friars and three classmates from
the seminary days of 1954. We Friars built a school here in 1861. This school has become Quincy University. In the 1960's we built a college seminary in Quincy, about a mile from the University Campus. My first visit to Quincy was in 1958 when I was a senior in the high school seminary in Westmont, IL. We Friars also serve in the parish of St Francis Solanus across the street from the University.
Lincoln-Douglas debated in Quincy in 1858. Quincy is built on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Mark Twain territory - Hannibal, MO is only ten miles down river. The last time I was here was nine years ago. Will be back in Chicago on Thursday.
Have any of you ever been to Quincy or attended our Franicscan Quincy College, now University?
May the Lord give you Peace!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Hi Father Chuck:
Not running the Chicago Marathon today but, here in Belleville, Ontario, I've been conducting a gardening marathon for over a year .
The Other Side of the River Gardeners' motto is creating a safe neighbourhood one flower at a time. The west side of the city is reported as having the lowest income per capita.
The Other Side of the River Gardeners' motto is creating a safe neighbourhood one flower at a time. The west side of the city is reported as having the lowest income per capita.
Landowners who participate allow us to plant trees and flowers. Their cost is soil and mulch. Perennials are donated by local nurseries and fellow gardeners. The adult labour is free and if we hire unemployed youth, they are paid $10 an hour.
Litter has decreased and gardens have not been vandalized. People stop and thank us for creating the flower beds for them.
When we plant on city land, we don't ask permission. What is asked is forbidden, what is done is forgiven.
Just want to encourage you to run a gardening marathon. Create beautiful street scapes which green our urban areas, reduce crime and improve mental health.
Donna
Pro- Life: All Life
Here at our Friary called Antonianum (St. Anthony's Place) the four of us Friars pray together every morning. One of our petitions at Morning Prayer is for the abundant out-pouring of the
Holy Spirit on all Americans as we prepare to chose our next President. I have a great concern
that some people are narrowing their choice based on one issue. I cannot understand that approach. There are so many issues - justice, peace, health-care, education, child-care, aids, etc.
All of these issues are about Life and for them all we need to be Pro-Life. Only to choose or focus on one issue is missing the forest because of looking at only one tree. There is a forest of needs and life/justice issues that we all need to look at, pray over, listen to and discuss what is being proposed.
May the Holy Spirit aid us all in this time of discernment.
May the Lord give you Peace and Everything Good!
Holy Spirit on all Americans as we prepare to chose our next President. I have a great concern
that some people are narrowing their choice based on one issue. I cannot understand that approach. There are so many issues - justice, peace, health-care, education, child-care, aids, etc.
All of these issues are about Life and for them all we need to be Pro-Life. Only to choose or focus on one issue is missing the forest because of looking at only one tree. There is a forest of needs and life/justice issues that we all need to look at, pray over, listen to and discuss what is being proposed.
May the Holy Spirit aid us all in this time of discernment.
May the Lord give you Peace and Everything Good!
Chicago Marathon
Today is October 12. Here in Chicago, the 80 degree sunshine. And I am not running in the Chicago Marathon today through 29 neighborhoods. Have any of you ever run in a Marathon?
Any comments on your experience?
Any comments on your experience?
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Welcome to Peace Making, Sharing, Dreaming
On this September 6, 2008, I am beginning my first blog. May this be a means of discussing and sharing, dreaming and learning together about Peace and all matters that can lead to and develop peace in our hearts, in our relationships, in our church, and in our world.
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