>
> John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"
>
> He was a natural motivator.
>
> If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.
>
> Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, "I don't get it!
> You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"
>
> He replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood
> I choose to be in a good mood."
>
> Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.
> Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.
> "Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.
> "Yes, it is," he said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood.
>
> You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life."
>
> I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.
>
> Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.
>
> After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.
>
> I saw him about six months after the accident.
> When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins...Wanna see my scars?"
> I declined to see his wounds, but I did a sk him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.
>
> "The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live."
>
> "Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked
> He continued, "..the paramedics were great.
> They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action."
>
> "What did you do?" I asked.
> "Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said John. "She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity'."
>
> Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."
>
> He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude... I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.
> Attitude, after all, is everything.
>
> Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34.
> After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Franciscans International
From March 1-18, 2009, I was preaching in Singapore (Lion City) and Malaysia to SFO’s and Franciscan Friars. While there I heard Sr Denise Boyle offer two presentations about Franciscans International. I learned more than I ever knew about this most important ministry of our Franciscan Family’s world-wide joint efforts for greater justice, peace and care of creation.
Sr. Denise is a Franciscan Sister from Dublin, Ireland. She was a missionary in Australia for 15 years and in Zimbabwe, Africa, for ten years. Now Sr. Denise is the Executive Director of Franciscans International with offices at the United Nations in New York, at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, and in Bangkok, Thailand.
For the last five days (April 1-5, 2009), I have been driving Sr Denise Boyle to visit six different Franciscan groups from Wheaton and to Manitowoc WI.
Sr. Denise was President of the Board of Directors of FI (Franciscans International) and several months ago was elected to be Executive Director of FI. The purpose of her Chicago area visit was to make face to face contact with the groups of Sisters and Friars who have been supporting FI. I continued to learn more about FI as we visited the Franciscan Sisters of Charity in Manitowoc, WI, the Felician Sisters on Peterson Ave in Chicago, the Franciscan Sisters in Wheaton IL, the Friars in the formation Friary at Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park, the School Sisters of St Francis of Milwaukee, and the Joliet Franciscan Sisters. Palm Sunday, Sr. Denise and I participated in Mass at St Peter’s in the Loop where she meet many Friars. I then drove her to Midway Airport for her flight back to New York and then on to Geneva, Switzerland.
Franciscans International is a non-governmental organization (NGO) with General Consultative status at the UN, uniting the voices of Franciscan brothers and sisters from around the world. FI operates under the sponsorship of the Conference of the Franciscan Family (CFF) and serves all Franciscans and the global community by bringing spiritual, ethical, and Franciscan values to the United Nations and international organizations.
FI closely follows the tradition of St Francis and Saint Clare, striving to put Franciscan ideals into practice at the international level. FI is guided by the Saints' loving concern for the poor, care of creation, and peacemaking. As the poorest people are being exploited in systemic ways, and global peace is increasingly threatened, Franciscan commitment is needed more urgently than ever.
Franciscans around the world run schools, hospitals, Justice and Peace offices, shelters, and specialize in many services for the poor. The programs at FI bring grassroots Franciscans to the United Nations forums in New York and Geneva, influencing international human rights standards and bringing witness to human rights violations.
Franciscans International is supported by the freewill offerings of Franciscan communities and our partners. A large part of our funding comes from individuals who support Franciscan work for human rights, care for creation, and peacemaking.
Mission Statement of FI: Franciscans International works at the UN and international organizations to influence decision makers on behalf of the most vulnerable.
Vision Statement of FI: We are men and women who are committed to the ideals of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. As St. Francis once addressed the social leaders of his time with the challenge of peace, so today we are called to engage policy makers and world leaders at the United Nations for the work of justice, peace, the care of creation, and the promotion of human rights.
History of FI: The seedlings of Franciscans International sprouted in 1982 when two Franciscans, a sister from the United States and a brother from Malta, saw the potential for effective Franciscan input at the United Nations. Aware of the indispensable role of NGOs in UN decision-making, the two suggested the idea to their respective Justice and Peace Committees. The idea of Franciscans at the UN was met with approval and excitement. It quickly grew into a common project of the Franciscan Family and an interfamilial Preparatory Committee was organized for this future ministry. This Committee prepared the FI Vision Statement centered on three main goals: raising awareness of the interconnectedness of all creation, and thus stressing the need to care for creation – both human and environmental;
promoting peace; voicing concern for the world’s poor.
While gathering strength and momentum within the Franciscan Family between 1982 and 1989, Franciscans International was officially recognized as a non-governmental organization (NGO) by the UN Department of Public Information (DPI) in 1989. After further organizational work, smoothing out a membership plan, and opening an office in New York, FI was approved for NGO Category 1 Status. This was a major step for Franciscans International.
Having General Consultative Status (Category 1) with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) enables FI to participate in all activities of the Council through written and oral statements. This means that FI is able to be present at UN World Conferences and their Preparatory Committees, General Assembly special sessions, the UN Commission and Sub-Commission on Human Rights, and the committees that monitor States’ compliance with specific international treaties. Furthermore, this status gives FI a critical responsibility to provide technical expertise and advice to governments and the UN Secretariat. Thus, FI was challenged to strengthen ties with Franciscan brothers and sisters in the field, often in developing countries, to enable meaningful contributions to UN forums.
In 1997, Franciscans International expanded to Geneva, Switzerland, where we concentrate on the promotion and protection of human rights and their civil, cultural, economic, political, and social manifestations.
A key shift in our short history took place in 1999 when the Conference of Franciscan Family (CFF) redefined the notion of membership for FI. As opposed to maintaining select membership in which individuals or groups choose to become members of FI through contributions, the CFF approved a more inclusive membership policy. All Franciscans within the jurisdiction of the CFF are automatically members of FI. Therefore, FI provides a service to all Franciscans based on their need for access to the international community, research, or advocacy to address a local challenge. This membership change has implications for funding – we are funded by voluntary contributions from members of the Franciscan Family. Often, those who need our services the most cannot help support us financially. Contributions from Franciscan communities in the developed world enable us to serve the friars and sister from poverty stricken areas of the world.
Though our history remains brief, we have made great strides in the growth of FI and are reaching a peak of effectiveness, attaining a strong reputation both in NY and Geneva, Bangkok, Thailand, and strengthening our visibility as a service within the Franciscan Family.
SFO’s (Secular Franciscan Order) are members of Franciscan International as are all Franciscans. I would encourage you to learn more and to keep informed of FI’s efforts (our efforts) for Justice, Peace and Care for Creation. Check FI’s web site: www.FranciscansInternational.org.
Peace and Everything Good!
Sr. Denise is a Franciscan Sister from Dublin, Ireland. She was a missionary in Australia for 15 years and in Zimbabwe, Africa, for ten years. Now Sr. Denise is the Executive Director of Franciscans International with offices at the United Nations in New York, at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, and in Bangkok, Thailand.
For the last five days (April 1-5, 2009), I have been driving Sr Denise Boyle to visit six different Franciscan groups from Wheaton and to Manitowoc WI.
Sr. Denise was President of the Board of Directors of FI (Franciscans International) and several months ago was elected to be Executive Director of FI. The purpose of her Chicago area visit was to make face to face contact with the groups of Sisters and Friars who have been supporting FI. I continued to learn more about FI as we visited the Franciscan Sisters of Charity in Manitowoc, WI, the Felician Sisters on Peterson Ave in Chicago, the Franciscan Sisters in Wheaton IL, the Friars in the formation Friary at Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park, the School Sisters of St Francis of Milwaukee, and the Joliet Franciscan Sisters. Palm Sunday, Sr. Denise and I participated in Mass at St Peter’s in the Loop where she meet many Friars. I then drove her to Midway Airport for her flight back to New York and then on to Geneva, Switzerland.
Franciscans International is a non-governmental organization (NGO) with General Consultative status at the UN, uniting the voices of Franciscan brothers and sisters from around the world. FI operates under the sponsorship of the Conference of the Franciscan Family (CFF) and serves all Franciscans and the global community by bringing spiritual, ethical, and Franciscan values to the United Nations and international organizations.
FI closely follows the tradition of St Francis and Saint Clare, striving to put Franciscan ideals into practice at the international level. FI is guided by the Saints' loving concern for the poor, care of creation, and peacemaking. As the poorest people are being exploited in systemic ways, and global peace is increasingly threatened, Franciscan commitment is needed more urgently than ever.
Franciscans around the world run schools, hospitals, Justice and Peace offices, shelters, and specialize in many services for the poor. The programs at FI bring grassroots Franciscans to the United Nations forums in New York and Geneva, influencing international human rights standards and bringing witness to human rights violations.
Franciscans International is supported by the freewill offerings of Franciscan communities and our partners. A large part of our funding comes from individuals who support Franciscan work for human rights, care for creation, and peacemaking.
Mission Statement of FI: Franciscans International works at the UN and international organizations to influence decision makers on behalf of the most vulnerable.
Vision Statement of FI: We are men and women who are committed to the ideals of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. As St. Francis once addressed the social leaders of his time with the challenge of peace, so today we are called to engage policy makers and world leaders at the United Nations for the work of justice, peace, the care of creation, and the promotion of human rights.
History of FI: The seedlings of Franciscans International sprouted in 1982 when two Franciscans, a sister from the United States and a brother from Malta, saw the potential for effective Franciscan input at the United Nations. Aware of the indispensable role of NGOs in UN decision-making, the two suggested the idea to their respective Justice and Peace Committees. The idea of Franciscans at the UN was met with approval and excitement. It quickly grew into a common project of the Franciscan Family and an interfamilial Preparatory Committee was organized for this future ministry. This Committee prepared the FI Vision Statement centered on three main goals: raising awareness of the interconnectedness of all creation, and thus stressing the need to care for creation – both human and environmental;
promoting peace; voicing concern for the world’s poor.
While gathering strength and momentum within the Franciscan Family between 1982 and 1989, Franciscans International was officially recognized as a non-governmental organization (NGO) by the UN Department of Public Information (DPI) in 1989. After further organizational work, smoothing out a membership plan, and opening an office in New York, FI was approved for NGO Category 1 Status. This was a major step for Franciscans International.
Having General Consultative Status (Category 1) with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) enables FI to participate in all activities of the Council through written and oral statements. This means that FI is able to be present at UN World Conferences and their Preparatory Committees, General Assembly special sessions, the UN Commission and Sub-Commission on Human Rights, and the committees that monitor States’ compliance with specific international treaties. Furthermore, this status gives FI a critical responsibility to provide technical expertise and advice to governments and the UN Secretariat. Thus, FI was challenged to strengthen ties with Franciscan brothers and sisters in the field, often in developing countries, to enable meaningful contributions to UN forums.
In 1997, Franciscans International expanded to Geneva, Switzerland, where we concentrate on the promotion and protection of human rights and their civil, cultural, economic, political, and social manifestations.
A key shift in our short history took place in 1999 when the Conference of Franciscan Family (CFF) redefined the notion of membership for FI. As opposed to maintaining select membership in which individuals or groups choose to become members of FI through contributions, the CFF approved a more inclusive membership policy. All Franciscans within the jurisdiction of the CFF are automatically members of FI. Therefore, FI provides a service to all Franciscans based on their need for access to the international community, research, or advocacy to address a local challenge. This membership change has implications for funding – we are funded by voluntary contributions from members of the Franciscan Family. Often, those who need our services the most cannot help support us financially. Contributions from Franciscan communities in the developed world enable us to serve the friars and sister from poverty stricken areas of the world.
Though our history remains brief, we have made great strides in the growth of FI and are reaching a peak of effectiveness, attaining a strong reputation both in NY and Geneva, Bangkok, Thailand, and strengthening our visibility as a service within the Franciscan Family.
SFO’s (Secular Franciscan Order) are members of Franciscan International as are all Franciscans. I would encourage you to learn more and to keep informed of FI’s efforts (our efforts) for Justice, Peace and Care for Creation. Check FI’s web site: www.FranciscansInternational.org.
Peace and Everything Good!
“In God We Trust”
“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim tribute to patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness—these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. . . . reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principles.”
– George Washington
“God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever.”
–Thomas Jefferson
“[I]t is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People in a greater Measure, than they have it now, they may change their Rulers and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty.”
– John Adams
“...The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.’ ”
– Benjamin Franklin
“Were my soul trembling on the wing of eternity, were this hand freezing to death, were my voice choking with the last struggle, I would still, with the last gasp of that voice, implore you to remember the truth: God has given America to be free.”
– Patrick Henry
“And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”
– Abraham Lincoln
“Let us look forward to the time when we can take the flag of our country and nail it below the Cross, and there let it wave as it waved in the olden times, and let us gather around it and inscribed for our motto: ‘Liberty and Union, one and inseparable, now and forever,’ and exclaim, ‘Christ first, our country next!’ ”
– Andrew Johnson
“We cannot read the history of our rise and development as a nation, without reckoning with the place the Bible has occupied in shaping the advances of the Republic. Where we have been the truest and most consistent in obeying its precepts, we have attained the greatest measure of contentment and prosperity.”
– Franklin Roosevelt
“Without God, there is no virtue, because there’s no prompting of the conscience. Without God, we’re mired in the material, that flat world that tells us only what the senses perceive. Without God, there is a coarsening of the society. And without God, democracy will not and cannot long endure. If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”
– Ronald Reagan
– George Washington
“God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever.”
–Thomas Jefferson
“[I]t is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People in a greater Measure, than they have it now, they may change their Rulers and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty.”
– John Adams
“...The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.’ ”
– Benjamin Franklin
“Were my soul trembling on the wing of eternity, were this hand freezing to death, were my voice choking with the last struggle, I would still, with the last gasp of that voice, implore you to remember the truth: God has given America to be free.”
– Patrick Henry
“And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”
– Abraham Lincoln
“Let us look forward to the time when we can take the flag of our country and nail it below the Cross, and there let it wave as it waved in the olden times, and let us gather around it and inscribed for our motto: ‘Liberty and Union, one and inseparable, now and forever,’ and exclaim, ‘Christ first, our country next!’ ”
– Andrew Johnson
“We cannot read the history of our rise and development as a nation, without reckoning with the place the Bible has occupied in shaping the advances of the Republic. Where we have been the truest and most consistent in obeying its precepts, we have attained the greatest measure of contentment and prosperity.”
– Franklin Roosevelt
“Without God, there is no virtue, because there’s no prompting of the conscience. Without God, we’re mired in the material, that flat world that tells us only what the senses perceive. Without God, there is a coarsening of the society. And without God, democracy will not and cannot long endure. If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”
– Ronald Reagan
Sunday, March 29, 2009
One Friar's experience of living in Alaska in winter:
My experience among the Athabaskan people confirmed my calling to be a Friar Minor. So many of their values resonate with our basic values; namely, respect and reverence for all people, respect for creation, respect for diversity, working to meet one’s basic needs, simplicity of life (not possessed by money), importance of fostering and preserving a family spirit (communion of life), interdependence and collaboration, hospitality (a welcoming spirit), honesty in recognizing and embracing one’s woundedness and brokenness (ongoing conversion), humor and sharing one’s life and story which is the fruit of reflection on one’s own life experience, wasting time with each other (a ministry of presence), expressing gratitude (to recognize and to affirm people’s contributions).
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
HARMONY - Knowing our oneness
HARMONY
Knowing our oneness, we live in harmony with one another.
A heartwarming story about a female dog that lovingly mothers six orphan kittens makes the national news. Perhaps the underlying message for people is that harmony is always possible because it's not about looking the same or sounding the same. It's about knowing our oneness and letting our unique qualities enhance our relationships.
People from different backgrounds often have different ideas about the same subject. Yet a diversity of ideas can lead to a hybrid idea--one that is a combination of the best of all ideas, a divine plan.
All was created by God and called good. So harmony is the norm when we interact with one another as we were created to act--with love and understanding, with compassion and consideration.
"May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you
to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus."
--Romans 15:5
Knowing our oneness, we live in harmony with one another.
A heartwarming story about a female dog that lovingly mothers six orphan kittens makes the national news. Perhaps the underlying message for people is that harmony is always possible because it's not about looking the same or sounding the same. It's about knowing our oneness and letting our unique qualities enhance our relationships.
People from different backgrounds often have different ideas about the same subject. Yet a diversity of ideas can lead to a hybrid idea--one that is a combination of the best of all ideas, a divine plan.
All was created by God and called good. So harmony is the norm when we interact with one another as we were created to act--with love and understanding, with compassion and consideration.
"May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you
to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus."
--Romans 15:5
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Thirteen Benefits of Reading Aloud to a Child
Wally Amos Messenger of Inspiration of Chip & Cookie www.unclewallys.com
On the back of his business card are "Thirteen Benefits of Reading Aloud"
Reading is a child's first subject. Reading aloud is Early Childhood Development.
1. Develops language skills
2. Improves listening comprehension
3. Increases the child's attention span
4. Builds vocabulary
5. Exposes the child to good grammer
6. Exposes the child to new experiences and information
7. Stimulates the imagination
8. Stimulates brain development
9. Promotes higher critical thinking skills
10. Creates a bond between the child and the reader
11. Builds confidence and self-esteem
12. Teaches values
13. It's fun for everyone
On the back of his business card are "Thirteen Benefits of Reading Aloud"
Reading is a child's first subject. Reading aloud is Early Childhood Development.
1. Develops language skills
2. Improves listening comprehension
3. Increases the child's attention span
4. Builds vocabulary
5. Exposes the child to good grammer
6. Exposes the child to new experiences and information
7. Stimulates the imagination
8. Stimulates brain development
9. Promotes higher critical thinking skills
10. Creates a bond between the child and the reader
11. Builds confidence and self-esteem
12. Teaches values
13. It's fun for everyone
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Singapore: Franciscan Presence
I have been in Singapore for two weeks. One week was spent in Malaysia with thirty Franciscan Friars in Malacca, Malaysia. I preached their retreat on the Rule of 1223 of St. Francis that all Friars Minor still live by. The Rule begins and ends with the words that the Rule and Life of the Friars Minor (the Lesser Brothers) is this: To observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ by living in obedience, without anything of one's own. and in chastity. For 800 years men throughout the world have lived this life in brotherhood showing that the Gospel life of peace and joy, love and forgiveness, of service and ministry to all is not only possible, but desirable.
Here in Singapore, there are thirty Friars of various ethic backgrounds: Malay, Chinese, Indian, Ski Lankan. Their age is from 28 to 53. I was the old man in their
midst at 68 years old. I am living in their formation house on the property of their one parish here in Singapore. It is a very creative, only five year old, award-winning space for worship and gathering, in and outside the church where a piazza provides for gatherings of all sorts. Under the piazza is a Columbarium for 6000 remains of their beloved deceased. It is decorated with art, flowing water, sits for reflection and prayer, and where soft religious music continuously plays.
Seven thousand people worship here at St. Mary's Franciscan Church each weekend.
I have sat in the midst of the woshipers for the last two Sundays. All pick up an OCP Breaking Bread hymnal from Portland Oregon publisher. Different choirs at each of the five masses. These Asian faces carry names like Joe, Susan, Gwen, Janet, Paul, David, Candy, Monica, etc. Children everywhere.
One of the Singaporean additions to words is the syllable "lah" that is added to words: Okaylah! Sit downlah! Thank youlah! There was a young man in church today who was wearing a tee-shirt with some ten words with "lah" added to the end. And I did have my camera-lah!
The food is incredible! My taste buds have been jumping with excitement since I arrived. Everything is available: Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Malay, Filipino, Indonesian, Thai, Indian, etc. Instead of a fork and knife, the custom here is to use a fork in the left hand and table spoon in the right hand.
I have met most of the 35 Secular Franciscans of the four Fraternities here in Singapore. Population: 4.8 million people. 177,000 Catholics. 30 parishes. On Archbishop. I am a Spiritual Assistant for a Fraternity of lay Franciscans in Crystal Lake, IL northwest of Chicago. So I was so happy to met several times with the SFO's here in Singapore. ---- time for supper. Be well. I return to Chicago on March 18 with great memories of people, sights, foods, Friars,.... Peace!
Here in Singapore, there are thirty Friars of various ethic backgrounds: Malay, Chinese, Indian, Ski Lankan. Their age is from 28 to 53. I was the old man in their
midst at 68 years old. I am living in their formation house on the property of their one parish here in Singapore. It is a very creative, only five year old, award-winning space for worship and gathering, in and outside the church where a piazza provides for gatherings of all sorts. Under the piazza is a Columbarium for 6000 remains of their beloved deceased. It is decorated with art, flowing water, sits for reflection and prayer, and where soft religious music continuously plays.
Seven thousand people worship here at St. Mary's Franciscan Church each weekend.
I have sat in the midst of the woshipers for the last two Sundays. All pick up an OCP Breaking Bread hymnal from Portland Oregon publisher. Different choirs at each of the five masses. These Asian faces carry names like Joe, Susan, Gwen, Janet, Paul, David, Candy, Monica, etc. Children everywhere.
One of the Singaporean additions to words is the syllable "lah" that is added to words: Okaylah! Sit downlah! Thank youlah! There was a young man in church today who was wearing a tee-shirt with some ten words with "lah" added to the end. And I did have my camera-lah!
The food is incredible! My taste buds have been jumping with excitement since I arrived. Everything is available: Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Malay, Filipino, Indonesian, Thai, Indian, etc. Instead of a fork and knife, the custom here is to use a fork in the left hand and table spoon in the right hand.
I have met most of the 35 Secular Franciscans of the four Fraternities here in Singapore. Population: 4.8 million people. 177,000 Catholics. 30 parishes. On Archbishop. I am a Spiritual Assistant for a Fraternity of lay Franciscans in Crystal Lake, IL northwest of Chicago. So I was so happy to met several times with the SFO's here in Singapore. ---- time for supper. Be well. I return to Chicago on March 18 with great memories of people, sights, foods, Friars,.... Peace!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Hello from Singapore!
I am here with the Friars from March 1-18 to preach their Custody Retreat.
There are 30 Friars in this Custody, attached to the Province of Australia.
Singapore has a population of 4.5 million people. The Catholic Population in this city-state-country numbers 177,000 with 30 parishes, 70 diocesan priests, 67 religious priests, 98 Religious Brothers, 189 Religious Sisters. The OFM’s arrived here 50 years ago.
I am living in their Formation House with twelve friars.
The Guardian, Council Member and Head of Formation is Clifford Augustine OFM, who lived at St Peter’s in the Loop for two years while taking classes at CTU. The retreat for the Custody will be in Malaysia – a four
Hour bus ride from Singapore. The 90 degrees and 97 percent humidity is a welcome change from Chicago’s winter.
For more info on the Custody go to their website: http://www.franciscans.sg/ The friars are most hospitable and welcoming.
Please remember the retreat in your prayers – March 9-13. Peace!
There are 30 Friars in this Custody, attached to the Province of Australia.
Singapore has a population of 4.5 million people. The Catholic Population in this city-state-country numbers 177,000 with 30 parishes, 70 diocesan priests, 67 religious priests, 98 Religious Brothers, 189 Religious Sisters. The OFM’s arrived here 50 years ago.
I am living in their Formation House with twelve friars.
The Guardian, Council Member and Head of Formation is Clifford Augustine OFM, who lived at St Peter’s in the Loop for two years while taking classes at CTU. The retreat for the Custody will be in Malaysia – a four
Hour bus ride from Singapore. The 90 degrees and 97 percent humidity is a welcome change from Chicago’s winter.
For more info on the Custody go to their website: http://www.franciscans.sg/ The friars are most hospitable and welcoming.
Please remember the retreat in your prayers – March 9-13. Peace!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
To Singapore
On Feb. 27, I will be flying to Singapore - Chicago to Hong Kong to Singapore, all on
United Airlines. There are fifty Franciscan Friars in the Singapore Custody. They invited me to preach their annual retreat. Since this is the 800th anniversary of the
founding of the Franciscan Order of Friars - OFM: Ordo Fratrum Minorum (Order of Lesser Brothers), I suggested the retreat be focused on our Rule of Life written by St. Francis in 1223. Preparation for this retreat has been a blessing for me. I have read more on the Rule during the last six months than I have ever done. The old saying: If you want to learn something, teach it.
Have any of you been to Singapore? Have suggestions for me - what to see, what to do nor not to do...? Do you have any friends or relatives there?
Besides living with the Friars and learning their customs and culture(s), I hope to make contact with the SFO's, the Secular Franciscan Order - laity who live according to the Spirit of St Francis and the Gospel. I will return on March 18.
Blessings to you from Singapore!
Fr. Chuck Faso, OFM
United Airlines. There are fifty Franciscan Friars in the Singapore Custody. They invited me to preach their annual retreat. Since this is the 800th anniversary of the
founding of the Franciscan Order of Friars - OFM: Ordo Fratrum Minorum (Order of Lesser Brothers), I suggested the retreat be focused on our Rule of Life written by St. Francis in 1223. Preparation for this retreat has been a blessing for me. I have read more on the Rule during the last six months than I have ever done. The old saying: If you want to learn something, teach it.
Have any of you been to Singapore? Have suggestions for me - what to see, what to do nor not to do...? Do you have any friends or relatives there?
Besides living with the Friars and learning their customs and culture(s), I hope to make contact with the SFO's, the Secular Franciscan Order - laity who live according to the Spirit of St Francis and the Gospel. I will return on March 18.
Blessings to you from Singapore!
Fr. Chuck Faso, OFM
Friday, February 20, 2009
Books! Books! Books! - Reading! Rading! Reading!
Someone once said" "Show me your library and I will tell you when you died." That is,
the last thing you read is perhaps when you stopped learning and thinking and reflecting. Today, of course, we have books, magazines, Google, DVDs, etc. But there is something about holding a book, opening the book, turning those pages until the last page is read. One of our friars says that everyone should always be reading a novel - to get into another time zone, another culture, another person's and/or family's journey, another ethical world view,.... So what have I read recently?
I am almost finished reading "Three Cups of Tea" This a true story that reads like a novel. These 331 pages that won the Kiriyzma Prize is the story of Greg Mortenson's one man's mission to promote peace...one School at a time in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Greg Mortenson was attempting to climb the second highest mountain in the world but had to stop near the top and return down because of injuries of a fellow climber. On the descent, Mortenson took a turn that led him to a village where there was no school. That experience of these good people isolated not only by the mountains but by their lack of the possibility of education catapulted him into a mission that consumes his life with passion and meaning, commitment and direction.
The title refers to the custom in Pakistan and Afghanistan that is best described by Haji Ali, Korphe Village Chief, in the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan: "We drink three cups of tea to do business: the first you are a stranger, the second you become a friend, and the third, you join our family and for our family we are prepared to do anything -- even die."
To read this book is to scale mountains and get to know people of Pakistan and Afghanistan in their daily hopes and fears, their struggles and challenges, the politics and wars. Mortenson is the director of the Central Asia Institute that he founded with the continued financial support of many people who share his dream and hope. He has spoken to a groups of a few people to thousands, to a room full of congressman in Washington DC and to military leaders at the Pentagon. The usual response is: Why have we not heard about this before?
David Oliver Relin, the writer, is a globe-trotting journalist who has won more than forty national awards for his writing and editing. A former teaching/writing fellow at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, he is a frequent contributor to Parade and Skiing Magazine. He lives in Portland Oregon.
Tom Brokaw said this about "Three Cups of Tea": "Thrilling....proof that one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination, really can change the world." I am finding the book an education of that part of the world and its culture, customs, religions, and wars. I have been moved and challenged to learn more and to do something. As a Franciscan, I went on the internet to "Franciscan Action Network" and found this website filled what is being done and can be done to bring more justice and peace to our world through the office in Washington DC. Take a look at "FAN" yourself. Most informative with daily updates.
The back cover of the book makes a great summary of the book in this way:
This book (Three Cups of Tea) is the astonishing, uplifting story of a real-life Indiana Jones and his remarkable humanitarian campaign in the Taliban's backyard. 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 buildt not just one but fifty-five schools - especially for girls - in the forbidding terrain that gave birth to the Taliban. His story is at once a riveting adventure and a testament to the power of the Humanitarian spirit.
Have any of you read this book? What are your comments and reflection?
Any other books that you have read and want to share a few words about?
I will write again about books: "The Shack" and one I received yesterday "A Voluptuous God" by Robert V. Thompson. Anyone read either of these two books?
the last thing you read is perhaps when you stopped learning and thinking and reflecting. Today, of course, we have books, magazines, Google, DVDs, etc. But there is something about holding a book, opening the book, turning those pages until the last page is read. One of our friars says that everyone should always be reading a novel - to get into another time zone, another culture, another person's and/or family's journey, another ethical world view,.... So what have I read recently?
I am almost finished reading "Three Cups of Tea" This a true story that reads like a novel. These 331 pages that won the Kiriyzma Prize is the story of Greg Mortenson's one man's mission to promote peace...one School at a time in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Greg Mortenson was attempting to climb the second highest mountain in the world but had to stop near the top and return down because of injuries of a fellow climber. On the descent, Mortenson took a turn that led him to a village where there was no school. That experience of these good people isolated not only by the mountains but by their lack of the possibility of education catapulted him into a mission that consumes his life with passion and meaning, commitment and direction.
The title refers to the custom in Pakistan and Afghanistan that is best described by Haji Ali, Korphe Village Chief, in the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan: "We drink three cups of tea to do business: the first you are a stranger, the second you become a friend, and the third, you join our family and for our family we are prepared to do anything -- even die."
To read this book is to scale mountains and get to know people of Pakistan and Afghanistan in their daily hopes and fears, their struggles and challenges, the politics and wars. Mortenson is the director of the Central Asia Institute that he founded with the continued financial support of many people who share his dream and hope. He has spoken to a groups of a few people to thousands, to a room full of congressman in Washington DC and to military leaders at the Pentagon. The usual response is: Why have we not heard about this before?
David Oliver Relin, the writer, is a globe-trotting journalist who has won more than forty national awards for his writing and editing. A former teaching/writing fellow at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, he is a frequent contributor to Parade and Skiing Magazine. He lives in Portland Oregon.
Tom Brokaw said this about "Three Cups of Tea": "Thrilling....proof that one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination, really can change the world." I am finding the book an education of that part of the world and its culture, customs, religions, and wars. I have been moved and challenged to learn more and to do something. As a Franciscan, I went on the internet to "Franciscan Action Network" and found this website filled what is being done and can be done to bring more justice and peace to our world through the office in Washington DC. Take a look at "FAN" yourself. Most informative with daily updates.
The back cover of the book makes a great summary of the book in this way:
This book (Three Cups of Tea) is the astonishing, uplifting story of a real-life Indiana Jones and his remarkable humanitarian campaign in the Taliban's backyard. 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 buildt not just one but fifty-five schools - especially for girls - in the forbidding terrain that gave birth to the Taliban. His story is at once a riveting adventure and a testament to the power of the Humanitarian spirit.
Have any of you read this book? What are your comments and reflection?
Any other books that you have read and want to share a few words about?
I will write again about books: "The Shack" and one I received yesterday "A Voluptuous God" by Robert V. Thompson. Anyone read either of these two books?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Former Senator Geroge McGovern on Peace Making
Former senator George McGovern addressed Obama in a recent editorial in The Washington Post.
"Please do not try to put Afghanistan aright with the U.S. military. To send our troops out of Iraq and into Afghanistan would be a near-perfect example of going from the frying pan into the fire…. Military power is no solution to terrorism. The hatred of U.S. policies in the Middle East--our occupation of Iraq, our backing for repressive regimes such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia, our support of Israel--that drives the terrorist impulse against us would better be resolved by ending our military presence throughout the arc of conflict. This means a prudent, carefully directed withdrawal of our troops from Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and elsewhere. We also need to close down the imposing U.S. military bases in this section of the globe, which do so little to expand our security and so much to stoke local resentment."
McGovern proposes instead that the U.S. work with the U.N. World Food program and other agencies to provide a nutritious lunch every day for every school-age child in Afghanistan and other poor countries. This would be a minimum, as far as I'm concerned. We should also make restitution for every nation where we have ever killed a single child.
"Please do not try to put Afghanistan aright with the U.S. military. To send our troops out of Iraq and into Afghanistan would be a near-perfect example of going from the frying pan into the fire…. Military power is no solution to terrorism. The hatred of U.S. policies in the Middle East--our occupation of Iraq, our backing for repressive regimes such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia, our support of Israel--that drives the terrorist impulse against us would better be resolved by ending our military presence throughout the arc of conflict. This means a prudent, carefully directed withdrawal of our troops from Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and elsewhere. We also need to close down the imposing U.S. military bases in this section of the globe, which do so little to expand our security and so much to stoke local resentment."
McGovern proposes instead that the U.S. work with the U.N. World Food program and other agencies to provide a nutritious lunch every day for every school-age child in Afghanistan and other poor countries. This would be a minimum, as far as I'm concerned. We should also make restitution for every nation where we have ever killed a single child.
Blueprint for Peace in the World
The most developed blueprint comes from "Sept. 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows" (www.peacefultomorrows.org). They've composed a "primer for activists," which outlines a few unpopular truths.
1. U.S. and NATO occupation creates civilian casualties, angering Afghans.
2. Military occupation has hampered humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.
3. Afghan women continue to face violence and oppression under the occupation.
4. U.S. policy has empowered warlords, drug lords and the Taliban.
5. The occupation contributes to violence and destabilization for ordinary Afghans, including refugees.
6. NATO allies and military leaders are questioning the occupation.
7. U.S. troop casualties in Afghanistan are on the rise.
8. Afghans are calling for a negotiated end to the war.
9. Military escalation will only increase the violence, and potentially lead to a wider war involving nuclear-armed Pakistan.
10. Military occupation of Afghanistan does not curb terrorism.
They propose eight recommendations for change:
1. Set a swift timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO military forces, to be substituted by U.N. forces for short-term security.
2. Immediately cease air strikes on targets in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
3. Support negotiations between all parties involved in the conflict, including Afghan women leaders.
4. Reform humanitarian aid and reconstruction funding efforts to prioritize Afghan organizations over foreign contractors. Ensure that funded projects address the needs and requests of Afghans and are not simply pet projects of foreign donors.
5. Invest in long-term aid that increases self-reliance such as sustainable agriculture efforts.
6. Immediately discontinue the use of Provincial Reconstruction Teams, which are costly, inefficient, and have militarized the aid process.
7. Standardize, increase, and publicly document compensation to Afghan families and communities affected by U.S. military actions.
8. Sign the treaty to ban cluster bombs, pay for cluster bomb and landmine cleanup in Afghanistan, and pledge never to use these weapons again.
From every quarter, the message is clear: War is obsolete. War doesn't work. The days of war are over. We want nonviolent solutions for nonviolent breakthroughs to a new world of nonviolence.
"We've tried and tested every form of violence," Lech Walesa has said, "and not once in the entire course of human history has anything good or lasting come from it."
And from the Dalai Lama: "If we look at history, we find that in time, humanity's love of peace, justice and freedom always triumphs over cruelty and oppression. This is why I am such a fervent believer in nonviolence. Violence begets violence. Violence means only one thing: suffering. This small planet should be completely demilitarized."
Fr John Dear, SJ, states that war is not the way to follow Jesus. Indeed, Jesus says that whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me. In our wars, not only do we make Christ poor, hungry, homeless, sick and imprisoned, we kill him all over again.
1. U.S. and NATO occupation creates civilian casualties, angering Afghans.
2. Military occupation has hampered humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.
3. Afghan women continue to face violence and oppression under the occupation.
4. U.S. policy has empowered warlords, drug lords and the Taliban.
5. The occupation contributes to violence and destabilization for ordinary Afghans, including refugees.
6. NATO allies and military leaders are questioning the occupation.
7. U.S. troop casualties in Afghanistan are on the rise.
8. Afghans are calling for a negotiated end to the war.
9. Military escalation will only increase the violence, and potentially lead to a wider war involving nuclear-armed Pakistan.
10. Military occupation of Afghanistan does not curb terrorism.
They propose eight recommendations for change:
1. Set a swift timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO military forces, to be substituted by U.N. forces for short-term security.
2. Immediately cease air strikes on targets in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
3. Support negotiations between all parties involved in the conflict, including Afghan women leaders.
4. Reform humanitarian aid and reconstruction funding efforts to prioritize Afghan organizations over foreign contractors. Ensure that funded projects address the needs and requests of Afghans and are not simply pet projects of foreign donors.
5. Invest in long-term aid that increases self-reliance such as sustainable agriculture efforts.
6. Immediately discontinue the use of Provincial Reconstruction Teams, which are costly, inefficient, and have militarized the aid process.
7. Standardize, increase, and publicly document compensation to Afghan families and communities affected by U.S. military actions.
8. Sign the treaty to ban cluster bombs, pay for cluster bomb and landmine cleanup in Afghanistan, and pledge never to use these weapons again.
From every quarter, the message is clear: War is obsolete. War doesn't work. The days of war are over. We want nonviolent solutions for nonviolent breakthroughs to a new world of nonviolence.
"We've tried and tested every form of violence," Lech Walesa has said, "and not once in the entire course of human history has anything good or lasting come from it."
And from the Dalai Lama: "If we look at history, we find that in time, humanity's love of peace, justice and freedom always triumphs over cruelty and oppression. This is why I am such a fervent believer in nonviolence. Violence begets violence. Violence means only one thing: suffering. This small planet should be completely demilitarized."
Fr John Dear, SJ, states that war is not the way to follow Jesus. Indeed, Jesus says that whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me. In our wars, not only do we make Christ poor, hungry, homeless, sick and imprisoned, we kill him all over again.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Pilgrimages - Turkey/Greece and Oberamergau
Come join Fr. Bill Burton OFM (www.biblicist.net) and me, fr. Chuck Faso, OFM (www.frchuckofm.org) for a pilgrimage:
1) In the Footsteps of St. Paul - Turkey and Greece - May 24-June
For more info and/or an email brochure contact me at cfaso@earthlink.net
or AMI Travel:
Lebbie Chang
6119 N. Cicero Ave #1
Chicago IL 60646
(773)777-4900
(800)821-8947
www.amitravel.com
email: tours@amitravel.com
2)Oberamergau Passion Play 2010
August 5-14, 2010, co-hosted by Fr. William Burton OFM
and Fr. Charles Faso, OFM: a 10 Day alpine Europe Tour, featuring Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Germany - Munich, Salzubrg, Innsbruck, Bolzano, Island of Mainau, Lucerne, and the memorable Passion Play Performance.
For more Information, please contact:
Trans World Travel (TWT)
John Gibbs
734 Central Ave
Highland Park IL 60035
Phone:(847) 432-2400
Outside Illinois: (800) 323-8158
1) In the Footsteps of St. Paul - Turkey and Greece - May 24-June
For more info and/or an email brochure contact me at cfaso@earthlink.net
or AMI Travel:
Lebbie Chang
6119 N. Cicero Ave #1
Chicago IL 60646
(773)777-4900
(800)821-8947
www.amitravel.com
email: tours@amitravel.com
2)Oberamergau Passion Play 2010
August 5-14, 2010, co-hosted by Fr. William Burton OFM
and Fr. Charles Faso, OFM: a 10 Day alpine Europe Tour, featuring Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Germany - Munich, Salzubrg, Innsbruck, Bolzano, Island of Mainau, Lucerne, and the memorable Passion Play Performance.
For more Information, please contact:
Trans World Travel (TWT)
John Gibbs
734 Central Ave
Highland Park IL 60035
Phone:(847) 432-2400
Outside Illinois: (800) 323-8158
Saturday, January 17, 2009
A Franciscan Prayer for Peace
Lord, make us instruments of your Peace
In a world all too prone to violence and revenge,
We commit ourselves to the Gospel Values of
Mercy, Justice, Compassion, and Love;
We will seek daily to promote forgiveness and healing
in our hearts, our families, and our world.
Where there is hatred, let us sow Love;
Where there is injury, let us cultivate Peace
Fear and distance prevent people from recognizing all
as brothers and sisters;
tensions lead to violence and mistrust;
We will strive to honor the dignity that God places
in each and every human person.
Grant that we may not seek to be understood as to Understand;
To be loved as to Love
Our failure to understand the other can create exclusion
in all its negative forms –
racism, marginalization of those who are poor, sick, the immigrant;
it can also create situations of domination, occupation, oppression and war.
We pledge to seek the way of solidarity,
to create hearts, homes, and communities
where all people will experience inclusion, hospitality, and understanding.
For it is in giving that we receive, in pardoning that we are pardoned
And in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Let us Pray:
Lord God, create in us:
-the Capacity to hear and understand the voices of those who suffer from
every form of violence, injustice, and dehumanization;
-the Openness to receive and honor people from other cultures, languages,
religious traditions, and geographical regions;
-the Creativity to explore new ways of communication and dialogue through
music, poetry, performing arts, and the mass media;
-the Audacity to undertake the building of communities of forgiveness, healing,
and reconciliation.
To God who is above all and in all are the glory and the honor. Amen
In a world all too prone to violence and revenge,
We commit ourselves to the Gospel Values of
Mercy, Justice, Compassion, and Love;
We will seek daily to promote forgiveness and healing
in our hearts, our families, and our world.
Where there is hatred, let us sow Love;
Where there is injury, let us cultivate Peace
Fear and distance prevent people from recognizing all
as brothers and sisters;
tensions lead to violence and mistrust;
We will strive to honor the dignity that God places
in each and every human person.
Grant that we may not seek to be understood as to Understand;
To be loved as to Love
Our failure to understand the other can create exclusion
in all its negative forms –
racism, marginalization of those who are poor, sick, the immigrant;
it can also create situations of domination, occupation, oppression and war.
We pledge to seek the way of solidarity,
to create hearts, homes, and communities
where all people will experience inclusion, hospitality, and understanding.
For it is in giving that we receive, in pardoning that we are pardoned
And in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Let us Pray:
Lord God, create in us:
-the Capacity to hear and understand the voices of those who suffer from
every form of violence, injustice, and dehumanization;
-the Openness to receive and honor people from other cultures, languages,
religious traditions, and geographical regions;
-the Creativity to explore new ways of communication and dialogue through
music, poetry, performing arts, and the mass media;
-the Audacity to undertake the building of communities of forgiveness, healing,
and reconciliation.
To God who is above all and in all are the glory and the honor. Amen
A Jew's Prayer for the Children of Gaza
by Rabbi Levi Weiman-Kelman of Kol HaNeshama, Jerusalem
Lord who is the creator of all children, hear our prayer this accursed day.
God whom we call Blessed, turn your face to these, the children of Gaza,
that they may know your blessings, and your shelter,
that they may know light and warmth,
where there is now only blackness and smoke,
and a cold which cuts and clenches the skin.
Almighty who makes exceptions, which we call miracles,
make an exception of the children of Gaza.
Shield them from us and from their own.
Spare them. Heal them. Let them stand in safety.
Deliver them from hunger and horror and fury and grief.
Deliver them from us, and from their own.
Restore to them their stolen childhoods, their birthright, which is a taste of heaven.
Remind us, O Lord, of the child Ishmael,
who is the father of all the children of Gaza.
How the child Ishmael was without water
and left for dead in the wilderness of Beer-Sheba,
so robbed of all hope,
that his own mother could not bear to watch his life drain away.
Be that Lord, the God of our kinsman Ishmael,
who heard his cry and sent His angel to comfort his mother Hagar.
Be that Lord, who was with Ishmael that day, and all the days after.
Be that God, the All-Merciful,
who opened Hagar's eyes that day, and showed her the well of water,
that she could give the boy Ishmael to drink, and save his life.
Allah, whose name we call Elohim,
who gives life, who knows the value and the fragility of every life,
send these children your angels.
Save them, the children of this place,
Gaza the most beautiful, and Gaza the damned.
In this day, when the trepidation and rage and mourning that is called war,
seizes our hearts and patches them in scars,
we call to you, the Lord whose name is Peace:
Bless these children, and keep them from harm.
Turn Your face toward them, O Lord.
Show them, as if for the first time,
light and kindness, and overwhelming graciousness.
Look up at them, O Lord. Let them see your face.
And, as if for the first time, grant them peace.
Lord who is the creator of all children, hear our prayer this accursed day.
God whom we call Blessed, turn your face to these, the children of Gaza,
that they may know your blessings, and your shelter,
that they may know light and warmth,
where there is now only blackness and smoke,
and a cold which cuts and clenches the skin.
Almighty who makes exceptions, which we call miracles,
make an exception of the children of Gaza.
Shield them from us and from their own.
Spare them. Heal them. Let them stand in safety.
Deliver them from hunger and horror and fury and grief.
Deliver them from us, and from their own.
Restore to them their stolen childhoods, their birthright, which is a taste of heaven.
Remind us, O Lord, of the child Ishmael,
who is the father of all the children of Gaza.
How the child Ishmael was without water
and left for dead in the wilderness of Beer-Sheba,
so robbed of all hope,
that his own mother could not bear to watch his life drain away.
Be that Lord, the God of our kinsman Ishmael,
who heard his cry and sent His angel to comfort his mother Hagar.
Be that Lord, who was with Ishmael that day, and all the days after.
Be that God, the All-Merciful,
who opened Hagar's eyes that day, and showed her the well of water,
that she could give the boy Ishmael to drink, and save his life.
Allah, whose name we call Elohim,
who gives life, who knows the value and the fragility of every life,
send these children your angels.
Save them, the children of this place,
Gaza the most beautiful, and Gaza the damned.
In this day, when the trepidation and rage and mourning that is called war,
seizes our hearts and patches them in scars,
we call to you, the Lord whose name is Peace:
Bless these children, and keep them from harm.
Turn Your face toward them, O Lord.
Show them, as if for the first time,
light and kindness, and overwhelming graciousness.
Look up at them, O Lord. Let them see your face.
And, as if for the first time, grant them peace.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Develop a New Vision
Vision is not the ability to predict the future; it is a commitment to pursue possibility. Vision asks questions no one else even seems to know exist. Vision is the grace to evaluate the present and then to ask, Why not? of the future.
In a world where contaminated water is a child's worst enemy, where 44,000,000 people lack medical insurance in the richest nation in the world, where a government refuses to sign a nuclear nonproliferation treaty, where women everywhere are routinely denied the status of full human beings in both church and state, it is time to develop a new vision. It is time to ask, Why not? again. Not for our sakes only, I learned from my foremothers, but for the sake of those who will come after us.
— Joan Chittister in Seeing With Our Souls
In a world where contaminated water is a child's worst enemy, where 44,000,000 people lack medical insurance in the richest nation in the world, where a government refuses to sign a nuclear nonproliferation treaty, where women everywhere are routinely denied the status of full human beings in both church and state, it is time to develop a new vision. It is time to ask, Why not? again. Not for our sakes only, I learned from my foremothers, but for the sake of those who will come after us.
— Joan Chittister in Seeing With Our Souls
To Practice This Today:
Write a vision statement for yourself.
What possibilities do you want to pursue?
To encourage yourself, make a list of changes you have already seen, say in the last one to five years,
that are consistent with your vision of a better world.
Stepping Over Our Wounds
Sometimes we have to "step over" our anger, our jealousy, or our feelings of rejection and move on. The temptation is to get stuck in our negative emotions, poking around in them as if we belong there. Then we become the "offended one," "the forgotten one," or the "discarded one." Yes, we can get attached to these negative identities and even take morbid pleasure in them. It might be good to have a look at these dark feelings and explore where they come from, but there comes a moment to step over them, leave them behind and travel on.
from Henri Nouwen
from Henri Nouwen
Friday, January 9, 2009
President Dwight Eisenhower - April 16, 1953
Every gun that is made, every warship launched,
every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense,
a theft from those who hunger and are not fed,
those who are cold and are not clothed.
The world in arms is not spending money alone.
It is spending the sweat of its laborers,
the genius of its scientists,
the hopes of its children...
This is not a way of life at all,
in any true sense.
Under the cloud of threatening war,
it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron.
every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense,
a theft from those who hunger and are not fed,
those who are cold and are not clothed.
The world in arms is not spending money alone.
It is spending the sweat of its laborers,
the genius of its scientists,
the hopes of its children...
This is not a way of life at all,
in any true sense.
Under the cloud of threatening war,
it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Pope John XXIII's Decalogue
The Church's holiness and human wisdom are expressed very clearly in what is called "the daily decalogue of Pope John XXIII":
1) Only for today, I will seek to live the livelong day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once.
2) Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance: I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behavior; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself.
3) Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one.
4) Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes.
5) Only for today, I will devote 10 minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul.
6) Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it.
7) Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure that no one notices.
8) Only for today, I will make a plan for myself: I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it. And I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision.
9) Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearances, that the good providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world.
10) Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for 12 hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life.
To conclude: here is an all-embracing resolution: "I want to be kind, today and always, to everyone."
In this way, we can put Pope John's hope for every Christian into practice: "Every believer in this world must be a spark of light, a core of love, life-giving leaven in the mass: and the more he is so, the more he will live, in his innermost depths, in communion with God."
1) Only for today, I will seek to live the livelong day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once.
2) Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance: I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behavior; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself.
3) Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one.
4) Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes.
5) Only for today, I will devote 10 minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul.
6) Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it.
7) Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure that no one notices.
8) Only for today, I will make a plan for myself: I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it. And I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision.
9) Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearances, that the good providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world.
10) Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for 12 hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life.
To conclude: here is an all-embracing resolution: "I want to be kind, today and always, to everyone."
In this way, we can put Pope John's hope for every Christian into practice: "Every believer in this world must be a spark of light, a core of love, life-giving leaven in the mass: and the more he is so, the more he will live, in his innermost depths, in communion with God."
Hello from Napa Valley
Peace and all Good from sunny Napa Valley, from the town of St Helena. I am staying with a Jewish/Catholic couple who wedding I officiated at in 1990. Their three children now know that each day when they come home from school that I have a question: "What did you learn in school today? Tell me one thing you learned." My father would ask the five of us that same question each evening at the dinner table. We could not say: "Nothing!" That was not an answer.
On another question: What do you see, hear, learn,....that evoked from you a heart-felt: "WOW!"
That sense of wonder that we too easily and quickly loose. So, what did you WOW about today?
I wowed at miles and miles of vineyards in this valley called Napa, i.e., Abundance. I wowed at the children's sense of generosity and kindness. I wowed at how blessed I am to have friends from coast to coast, and the ability to enjoy, share, and visit them. I wowed at........so much. How about you? What have you wowed at today? The goodness of others, the uniquness of others, the difference in others that makes us all so unique and precious? Say WOW at least five more times today, beginning a big WOW when you look into the mirror.
Wisdom is born of Wonder!
On another question: What do you see, hear, learn,....that evoked from you a heart-felt: "WOW!"
That sense of wonder that we too easily and quickly loose. So, what did you WOW about today?
I wowed at miles and miles of vineyards in this valley called Napa, i.e., Abundance. I wowed at the children's sense of generosity and kindness. I wowed at how blessed I am to have friends from coast to coast, and the ability to enjoy, share, and visit them. I wowed at........so much. How about you? What have you wowed at today? The goodness of others, the uniquness of others, the difference in others that makes us all so unique and precious? Say WOW at least five more times today, beginning a big WOW when you look into the mirror.
Wisdom is born of Wonder!
Friday, January 2, 2009
To have eyes to truly see! What do you see?
A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC
Three minutes went by and a middle-aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.
A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.
A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.
The one who paid the most attention was a 3-year-old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.
In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.
Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater inBoston
This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?
One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?
Three minutes went by and a middle-aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.
A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.
A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.
The one who paid the most attention was a 3-year-old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.
In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.
Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in
This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?
One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?
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