"When the king heard this news, he was struck with fear and very much shaken. Sick with grief because his designs had failed, he took to his bed. There he remained many days, overwhelmed with sorrow, for he knew he was going to die." I Mc 6: 8-10
The two books of Maccabees recount the success of the Jewish people in defending their land and people, but only when they worshiped the one God and lived according to the law. Violent and graphic, the books of Maccabees are not easy to read because they force us to think about and reflect on our own violence especially towards those we perceive as weak and vulnerable but there is a another path.
Though not all Christians feel called to an intentional life of non violence, it is a real option for some, and one to which many of our contemporaries have given their lives. Take a look a the Family Pledge of Non Violence as a conversation starter and possible commitment. If we can find a way as families to begin a life of non violence in our homes and communities, we can make a real difference in the world. Though difficult to live out, especially in a world and culture as competitive as ours, non violence can be a leaven in our families and neighborhoods. When our friends and relatives know that we are working to let go of the need to always be right for the sake of being in peaceful relationships with one another, they might see themselves in a different light and begin to work towards letting go of those memories, attitudes and habits that separate them from their authentic selves.
Today, take a moment to pray for those who are separated from their families and friends because of unresolved conflicts.
What issues are most difficult for you to respond nonviolently?
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts Peter and Paul
"Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things." Lk 19:45
For a millennium the basilicas of St Peter's and St Paul outside the walls, although miles apart, were connected by a covered colonnade, a visual sign that Peter who represented the foundation of the church in Jerusalem and Paul who went as missioner to the nations, had roles that were intimately tied to one another. Every community or institution that wants to have an impact in the world must have both a vision out of which it operates, and a commitment to spread its message, its good news, to everyone.
Another necessary aspect of this bilateral identity, which some call roots and branches, is its ability to address the major issues that its people confront everyday. What for instance has the church to say to the people who are organizing against gun violence or for immigration reform? Whether or not you support these initiatives, it is impossible for people of faith to ignore them. They remind us that Jesus came to spread the Good News of God's love to all, and that he begged us to work against violence and for peace and justice in a world where too many live in fear and hiding.
For a millennium the basilicas of St Peter's and St Paul outside the walls, although miles apart, were connected by a covered colonnade, a visual sign that Peter who represented the foundation of the church in Jerusalem and Paul who went as missioner to the nations, had roles that were intimately tied to one another. Every community or institution that wants to have an impact in the world must have both a vision out of which it operates, and a commitment to spread its message, its good news, to everyone.
Another necessary aspect of this bilateral identity, which some call roots and branches, is its ability to address the major issues that its people confront everyday. What for instance has the church to say to the people who are organizing against gun violence or for immigration reform? Whether or not you support these initiatives, it is impossible for people of faith to ignore them. They remind us that Jesus came to spread the Good News of God's love to all, and that he begged us to work against violence and for peace and justice in a world where too many live in fear and hiding.
St Paul knew that his experience as a gospel missionary would be resisted by some and rejected by others, but he did not hesitate to speak the truth to Christians no matter how dangerous it was to him personally. The life and growth of the early church was more important than his own safety, making it necessary for him to insist that those hearing about Jesus in the gentile world should not be forced to become Jews first. Isn't Pope Francis doing the same thing today when he reminds us: "Don't proselytize; respect others' beliefs.We can inspire others through witness?" (1)
Today, pray for the gift of an open spirit.
What most helps you hear a difficult or challenging message?
Today, pray for the gift of an open spirit.
What most helps you hear a difficult or challenging message?
Sunday, November 16, 2014
St Elizabeth of Hungary
"The blind man shouted, 'Son of David, have pity on me.'" Lk 18:38
St Elizabeth of Hungary was born into and married royalty. She had access to money and power, but when her husband died on his way to fight the sixth crusade, she decided to leave the palace and follow Conrad, her Franciscan spiritual director, to Marburg where she continued her life of compassion for those most in need. Conrad wrote that Elizabeth "built a hospice where she gathered together the weak and the feeble. There she attended the most wretched and contemptible at her own table."(1)
People of faith like Elizabeth, especially the married and families, are the ground upon which the church builds communities of compassion for the poor and justice for all. After all, it was the faith and courage of our parents and grandparents, so many of whom were immigrants, who came to this country and built, hospitals, schools, orphanages, soup kitchens and shelters because they knew that faith demanded they respond to the struggles they saw all around them.
Though the structures might change, the demand of the gospel to feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty will never change. St. Elizabeth of Hungary, who is the patroness of Catholic Charities, remains an icon who challenges our generation not only to pray for justice in our churches, but to live the gospel in our streets.
Today, pray in gratitude for those who give their lives to care for those who cannot help themselves.
How can you live Elizabeth's values in your life?
St Elizabeth of Hungary was born into and married royalty. She had access to money and power, but when her husband died on his way to fight the sixth crusade, she decided to leave the palace and follow Conrad, her Franciscan spiritual director, to Marburg where she continued her life of compassion for those most in need. Conrad wrote that Elizabeth "built a hospice where she gathered together the weak and the feeble. There she attended the most wretched and contemptible at her own table."(1)
People of faith like Elizabeth, especially the married and families, are the ground upon which the church builds communities of compassion for the poor and justice for all. After all, it was the faith and courage of our parents and grandparents, so many of whom were immigrants, who came to this country and built, hospitals, schools, orphanages, soup kitchens and shelters because they knew that faith demanded they respond to the struggles they saw all around them.
Though the structures might change, the demand of the gospel to feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty will never change. St. Elizabeth of Hungary, who is the patroness of Catholic Charities, remains an icon who challenges our generation not only to pray for justice in our churches, but to live the gospel in our streets.
Today, pray in gratitude for those who give their lives to care for those who cannot help themselves.
How can you live Elizabeth's values in your life?
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Our Worth in God's Eyes
"I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." Lk 19:27
As we near the end of another liturgical year, the church offers us scriptural texts that help us reflect on the the year that is fast slipping away. How have we used the gifts we received? Have we spent them to help build God's kingdom? Are we richer for having given them away?
For those of us raised during the Second World War and as children of parents who experienced the Great Depression, fear was a constant companion. Supplies of meat, butter, sugar and gasoline were very limited and were used sparingly for fear there would be nothing for tomorrow. Sometimes forgetting this, the children of friends often tease their parents for shopping at BJ's or Sam's Club and buying 50 rolls of paper towels when they only use one roll a week.
When young people snicker at their parent's habits, they fail to acknowledge the fear their parents often carry, even after fifty years of relative prosperity. Fear leads to hoarding and lack of trust in a system that failed to protect the poor. Fear leads to shopping for bargains all the time even if the store with the best prices is 25 miles away and the cost of travel wipes out any saving they might realize from the bargain. And it was fear that got in the way of the leaders of the Jewish people trusting Jesus and following him.
When Jesus suggested that he did not need a place to lay his head or a bank to protect his wealth, the Jewish leaders thought he was insane, and their fear of his growing power got in the way of their hearing the gospel. Unless we learn to trust God in all things, knowing that we are worth more than many sparrows, (Mt 10:31) our fear will allow us to cling to our possessions and justify our greed.
Today ask yourself how you can give the gospel away in a way that will attract others to do the same?
Which of your fears gets in the way of living the Gospel more simply?
As we near the end of another liturgical year, the church offers us scriptural texts that help us reflect on the the year that is fast slipping away. How have we used the gifts we received? Have we spent them to help build God's kingdom? Are we richer for having given them away?
For those of us raised during the Second World War and as children of parents who experienced the Great Depression, fear was a constant companion. Supplies of meat, butter, sugar and gasoline were very limited and were used sparingly for fear there would be nothing for tomorrow. Sometimes forgetting this, the children of friends often tease their parents for shopping at BJ's or Sam's Club and buying 50 rolls of paper towels when they only use one roll a week.
When young people snicker at their parent's habits, they fail to acknowledge the fear their parents often carry, even after fifty years of relative prosperity. Fear leads to hoarding and lack of trust in a system that failed to protect the poor. Fear leads to shopping for bargains all the time even if the store with the best prices is 25 miles away and the cost of travel wipes out any saving they might realize from the bargain. And it was fear that got in the way of the leaders of the Jewish people trusting Jesus and following him.
When Jesus suggested that he did not need a place to lay his head or a bank to protect his wealth, the Jewish leaders thought he was insane, and their fear of his growing power got in the way of their hearing the gospel. Unless we learn to trust God in all things, knowing that we are worth more than many sparrows, (Mt 10:31) our fear will allow us to cling to our possessions and justify our greed.
Today ask yourself how you can give the gospel away in a way that will attract others to do the same?
Which of your fears gets in the way of living the Gospel more simply?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)