I’m sure you have all heard the Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” with its haunting melody. The carol dates back to the 16th century and its precise author is unknown. It has generally been assumed to consist of twelve nonsense verses built around a pretty melody. But in a fascinating article in Our Sunday Visitor (12/20/92), Fr. Gilhooley, a chaplain at St. Mary’s College, informs us that the carol was written by the English Jesuits of the 16th century as a catechetical device and it is far from filled with nonsensical verses.
The carol is akin to the apocalyptic literature of Scripture that used obscure symbols to hide its true meaning from the enemy in time of persecution. To understand the background that gave rise to the carol, let us look briefly at the history of Catholicism in 16th century England.
When Henry VIII was rebuffed by Rome in his bid to divorce Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn, he declared himself head of the Church in England replacing the Pope and demanded that all swear an oath of allegiance to him as such. St. Thomas More, the Chancellor of the Realm, the equivalent of the Prime Minister today, refused the oath supporting the elimination of the Pope’s authority and Henry had him publicly beheaded. Catholic convents and monasteries were closed and looted. The situation was worse under his son, Edward VI, and better during the short reign of Catherine’s daughter, Mary Tudor. She was succeeded by her half-sister Elizabeth I, an ardent Protestant, the daughter of Anne Boleyn. The practice of the Catholic faith was banned. Priests were exiled and forbidden under pain of death from returning or performing the sacraments. It was a desperate, dreadful time.
But many priests risked their lives to come back and minister to the flock and many lay Catholics likewise risked their lives and fortunes to hear Mass and have their children baptized. Wealthy families built hiding places, called priests’ holes, in their homes to hide priests in case their homes were raided by the secret police.
The story is told of one priest who was almost caught in a surprise raid. He had just time to squeeze into his hole before the police broke in on the family. The police had obviously received a tip because they went right to the fireplace where the priest’s hole was located. But try as they might, they couldn’t find the entrance. Then in their frustration they ordered a fire to be lit to drive out the priest. When he didn’t emerge, because to do so would subject the host family to prison or death, they ordered more logs on the fire. Eventually all were driven from the room by the intense heat and the police left in disgust. The family rushed to get the priest out of the hole but he was already dead, baked alive. He gave his life under cruel circumstances to save those whom he had come to serve. And he was only one of many.
With this as a background we can see the need for secrecy and deception. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was written to educate the faithful in the doctrines of the faith and yet not be obvious to the persecutors. The numbers are simply a mnemonic to help Catholics remember some basic facts. Recall the words of the song. “On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: twelve lords a leaping, eleven pipers piping, ten ladies dancing, nine drummers drumming, eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.”
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” celebrates the official Christmas season which starts liturgically on Christmas Day and ends twelve days later on the Feast of the Epiphany. “My true love” refers to God, “me” is the individual Catholic. The “twelve lords a leaping” are the twelve basic beliefs of the Catholic Church as outlined in the Apostles Creed. The “eleven pipers piping” are the eleven Apostles who remained faithful after the treachery of Judas. The “ten drummers drumming” are the Ten Commandments. The “nine ladies dancing” are the nine choirs of angels which in those days of class distinction were thought important. The “eight maids a milking” are the Eight Beatitudes. The “seven swans a swimming” are the Seven Sacraments. The “six geese a laying” are the Six Commandments of the Church or the six days of creation. The “five golden rings” are the first five books of the Old Testament called the Torah which are generally considered the most sacred and important of all the Old Testament. The “four calling birds” are the Four Gospels. The “three French hens” are the Three Persons in God or the three gifts of the Wise Men. The “two turtle doves” represent the two natures in Jesus: human and divine or the two Testaments, Old and New. The “partridge” is the piece de resistance, Jesus himself, and the “pear tree” is the Cross.
(courtesy of http://www.catholic.net/index.php?option=dedestaca&id=3465)
Welcome Home,
Nazareth Farm
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Advent Preparation
Why is it So Difficult to Enter Into Advent?
It happens every year, as predictably as drawing up a shopping list, decorating the tree and planning the Christmas Dinner. Every year we think, “Now THIS is the year when I really will enter into Advent.” And there it stays. Nothing happens. We know in our hearts that Advent can be more than a "pre-Christmas" season, more than those four weeks of getting ready for the Big Day on December 25th. We sit in Church and hear the different readings, the darkness and the promise of hope.
We ponder in our hearts: Our lives are full, our families are good, our homes beautiful. We have everything, simply everything we could want. But in the quiet darkness, we are aware of something stirring in our hearts, a longing we can't name. Something that no trip to the store, no decorations, Christmas dishes or new ornaments can fill. The longing might be risky, even dangerous, so we push it away — quickly — and busy ourselves again. There is so much to do in these weeks.
The days are coming, says the LORD,
when I will fulfill the promise
I made to the house of Israel and Judah.
Jeremiah 3
frustrated manThe stirring returns. What is this promise for us? What does it mean for us in our comfortable, complicated and messy lives? We want to be better people, and our lives are not perfect. We don't want to delve into our relationships at home because we don't want to upset the way things are. We are so often impatient with our children, unreasonable with our spouses and we might even admit, disappointed in our lives. We echo the disciples' confusion and disappointment after the crucifixion: “We had thought it would be different." But we have everything we could want. What else is there?
The Lord GOD will wipe away
the tears from all faces;
The reproach of his people he will remove
from the whole earth; for the Lord has spoken.
On that day it will be said:
“Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!
This is the LORD for whom we looked;
let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!”
For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.
Isaiah 25
HopeWhat if this Advent, we allow ourselves to imagine a life that is different? What if our hearts were at peace and our lives more satisfying? That longing in the most hidden corners of our hearts is something holy, a Holy Longing, a desire for a deeper relationship with God.
We might squirm at that and stammer all of the excuses we know: "Not now. I'm really busy. I'm not a very holy person. I'm going to get to a serious relationship with God as soon as my kids are gone... when I don't have to care for my parents; when I get the promotion at work; when we move to a new house." There are dozens of ways we can evade the issue, but still, that longing is there for something more.
candlesAdvent is a time to recognize both our holy longing and the healing love God has for us, despite the many barriers we put up between ourselves and God. We can start simply and just rest at the edge of our beds in the mornings, open our hands and whisper, "Come, Lord Jesus!" If we let ourselves feel what is in our hearts, we know they are filled with love. We can carry that experience with us as we go through even the busiest of our days. We may not know exactly where to begin or how to fill this longing in our hearts but it is simple. God waits with infinite love and with arms outstretched to meet us. The words we say don't matter. We can speak as if God is a friend we have not seen in a long time, but one with whom we can sit in a comfortable silence.
It's just about taking the first step. Even if we are fearful about this next step, we can say to God what is in our hearts. In this Advent season, it's time to risk, to make the first step, to find our way back home.
Loving God, I don't have the right words. I'm not sure where to begin, but I know you are the hope and promise of the peace to come in my life. Be with me this day. Let me look at my life and my day today and open my heart completely as I begin, "Come, Lord Jesus."
(taken from this website: http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/difficult-entering-Advent.html)
Welcome Home,
Nazareth Farm
It happens every year, as predictably as drawing up a shopping list, decorating the tree and planning the Christmas Dinner. Every year we think, “Now THIS is the year when I really will enter into Advent.” And there it stays. Nothing happens. We know in our hearts that Advent can be more than a "pre-Christmas" season, more than those four weeks of getting ready for the Big Day on December 25th. We sit in Church and hear the different readings, the darkness and the promise of hope.
We ponder in our hearts: Our lives are full, our families are good, our homes beautiful. We have everything, simply everything we could want. But in the quiet darkness, we are aware of something stirring in our hearts, a longing we can't name. Something that no trip to the store, no decorations, Christmas dishes or new ornaments can fill. The longing might be risky, even dangerous, so we push it away — quickly — and busy ourselves again. There is so much to do in these weeks.
The days are coming, says the LORD,
when I will fulfill the promise
I made to the house of Israel and Judah.
Jeremiah 3
frustrated manThe stirring returns. What is this promise for us? What does it mean for us in our comfortable, complicated and messy lives? We want to be better people, and our lives are not perfect. We don't want to delve into our relationships at home because we don't want to upset the way things are. We are so often impatient with our children, unreasonable with our spouses and we might even admit, disappointed in our lives. We echo the disciples' confusion and disappointment after the crucifixion: “We had thought it would be different." But we have everything we could want. What else is there?
The Lord GOD will wipe away
the tears from all faces;
The reproach of his people he will remove
from the whole earth; for the Lord has spoken.
On that day it will be said:
“Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!
This is the LORD for whom we looked;
let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!”
For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.
Isaiah 25
HopeWhat if this Advent, we allow ourselves to imagine a life that is different? What if our hearts were at peace and our lives more satisfying? That longing in the most hidden corners of our hearts is something holy, a Holy Longing, a desire for a deeper relationship with God.
We might squirm at that and stammer all of the excuses we know: "Not now. I'm really busy. I'm not a very holy person. I'm going to get to a serious relationship with God as soon as my kids are gone... when I don't have to care for my parents; when I get the promotion at work; when we move to a new house." There are dozens of ways we can evade the issue, but still, that longing is there for something more.
candlesAdvent is a time to recognize both our holy longing and the healing love God has for us, despite the many barriers we put up between ourselves and God. We can start simply and just rest at the edge of our beds in the mornings, open our hands and whisper, "Come, Lord Jesus!" If we let ourselves feel what is in our hearts, we know they are filled with love. We can carry that experience with us as we go through even the busiest of our days. We may not know exactly where to begin or how to fill this longing in our hearts but it is simple. God waits with infinite love and with arms outstretched to meet us. The words we say don't matter. We can speak as if God is a friend we have not seen in a long time, but one with whom we can sit in a comfortable silence.
It's just about taking the first step. Even if we are fearful about this next step, we can say to God what is in our hearts. In this Advent season, it's time to risk, to make the first step, to find our way back home.
Loving God, I don't have the right words. I'm not sure where to begin, but I know you are the hope and promise of the peace to come in my life. Be with me this day. Let me look at my life and my day today and open my heart completely as I begin, "Come, Lord Jesus."
(taken from this website: http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/difficult-entering-Advent.html)
Welcome Home,
Nazareth Farm
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Saints
At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.”
Matthew 18:1-5
But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
Matthew 6:3-4
This past Sunday we celebrated All Saints Day. To celebrate this feast day we as a staff decided to plan our prayers around the Saints. We reflected on the lives of new saints and old saints, famous saints and the unknown saints of everyday life. I have always loved hearing these stories. To me they affirm the authentic nature of our faith. It is more than a vague acknowledgement of a spiritual realm; it is more than abstract theological concepts. Our faith is something real and it can be seen and experienced in the ways we act upon it. The Saints remind us that the Body of Christ is made of people, people who have doubted, dreamed about, danced because of, and died for their faith. Their lives serve as examples of, among other things, wisdom, courage, compassion, sacrifice, and usually a healthy amount of stubbornness. We take these virtues and apply them to our own unique journey. It can be very intimidating to model the lives of people that cured the sick and raised the dead to life. However, I feel that we can find comfort it the fact that God does not quantify our deeds. Through one of us the sick may be healed and through another the sorrowful may be comforted. Both of these acts demonstrate God’s love and that is what matters.
In my reflections on the Saints I was led to research a bit about a saint that I am sure many of us have heard of but may not know much about, Saint Nicholas. As it turns out he was not from the North Pole but rather near present day Turkey and therefore most likely did not own any reindeer. However, all the pictures I found do show him with a pretty nice beard and there is a good chance that he had at least one red coat. From what I read of his life it is easy to see how he evolved into the icon that we know as Santa Clause. St. Nicolas was born into a wealthy family but like many other saints he found himself called to faith rather than fortune. He received a large inheritance upon his parent’s death, but committed his wealth to acts of charity. He is remembered as a very modest man and would therefore give gifts in secret. Many citizens of Myra would wake up to find gold coins in their shoes or other gifts from an anonymous giver. In particular he directed his generosity toward children. In one well known story he a poor man is unable to provide for his three daughters. The specifics of this story vary but, what is known is that St. Nicholas secretly gave three bags of gold, one for each daughter. In one version of the story St. Nicholas drops the gold down the chimney to avoid detection.
Reading about St. Nicholas got me thinking about our annual Christmas party. For those of you that don’t know, each year we throw a party for the people of Doddridge County. We hope that it is a time when people can come together for food, fun, and Christmas festivities. Each year St. Nicholas (the rosy-cheeked, bowl full of jelly variety) comes to visit the children. We acknowledge that for many of the low-income families in Doddridge County the holidays can put a strain on the budget. For this reason we make sure that every child that attends leaves with a gift and at least one book. In the same way that St. Nicholas assisted the father and his daughters we hope to be a helping hand to the parents in our community. Not to mention it is always a joy to celebrate with friends and neighbors. However, because we are a non-profit we can do nothing without the generosity of others. We are incredibly blessed to have so many people who, like St. Nicholas, give of what they have. At the Christmas party the staff is fortunate enough to be there to see the faces of the children light up as they play games and receive their gifts. However, most of the people that make this party possible are not there with us. Though in Matthew we are reminded that the Lord sees all that we do and will repay us for our kindness.
We are still planning for this years Christmas party and encourage everyone connected to the farm to consider joining us in our efforts. If you have volunteered recently you may want to sponsor a family that you worked with. Otherwise, we are looking for books, new educational toys, or monetary contributions. Our party is on December 13th and we would like to have gifts in by the end of November. Please consider sending us unwrapped gifts in the mail or contact us at 1-304-782-2742 (by phone) or Nazarethfarm@gmail.com (by email.) As Jesus says, “whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me”. We are grateful for anything you modern day St. Nicholas’s can do. We pray that you are blessed and, like the Saints, that your lives might be examples of how our faith is made real and how a real faith can change the world.
Welcome Home,
Nazareth Farm
Matthew 18:1-5
But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
Matthew 6:3-4
This past Sunday we celebrated All Saints Day. To celebrate this feast day we as a staff decided to plan our prayers around the Saints. We reflected on the lives of new saints and old saints, famous saints and the unknown saints of everyday life. I have always loved hearing these stories. To me they affirm the authentic nature of our faith. It is more than a vague acknowledgement of a spiritual realm; it is more than abstract theological concepts. Our faith is something real and it can be seen and experienced in the ways we act upon it. The Saints remind us that the Body of Christ is made of people, people who have doubted, dreamed about, danced because of, and died for their faith. Their lives serve as examples of, among other things, wisdom, courage, compassion, sacrifice, and usually a healthy amount of stubbornness. We take these virtues and apply them to our own unique journey. It can be very intimidating to model the lives of people that cured the sick and raised the dead to life. However, I feel that we can find comfort it the fact that God does not quantify our deeds. Through one of us the sick may be healed and through another the sorrowful may be comforted. Both of these acts demonstrate God’s love and that is what matters.
In my reflections on the Saints I was led to research a bit about a saint that I am sure many of us have heard of but may not know much about, Saint Nicholas. As it turns out he was not from the North Pole but rather near present day Turkey and therefore most likely did not own any reindeer. However, all the pictures I found do show him with a pretty nice beard and there is a good chance that he had at least one red coat. From what I read of his life it is easy to see how he evolved into the icon that we know as Santa Clause. St. Nicolas was born into a wealthy family but like many other saints he found himself called to faith rather than fortune. He received a large inheritance upon his parent’s death, but committed his wealth to acts of charity. He is remembered as a very modest man and would therefore give gifts in secret. Many citizens of Myra would wake up to find gold coins in their shoes or other gifts from an anonymous giver. In particular he directed his generosity toward children. In one well known story he a poor man is unable to provide for his three daughters. The specifics of this story vary but, what is known is that St. Nicholas secretly gave three bags of gold, one for each daughter. In one version of the story St. Nicholas drops the gold down the chimney to avoid detection.
Reading about St. Nicholas got me thinking about our annual Christmas party. For those of you that don’t know, each year we throw a party for the people of Doddridge County. We hope that it is a time when people can come together for food, fun, and Christmas festivities. Each year St. Nicholas (the rosy-cheeked, bowl full of jelly variety) comes to visit the children. We acknowledge that for many of the low-income families in Doddridge County the holidays can put a strain on the budget. For this reason we make sure that every child that attends leaves with a gift and at least one book. In the same way that St. Nicholas assisted the father and his daughters we hope to be a helping hand to the parents in our community. Not to mention it is always a joy to celebrate with friends and neighbors. However, because we are a non-profit we can do nothing without the generosity of others. We are incredibly blessed to have so many people who, like St. Nicholas, give of what they have. At the Christmas party the staff is fortunate enough to be there to see the faces of the children light up as they play games and receive their gifts. However, most of the people that make this party possible are not there with us. Though in Matthew we are reminded that the Lord sees all that we do and will repay us for our kindness.
We are still planning for this years Christmas party and encourage everyone connected to the farm to consider joining us in our efforts. If you have volunteered recently you may want to sponsor a family that you worked with. Otherwise, we are looking for books, new educational toys, or monetary contributions. Our party is on December 13th and we would like to have gifts in by the end of November. Please consider sending us unwrapped gifts in the mail or contact us at 1-304-782-2742 (by phone) or Nazarethfarm@gmail.com (by email.) As Jesus says, “whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me”. We are grateful for anything you modern day St. Nicholas’s can do. We pray that you are blessed and, like the Saints, that your lives might be examples of how our faith is made real and how a real faith can change the world.
Welcome Home,
Nazareth Farm
Friday, October 16, 2009
Speak with confidence, Love with conviction
"One night in a vision the Lord said to Paul, 'Do not be afraid; Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you. No one will attack and harm you, for I have many people in this city.' He settled there a year and a half and taught the word of God among them." - Acts 18:9-11
It is so wonderful to live in a community of Christians. Some days it hits me more than others, but every day I thank God for where he has brought me in my life. It is such a blessing to be surrounded by friends who genuinely care about me and others. It is freeing to be able to openly speak about Christ and to gather as community in prayer each morning. Finally, it is comforting to always have someone there whom which I can depend upon in times of struggle and suffering. Is this not what God has in mind for all of us? Yet, how many people in this world are unable to express those same feelings of joy which I mentioned? How many people whom we know (perhaps ourselves) feel alone or afraid in our faith? Last blog entry I spoke about refining our words and this time I would like to reflect upon the strength of our words and actions through Christ.
In the passage above Paul has arrived in Corinthian as part of his mission to preach the Gospel to all the ends of the earth. In particular he was preaching to the Jews in the area; however, many "opposed him and reviled him" (Acts 18:6). Paul during his life suffered a great deal for the pursuit of spreading the Good News. (He in fact brags about it in 2 Corinthians 11:23-29) Although, this time God speaks to him in a vision and tells him that he should continue speaking and to do so without fear, for He has many people in the city. What a powerful statement, but not just to Paul in his day, also to us. God is telling us that when we are amongst believers in Christ, we shall not fear, we shall speak boldly about our love of Christ, and we will be safe!
Problems occur in our lives when communication is broken down. When we don't understand instructions at work or school and don't ask questions, we turn in a bad assignment. When we are not able to express our feelings to our families, we feel alone in our homes. When two cultures fail to understand one another, violence and fear is bound to rise. And when we fail to discuss our faith with others, our faith deteriorates. We must communicate with God through prayer and we must communicate with love to one another in order to keep each other strong in our faith. This communication is not always with words, but also acts of kindness and giving of ourselves. We all have learned at some point during our lives that actions speak louder than words.
The question then, is why don't we speak? Often times we do not speak up (or out) because we are afraid. We are afraid of what others might think of us, do to us, or say to us. We are afraid of the consequences of our words and actions. Paul, being a good example shows us through is life that he was not afraid of the consequences of his words. In fact, the more he was persecuted the more he spoke. He was able to do so because he was confident in his faith and through his passion for Christ and genuine care for others; his love shined through.
Let us reflect on those we surround ourselves with. Are they a good influence in our lives? Do they allow us to speak freely about our faith in Christ? If so, give God thanks and praise for nurturing people who grow in love with one another through His Son. If not, pray to God for the strength and courage to speak freely about your faith with those who may not be the most receptive. Also, reflect on ways that which you can incorporate more Christians in your lives so that you can begin to form a loving and caring community in which your faith can continue to develop. Lastly, be the comfort and peace for someone else so that they can feel Christ's love. Speak with confidence and love with conviction so all the glory and honor be to God and His son Jesus Christ.
Welcome Home,
Nazareth Farm
It is so wonderful to live in a community of Christians. Some days it hits me more than others, but every day I thank God for where he has brought me in my life. It is such a blessing to be surrounded by friends who genuinely care about me and others. It is freeing to be able to openly speak about Christ and to gather as community in prayer each morning. Finally, it is comforting to always have someone there whom which I can depend upon in times of struggle and suffering. Is this not what God has in mind for all of us? Yet, how many people in this world are unable to express those same feelings of joy which I mentioned? How many people whom we know (perhaps ourselves) feel alone or afraid in our faith? Last blog entry I spoke about refining our words and this time I would like to reflect upon the strength of our words and actions through Christ.
In the passage above Paul has arrived in Corinthian as part of his mission to preach the Gospel to all the ends of the earth. In particular he was preaching to the Jews in the area; however, many "opposed him and reviled him" (Acts 18:6). Paul during his life suffered a great deal for the pursuit of spreading the Good News. (He in fact brags about it in 2 Corinthians 11:23-29) Although, this time God speaks to him in a vision and tells him that he should continue speaking and to do so without fear, for He has many people in the city. What a powerful statement, but not just to Paul in his day, also to us. God is telling us that when we are amongst believers in Christ, we shall not fear, we shall speak boldly about our love of Christ, and we will be safe!
Problems occur in our lives when communication is broken down. When we don't understand instructions at work or school and don't ask questions, we turn in a bad assignment. When we are not able to express our feelings to our families, we feel alone in our homes. When two cultures fail to understand one another, violence and fear is bound to rise. And when we fail to discuss our faith with others, our faith deteriorates. We must communicate with God through prayer and we must communicate with love to one another in order to keep each other strong in our faith. This communication is not always with words, but also acts of kindness and giving of ourselves. We all have learned at some point during our lives that actions speak louder than words.
The question then, is why don't we speak? Often times we do not speak up (or out) because we are afraid. We are afraid of what others might think of us, do to us, or say to us. We are afraid of the consequences of our words and actions. Paul, being a good example shows us through is life that he was not afraid of the consequences of his words. In fact, the more he was persecuted the more he spoke. He was able to do so because he was confident in his faith and through his passion for Christ and genuine care for others; his love shined through.
Let us reflect on those we surround ourselves with. Are they a good influence in our lives? Do they allow us to speak freely about our faith in Christ? If so, give God thanks and praise for nurturing people who grow in love with one another through His Son. If not, pray to God for the strength and courage to speak freely about your faith with those who may not be the most receptive. Also, reflect on ways that which you can incorporate more Christians in your lives so that you can begin to form a loving and caring community in which your faith can continue to develop. Lastly, be the comfort and peace for someone else so that they can feel Christ's love. Speak with confidence and love with conviction so all the glory and honor be to God and His son Jesus Christ.
Welcome Home,
Nazareth Farm
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Circumcise the tongue
"If we put bits into mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide their whole bodies. It is the same with ships: even though they are so large and driven by fierce winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot's inclination wishes. In the same way the tongue is a small member and yet has great pretensions. Consider how small a fire can set a huge forest ablaze. The tongue is also a fire. It exists among our members as a world of malice, defiling the whole body and setting the entire course of our lives on fire, itself set on fire by Hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord our Father, and with it we curse human beings who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. This need not be so, my brothers. Does a spring rush forth from the same opening both pure and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, produce olives, or a grapevine figs? Neither can salt water yield fresh." - James 3:3-12
Fall has begun here at the farm and it looks beautiful! The trees are changing and with each big wind leaves rain down on our lawn. Also with this change of scenery, the weather is getting colder each night. Volunteers haven't been around the farm since August and besides the random visitors who have come, as well as the 30th Anniversary, it has been rather quiet. This has been a time for us (staff) to get to know each other, do much needed repairs around the farm and to finish up projects in the community which need to be completed before winter. In the quietness that is here at the farm I have been able to reflect upon the "noise" in life. Particularly the noise which comes from myself. How do others perceive me when they hear me talk and what kind of message do my actions portray to those I come into contact with. Often times it is the ones who we are closest to that we treat the worst. We feel as though we "know" them we are entitled to do and say anything we want around them; we tend to let our guard down.
In the letter above written by James, we are reminded that as Christians we are called to a higher standard of speech. He warns us that the tongue is a "flame from hell" which can ignite our whole body. We begin to speak loosely and say things which we do not mean or things which hurt others, but the more we speak these things the more we begin to actually become the things we speak about. This is a scary thought. It causes me to reflect upon the jokes I hear and speak. Why are they funny? Even though I may not be serious about something I am saying to get a laugh or to be sarcastic, saying "Oh, I don't really mean that"; James is saying that eventually those words are going to ignite my whole body. He notes, some day I may actually be doing the very thing I am joking about.
Another passage comes to mind from the Old Testament. In Isaiah chapter 6 we read about a vision that comes to Isaiah. In this vision he sees God up on a throne with Seraphim's flying about covering their faces and feet while crying out "Holy, Holy, Holy". In this sight he immediately reflects upon how unworthy he is because he has "unclean lips" and hangs out with people who have "unclean lips". God, being a God full of grace and forgiveness, burns Isaiah's lips to cleanse them and then sends him out on his mission. James recognizes this also and informs us that our mouth is meant to praise God and that we can not praise God with our tongue one minute and then speak unclean words another.
In our lives we will meet an abundance of people and we do not always know how they will take our words; some things we say will effect a person one way while another day it will have the opposite effect. We are called to show love and kindness to all people and this starts with our words. The only thing we have control over is what WE say and do. Let us focus on our words and actions this week. Can what we say or do be interpreted in a way which would not properly reflect Christ? It takes great courage and strength to hold your tongue and James points out that no man has ever fully tamed his tongue. If we did then we would be perfect, like Christ, and this is what we must strive to be like. Center yourself in prayer and reflect upon people in your life who you consider "holy" people and take note to how they speak and present themselves.
Welcome Home,
Nazareth Farm
Fall has begun here at the farm and it looks beautiful! The trees are changing and with each big wind leaves rain down on our lawn. Also with this change of scenery, the weather is getting colder each night. Volunteers haven't been around the farm since August and besides the random visitors who have come, as well as the 30th Anniversary, it has been rather quiet. This has been a time for us (staff) to get to know each other, do much needed repairs around the farm and to finish up projects in the community which need to be completed before winter. In the quietness that is here at the farm I have been able to reflect upon the "noise" in life. Particularly the noise which comes from myself. How do others perceive me when they hear me talk and what kind of message do my actions portray to those I come into contact with. Often times it is the ones who we are closest to that we treat the worst. We feel as though we "know" them we are entitled to do and say anything we want around them; we tend to let our guard down.
In the letter above written by James, we are reminded that as Christians we are called to a higher standard of speech. He warns us that the tongue is a "flame from hell" which can ignite our whole body. We begin to speak loosely and say things which we do not mean or things which hurt others, but the more we speak these things the more we begin to actually become the things we speak about. This is a scary thought. It causes me to reflect upon the jokes I hear and speak. Why are they funny? Even though I may not be serious about something I am saying to get a laugh or to be sarcastic, saying "Oh, I don't really mean that"; James is saying that eventually those words are going to ignite my whole body. He notes, some day I may actually be doing the very thing I am joking about.
Another passage comes to mind from the Old Testament. In Isaiah chapter 6 we read about a vision that comes to Isaiah. In this vision he sees God up on a throne with Seraphim's flying about covering their faces and feet while crying out "Holy, Holy, Holy". In this sight he immediately reflects upon how unworthy he is because he has "unclean lips" and hangs out with people who have "unclean lips". God, being a God full of grace and forgiveness, burns Isaiah's lips to cleanse them and then sends him out on his mission. James recognizes this also and informs us that our mouth is meant to praise God and that we can not praise God with our tongue one minute and then speak unclean words another.
In our lives we will meet an abundance of people and we do not always know how they will take our words; some things we say will effect a person one way while another day it will have the opposite effect. We are called to show love and kindness to all people and this starts with our words. The only thing we have control over is what WE say and do. Let us focus on our words and actions this week. Can what we say or do be interpreted in a way which would not properly reflect Christ? It takes great courage and strength to hold your tongue and James points out that no man has ever fully tamed his tongue. If we did then we would be perfect, like Christ, and this is what we must strive to be like. Center yourself in prayer and reflect upon people in your life who you consider "holy" people and take note to how they speak and present themselves.
Welcome Home,
Nazareth Farm
Saturday, September 26, 2009
30 years of Just Living
"Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy mountain? Whoever walks without blame, doing what is right, speaking truth from the heart; Who does not slander a neighbor, does no harm to another, never defames a friend; Who disdains the wicked, but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath despite the cost, lend no money at interest, accepts no bribe against the innocent. Whoever acts like this shall never be shaken." - Psalm 15
This weekend we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of Nazareth Farm. We started the celebration with a board meeting Friday and today (Saturday) we celebrated a prayer service in the morning with a renewal of the mission statement of the Farm and a blessing of the Farm and its affiliates over the years. Tonight we will have a local band come and play for all those who came to celebrate and on Sunday we are celebrating Mass in the morning followed by a dedication of our porch to Jeanette Sandora.
In the prayer service the above Psalm was read and it caused me to reflect upon the purpose of the Farm and our lives in general as Christians. This Psalm gives us a little insight to the religious tradition to the people of the time period. The "tent" refers to the temple in which the Isrealites gathered. Prior to the building of a temple, Moses and the people traveled through the wilderness in search of the promised land. During their search, they carried the ark of the covenant in a tent which was a designated place where the Lord resided. The mountain is a referral to a designated holy place as well. This also could be a referral to the mountain in which Moses encountered God and received the ten commandments and the laws of the people.
In this Psalm an Israelite is asking a temple official what the requirements are to enter the presence of God. You then notice that the requirements simply spoke are to be true to yourself, love your neighbors, love your friends, refrain from what you know is wrong and when you assist the poor do it free of charge. (At the time period people did not lend money as investments, they did so to help out a struggling neighbor and hence they can be seen as the "poor" in their community. It would have been against the Law of God given by Moses to charge interest on that loan.). It was the belief of the Jewish people that they must abide by the commandments and laws in order to receive salvation. The laws included sacrifices of lambs, rams, cattle and other various animals. However, God became man in Christ Jesus and sacrificed His life as one final sacrifice for ALL humans. Christ became the sacrificial lamb. Before He departed this earth He left us with a series of teachings through stories, parables and His own living example.
Upon His death and resurrection the Holy Spirit was transferred into the bodies of the Apostles at Pentecost and through Baptism we receive the living God within us in the form of the Holy Spirit. The mystery of our faith is a beautiful thing yet challenging and extremely radical. Because of all this we are now called to take our faith to the next level. Not only must we follow the instructions given to us in Psalm 15 to be able to enter the temple (church) where God is present, but we must become a living EXAMPLE of Jesus Christ who is present with us through the Holy Spirit. This means that not only must we be respectful to the poor WHEN we help them but we are called to go OUT OF OUR WAY to help the poor. As we also heard in our prayer service today Jesus tells us in the book of Matthew chapter 25:31-46 we are to be judged by what we do for those around us. It is not just those who rob the poor (charge interest on loans) who break the Law of God as the old testament suggests, but it is also those who do NOTHING who are not answering the call to love and serve one another.
Nazareth Farm was developed to become a community deeply rooted in prayer which lives simply in honor of those who lack basic needs and who uses their many blessings to live with and serve the needs of those around them. Is this not what we are all called to do as Christians? I urge all of you to reflect upon your living situation, your family, your community. Are you worthy of "entering the tent" as listed by the Psalmist and are you a living example of Christ to others as we are called to be in the New Testament? Celebrate with us the last 30 years of "Just Living" which Nazareth Farm has been an example of by bringing home the ideas and cornerstones of the Farm into your own lives.
Welcome Home,
Nazareth Farm
This weekend we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of Nazareth Farm. We started the celebration with a board meeting Friday and today (Saturday) we celebrated a prayer service in the morning with a renewal of the mission statement of the Farm and a blessing of the Farm and its affiliates over the years. Tonight we will have a local band come and play for all those who came to celebrate and on Sunday we are celebrating Mass in the morning followed by a dedication of our porch to Jeanette Sandora.
In the prayer service the above Psalm was read and it caused me to reflect upon the purpose of the Farm and our lives in general as Christians. This Psalm gives us a little insight to the religious tradition to the people of the time period. The "tent" refers to the temple in which the Isrealites gathered. Prior to the building of a temple, Moses and the people traveled through the wilderness in search of the promised land. During their search, they carried the ark of the covenant in a tent which was a designated place where the Lord resided. The mountain is a referral to a designated holy place as well. This also could be a referral to the mountain in which Moses encountered God and received the ten commandments and the laws of the people.
In this Psalm an Israelite is asking a temple official what the requirements are to enter the presence of God. You then notice that the requirements simply spoke are to be true to yourself, love your neighbors, love your friends, refrain from what you know is wrong and when you assist the poor do it free of charge. (At the time period people did not lend money as investments, they did so to help out a struggling neighbor and hence they can be seen as the "poor" in their community. It would have been against the Law of God given by Moses to charge interest on that loan.). It was the belief of the Jewish people that they must abide by the commandments and laws in order to receive salvation. The laws included sacrifices of lambs, rams, cattle and other various animals. However, God became man in Christ Jesus and sacrificed His life as one final sacrifice for ALL humans. Christ became the sacrificial lamb. Before He departed this earth He left us with a series of teachings through stories, parables and His own living example.
Upon His death and resurrection the Holy Spirit was transferred into the bodies of the Apostles at Pentecost and through Baptism we receive the living God within us in the form of the Holy Spirit. The mystery of our faith is a beautiful thing yet challenging and extremely radical. Because of all this we are now called to take our faith to the next level. Not only must we follow the instructions given to us in Psalm 15 to be able to enter the temple (church) where God is present, but we must become a living EXAMPLE of Jesus Christ who is present with us through the Holy Spirit. This means that not only must we be respectful to the poor WHEN we help them but we are called to go OUT OF OUR WAY to help the poor. As we also heard in our prayer service today Jesus tells us in the book of Matthew chapter 25:31-46 we are to be judged by what we do for those around us. It is not just those who rob the poor (charge interest on loans) who break the Law of God as the old testament suggests, but it is also those who do NOTHING who are not answering the call to love and serve one another.
Nazareth Farm was developed to become a community deeply rooted in prayer which lives simply in honor of those who lack basic needs and who uses their many blessings to live with and serve the needs of those around them. Is this not what we are all called to do as Christians? I urge all of you to reflect upon your living situation, your family, your community. Are you worthy of "entering the tent" as listed by the Psalmist and are you a living example of Christ to others as we are called to be in the New Testament? Celebrate with us the last 30 years of "Just Living" which Nazareth Farm has been an example of by bringing home the ideas and cornerstones of the Farm into your own lives.
Welcome Home,
Nazareth Farm
Monday, September 21, 2009
Reflection from a Volunteer
A Home Away From Home
It’s been said that “home is where the heart is”, but I never quite understood what that truly meant until the Spring of 2008 when I spent a week in Salem, West Virginia, one of the poorest districts in the country. Having been raised in the Bronx, to me home was basically a safe haven from the cruel world we live in; a place where I rested my head at night, did my homework and all the other daily routines of life.
“Welcome Home!” – these were the first words I heard when we arrived at Nazareth Farm, the place we would call “home” for the next week as we helped to repair homes that were condemned by the City of Salem, West Virginia. One week of hard work, teamwork and spiritual growth would be the week that would change my life forever.
During this week, myself, along with 11 others from my school and 40 others from Tennessee, New Jersey and Washington D.C. would become a “family,” and Nazareth Farm, our “home”. We worked on many different homes and visited many different people in the area. As part of our service, we learned to put up ceilings, gutters, siding and floors. At “home” we cooked, cleaned and welcomed our workers back home.
Nazareth Farm was a home of complete simplicity that included no electronics – no cell phones, no iPods, not even a watch – none of the things that made me feel at “home”. Not having all of these electronic distractions allowed me the time I needed to focus on what really mattered in life. We were all there, together, to form one family – coming from all different walks of life, with very different backgrounds, we lived together and worked to help others one step at a time.
Through this experience, I have learned that I am a lover, a helper and a friend. I am someone who can make a difference in the world - and will do just that - one day at a time. I am me and through my experiences, I know I can make a difference in this world by showing everyone that small actions make a huge impact.
- Rosa Maria
It’s been said that “home is where the heart is”, but I never quite understood what that truly meant until the Spring of 2008 when I spent a week in Salem, West Virginia, one of the poorest districts in the country. Having been raised in the Bronx, to me home was basically a safe haven from the cruel world we live in; a place where I rested my head at night, did my homework and all the other daily routines of life.
“Welcome Home!” – these were the first words I heard when we arrived at Nazareth Farm, the place we would call “home” for the next week as we helped to repair homes that were condemned by the City of Salem, West Virginia. One week of hard work, teamwork and spiritual growth would be the week that would change my life forever.
During this week, myself, along with 11 others from my school and 40 others from Tennessee, New Jersey and Washington D.C. would become a “family,” and Nazareth Farm, our “home”. We worked on many different homes and visited many different people in the area. As part of our service, we learned to put up ceilings, gutters, siding and floors. At “home” we cooked, cleaned and welcomed our workers back home.
Nazareth Farm was a home of complete simplicity that included no electronics – no cell phones, no iPods, not even a watch – none of the things that made me feel at “home”. Not having all of these electronic distractions allowed me the time I needed to focus on what really mattered in life. We were all there, together, to form one family – coming from all different walks of life, with very different backgrounds, we lived together and worked to help others one step at a time.
Through this experience, I have learned that I am a lover, a helper and a friend. I am someone who can make a difference in the world - and will do just that - one day at a time. I am me and through my experiences, I know I can make a difference in this world by showing everyone that small actions make a huge impact.
- Rosa Maria
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Material Simplicity
Simplicity of Life
"There is a form of material poverty which is blessed.
“Ah, yes; we were poor, but happy.”
Saint Francis fell in love with it.
In its more striking forms, it may look like a spare and bare existence. But this is not a material deprivation which dehumanizes. It humanizes us.
Simplicity of life is concerned with our relationship to things. But the heart of its meaning is the relatedness of persons. It is positive and blessed because it is grounded in the right order of valuing persons over objects.
Things are good. They are better and best when they are for persons, personal existence, personal celebration.
Life is for people: hence, simplicity.
We travel light enough so that the goods of the earth may be enjoyed and celebrated by all, so that they may bring the glory to God. We travel light enough so that we ourselves may be for persons, rather than expend our lives collecting, maintaining and replacing objects.
In simplicity, we are empowered to see the destitute, to share of our abundance, to ease the dehumanizing poverty that cries out to us. It enables us to give freely, to be more equitable. It frees us to engage the injustices of the world which are often the source of personal degradation. It makes us less fearful to put our security at risk.
In simplicity, we are given time to enter the grace of our human poverty. If we do not surround and suffocate ourselves with things, by which we manage and control our lives, we are far less likely to believe in the illusion that we have no need of God. We would less likely pretend that we are “self-made” men and women. Simplicity, as a liberation from the chains of consumerism, is also a call to prayer, wherein we encounter our spiritual poverty before God and discover the joy of recognizing ourselves as loved and forgiven creatures. Simplicity, moreover, gives us time for each other, for relationships and intimacy and friendship. A simple change in our style of working, consuming, or spending time with television profoundly affects our availability for persons.
Simplicity is as related to love as it is to justice.
It is freedom from compulsive addictions and entrenched escape mechanisms.
It is liberty to see ourselves anew and to disengage from the comforts that blind us to the face of the poor.
It unfetters us, that we might play and savor the moment, that we might give thanks and sing appreciation.
It can unlock us, finally, that we might do bold things, that we might more fully be men and women, not for things, but for others."
- John Kavanaugh, S.J
This week challenge yourself to simplify your life. What excess do you have and why do you hold on to it? What keeps us from interacting with those in our families? Our neighbors? Our friends? Our God? Do we create a life in which we are in full control or is their a need for God in our lives?
-Welcome Home
Nazareth Farm
"There is a form of material poverty which is blessed.
“Ah, yes; we were poor, but happy.”
Saint Francis fell in love with it.
In its more striking forms, it may look like a spare and bare existence. But this is not a material deprivation which dehumanizes. It humanizes us.
Simplicity of life is concerned with our relationship to things. But the heart of its meaning is the relatedness of persons. It is positive and blessed because it is grounded in the right order of valuing persons over objects.
Things are good. They are better and best when they are for persons, personal existence, personal celebration.
Life is for people: hence, simplicity.
We travel light enough so that the goods of the earth may be enjoyed and celebrated by all, so that they may bring the glory to God. We travel light enough so that we ourselves may be for persons, rather than expend our lives collecting, maintaining and replacing objects.
In simplicity, we are empowered to see the destitute, to share of our abundance, to ease the dehumanizing poverty that cries out to us. It enables us to give freely, to be more equitable. It frees us to engage the injustices of the world which are often the source of personal degradation. It makes us less fearful to put our security at risk.
In simplicity, we are given time to enter the grace of our human poverty. If we do not surround and suffocate ourselves with things, by which we manage and control our lives, we are far less likely to believe in the illusion that we have no need of God. We would less likely pretend that we are “self-made” men and women. Simplicity, as a liberation from the chains of consumerism, is also a call to prayer, wherein we encounter our spiritual poverty before God and discover the joy of recognizing ourselves as loved and forgiven creatures. Simplicity, moreover, gives us time for each other, for relationships and intimacy and friendship. A simple change in our style of working, consuming, or spending time with television profoundly affects our availability for persons.
Simplicity is as related to love as it is to justice.
It is freedom from compulsive addictions and entrenched escape mechanisms.
It is liberty to see ourselves anew and to disengage from the comforts that blind us to the face of the poor.
It unfetters us, that we might play and savor the moment, that we might give thanks and sing appreciation.
It can unlock us, finally, that we might do bold things, that we might more fully be men and women, not for things, but for others."
- John Kavanaugh, S.J
This week challenge yourself to simplify your life. What excess do you have and why do you hold on to it? What keeps us from interacting with those in our families? Our neighbors? Our friends? Our God? Do we create a life in which we are in full control or is their a need for God in our lives?
-Welcome Home
Nazareth Farm
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Reflection from a Volunteer
From my week at Nazareth Farm, I can truly say that I can see beauty in every person, every situation, and every environment. I saw beauty in Prayer, Simplicity, Community and Service; the four cornerstones of Nazareth Farm and in my life. Prayer life at Nazareth Farm was absolutely beautiful. As a community we invited God to join us throughout the day. I prayed when I was up on the ladders (I was deathly afraid of heights before Nazareth Farms) I would ask him to hold me. “God just hold me, I trust you!” I would say, and not once did I fall or think of my fear. And now I’m not afraid of heights!
Simplicity was another cornerstone of Nazareth Farm. As a community the staff member asked us to show our natural beauty the way God created us. (Never in my life have I felt so beautiful). And they asked us to conserve everything from water to food. We were also not allowed cell phones or IPods so we could hear God calling and the birds singing. What a relief to step back from our busy lives and just hear God speaking. What a rush. God was speaking to me through all the service that I was doing; his work. Helping people who needed help was His work. And all the people we helped you could see God’s joy in their eyes. And with every swing of the hammer it was me saying, “I LOVE YOU!” I was doing this for my Father’s children, my brothers and sisters. We did this service through community. Every person we helped was in God’s community and at Nazareth Farm we became a community. All the people at Nazareth Farm became my family. They didn’t judge me. They saw me how God sees me as a wonderful gift to this earth. How awesome. What a journey. Anyone that has not gone to Nazareth Farm should go to experience the love and happiness. I will continue to spread the word of God through the four cornerstones and hope that YOU will join me.
God bless,
Colleen Linn
Saturday, August 15, 2009
A Solid Foundation
"When He (Jesus) disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things...Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all...Then he made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray." - Mark 6:34, 41, 45-46
Another week has passed here at the Farm and with that, another group of 35 high school students have been sent back to their hometowns with the commission to bring their experiences here on the mountain to those they return to live with. At first this may seem like a daunting task and to some it may seem impossible. How can the experiences at the Farm be brought home to those who have never been here? Is Nazareth Farm only possible because you are living within a group of believers all there for the same purpose? At a quick glance it may be easy to make that argument. However, when you take a deeper look you will find that Nazareth Farm is a result of believers living and working on a solid foundation, the four cornerstones. Prayer, simplicity, service and community are the four cornerstones which built the Farm and today they are the four cornerstones which continue to hold it together (30 years now).
It is important to remember that at one point, Nazareth Farm did not exist. This is important because that fact means that Nazareth Farm was created amongst a community of believers and non-believers alike. It was created in the "real world"; the same world in which all of you have returned to after leaving the Farm. This last week during our "life after the Farm" talk on Friday night we asked the volunteers what the challenges were that they faced during the week. One person said it was difficult to live in constant community and to not be allowed as much personal time as they would have liked. Another stated that it was difficult to not take a shower every day. Others stated that the work at the work-site was difficult and still others talked about their realized dependency on time, cell-phones and i-pods.
After reflecting on their difficulties, we asked them to reflect on what it was that helped them continue through those hardships. It was at this moment the cornerstones began to shine. The man who said community was over-bearing made it through by finding time for personal prayer. The lady who stated it was difficult to get used to being dirty said she found comfort by the fact that the whole community was dirty and did not care. Those that had trouble at the work-site said that it was rewarding to see the joy and happiness in the faces of those they served and the ones who found it difficult to let go of their phones, i-pods and watches said they were able to experience God through simple things like nature. Any one of the cornerstones can be overbearing and challenging at times. However, a house (or a life) is not built on one cornerstone. In order to stand strong you need the other three cornerstones to help share the weight of the most difficult cornerstone in your life.
This is something Jesus recognized as well and it is evident in the bible passage given above. Jesus came among a crowd of people and had pity on them because they seemed lost. He began to serve them, and teach them. In other gospels it states that he healed the sick as well. Upon entering a community of people he started with service, the giving of his gifts. Jesus began to build a relationship with the people and recognized that the day was late and that they were getting hungry. He could not have known that unless he was in tune with the communities needs which means that he spent time getting to know them. In order to solve the issue of hunger he instructed his disciples to find some food and to begin the simple act of sharing. He did not feed the crowds wine and fruits and expensive food of his time, but rather the thousands of them shared a simple meal of bread and fish, a meal of a commoner, not a king. He also instructed them to eat only what they needed and once all were full he put none of it to waste and had the leftovers gathered into baskets for later redistribution (or perhaps compost). After a long day of serving the people, building community, and doing both in a simple manner, he left the people for a quiet place to pray on his own. Perhaps he recognized that it took a lot of strength to minister to the people and that he needed prayer to rejuvenate his body.
This week we ask you to reflect on how you can live out the cornerstones in your community? Can you identify a need in your community and how can you find ways to meet that need through service? What cornerstone is most difficult to live out and what cornerstones can assist you in that difficulty? We hope all of you can and are finding ways to live out your experience at Nazareth Farm back at home.
Welcome Home,
Nazareth Farm
Another week has passed here at the Farm and with that, another group of 35 high school students have been sent back to their hometowns with the commission to bring their experiences here on the mountain to those they return to live with. At first this may seem like a daunting task and to some it may seem impossible. How can the experiences at the Farm be brought home to those who have never been here? Is Nazareth Farm only possible because you are living within a group of believers all there for the same purpose? At a quick glance it may be easy to make that argument. However, when you take a deeper look you will find that Nazareth Farm is a result of believers living and working on a solid foundation, the four cornerstones. Prayer, simplicity, service and community are the four cornerstones which built the Farm and today they are the four cornerstones which continue to hold it together (30 years now).
It is important to remember that at one point, Nazareth Farm did not exist. This is important because that fact means that Nazareth Farm was created amongst a community of believers and non-believers alike. It was created in the "real world"; the same world in which all of you have returned to after leaving the Farm. This last week during our "life after the Farm" talk on Friday night we asked the volunteers what the challenges were that they faced during the week. One person said it was difficult to live in constant community and to not be allowed as much personal time as they would have liked. Another stated that it was difficult to not take a shower every day. Others stated that the work at the work-site was difficult and still others talked about their realized dependency on time, cell-phones and i-pods.
After reflecting on their difficulties, we asked them to reflect on what it was that helped them continue through those hardships. It was at this moment the cornerstones began to shine. The man who said community was over-bearing made it through by finding time for personal prayer. The lady who stated it was difficult to get used to being dirty said she found comfort by the fact that the whole community was dirty and did not care. Those that had trouble at the work-site said that it was rewarding to see the joy and happiness in the faces of those they served and the ones who found it difficult to let go of their phones, i-pods and watches said they were able to experience God through simple things like nature. Any one of the cornerstones can be overbearing and challenging at times. However, a house (or a life) is not built on one cornerstone. In order to stand strong you need the other three cornerstones to help share the weight of the most difficult cornerstone in your life.
This is something Jesus recognized as well and it is evident in the bible passage given above. Jesus came among a crowd of people and had pity on them because they seemed lost. He began to serve them, and teach them. In other gospels it states that he healed the sick as well. Upon entering a community of people he started with service, the giving of his gifts. Jesus began to build a relationship with the people and recognized that the day was late and that they were getting hungry. He could not have known that unless he was in tune with the communities needs which means that he spent time getting to know them. In order to solve the issue of hunger he instructed his disciples to find some food and to begin the simple act of sharing. He did not feed the crowds wine and fruits and expensive food of his time, but rather the thousands of them shared a simple meal of bread and fish, a meal of a commoner, not a king. He also instructed them to eat only what they needed and once all were full he put none of it to waste and had the leftovers gathered into baskets for later redistribution (or perhaps compost). After a long day of serving the people, building community, and doing both in a simple manner, he left the people for a quiet place to pray on his own. Perhaps he recognized that it took a lot of strength to minister to the people and that he needed prayer to rejuvenate his body.
This week we ask you to reflect on how you can live out the cornerstones in your community? Can you identify a need in your community and how can you find ways to meet that need through service? What cornerstone is most difficult to live out and what cornerstones can assist you in that difficulty? We hope all of you can and are finding ways to live out your experience at Nazareth Farm back at home.
Welcome Home,
Nazareth Farm
Sunday, August 9, 2009
New Life
“Seeing, then, all things have an end, these two things are simultaneously set before us--death and life; and every one shall go unto his own place. For as there are two kinds of coins, the one of God, the other of the world, and each of these has its special character stamped upon it,[so is it also here.] The unbelieving are of this world; but the believing have, in love, the character of God the Father by Jesus Christ, by whom, if we are not in readiness to die into His passion, His life is not in us.”
– St. Ignatius of Antioch to the Magnesians
Welcome Home! For many of you those words may already bring back memories of joy, love, friendship, tears, service and maybe even outhouses; however, this last week those words have taken a new meaning for some families and for at least two new staff members at the Farm. We just finished our annual family week at the Farm and it could be said that the themes Old/New, Life/Death were very apparent. Family week is a very special time in which many families come together to become one huge family in Christ. At times it may seem like one large family reunion as many of the families have been coming for years. However, the experience is never the same as new families are added into the mix and old families progress in their work, spirituality and age. Some of the kids have been coming to the farm since they were very young children and now are grown teens who are experiencing the reality of Christ for the very first time; even after coming for years.
This last week we also welcomed two new staff members named Jordan and Jessie. They are an engaged couple from California and Michigan who have focused their lives on service to Gods people and with their arrival the Farm Staff is at full strength minus one last addition coming in October. Kelly was able to share during shared prayer that this last week she was able to realize the completion of a transitional period. She is finally able to settle in and fully function as a loving mother of two young kids as well as a hard working friend and family member through Christ at the Farm. A feeling of comfort and peace comes with being able to put transition behind and focus on the reality of HOME.
Transitional periods are often difficult and hectic. Change and newness is easy to reject and the comfort of tradition has its benefits and attachments. However, it is in newness that the old is to be reflected upon and improved where needed. It is in newness that life is most easily recognized. Jesus Christ came into this world by the Holy Spirit to bring new Life into our world. He was speaking of Life to a people oppressed, poor, brutalized and dead spiritually in the law and oral tradition of the Pharisees. Over the years, the laws of Moses had lost some meaning and life. Christ did not come to condemn the law but rather to bring a new life and fulfillment in the law. He was calling people to a reflection of the old and openness to his new wine (New Covenant).
The Farm is experiencing its 30th anniversary this year and in many ways it has kept the traditions, values and focus alive. However, it has also brought in an abundance of new ideas, new transformation and new life which has shaped it to become the way it is over the years. Each new person brought to the farm both staff and volunteer brings a uniquely different spirit and experience which makes an impact on the farm. Like an old pair of shoes each puddle and each step has a lasting effect which tells a story of where they have traveled and what they have done.
This week we invite you to reflect on your life. Where has your life taken you and most importantly how has Christ shaped your being? As Christians we are called to die to ourselves and live with the new spirit and clothing of Christ. What does this mean in our lives and how are we affected by those around us? How do we share our uniqueness and love with those we encounter and how can we impact their lives to bring newness, peace and comfort?
Welcome Home,
Nazareth Farm
– St. Ignatius of Antioch to the Magnesians
Welcome Home! For many of you those words may already bring back memories of joy, love, friendship, tears, service and maybe even outhouses; however, this last week those words have taken a new meaning for some families and for at least two new staff members at the Farm. We just finished our annual family week at the Farm and it could be said that the themes Old/New, Life/Death were very apparent. Family week is a very special time in which many families come together to become one huge family in Christ. At times it may seem like one large family reunion as many of the families have been coming for years. However, the experience is never the same as new families are added into the mix and old families progress in their work, spirituality and age. Some of the kids have been coming to the farm since they were very young children and now are grown teens who are experiencing the reality of Christ for the very first time; even after coming for years.
This last week we also welcomed two new staff members named Jordan and Jessie. They are an engaged couple from California and Michigan who have focused their lives on service to Gods people and with their arrival the Farm Staff is at full strength minus one last addition coming in October. Kelly was able to share during shared prayer that this last week she was able to realize the completion of a transitional period. She is finally able to settle in and fully function as a loving mother of two young kids as well as a hard working friend and family member through Christ at the Farm. A feeling of comfort and peace comes with being able to put transition behind and focus on the reality of HOME.
Transitional periods are often difficult and hectic. Change and newness is easy to reject and the comfort of tradition has its benefits and attachments. However, it is in newness that the old is to be reflected upon and improved where needed. It is in newness that life is most easily recognized. Jesus Christ came into this world by the Holy Spirit to bring new Life into our world. He was speaking of Life to a people oppressed, poor, brutalized and dead spiritually in the law and oral tradition of the Pharisees. Over the years, the laws of Moses had lost some meaning and life. Christ did not come to condemn the law but rather to bring a new life and fulfillment in the law. He was calling people to a reflection of the old and openness to his new wine (New Covenant).
The Farm is experiencing its 30th anniversary this year and in many ways it has kept the traditions, values and focus alive. However, it has also brought in an abundance of new ideas, new transformation and new life which has shaped it to become the way it is over the years. Each new person brought to the farm both staff and volunteer brings a uniquely different spirit and experience which makes an impact on the farm. Like an old pair of shoes each puddle and each step has a lasting effect which tells a story of where they have traveled and what they have done.
This week we invite you to reflect on your life. Where has your life taken you and most importantly how has Christ shaped your being? As Christians we are called to die to ourselves and live with the new spirit and clothing of Christ. What does this mean in our lives and how are we affected by those around us? How do we share our uniqueness and love with those we encounter and how can we impact their lives to bring newness, peace and comfort?
Welcome Home,
Nazareth Farm
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Still Growing with Ken and Jessica
Jessica shares with us the reality of living the cornerstones of the Farm after moving back to St. Louis...
With the inspiration of a good book, I have tonight come to an important realization. I can still grow – in my faith, in sustainability, in all of the cornerstones – away from the Farm. It’s a very basic idea, but it’s tougher than it might seem. The Farm really provides ideal conditions in which to carry out a certain lifestyle, and it’s hard to duplicate much of that in a city environment. Take compost, for example. I have to do more research, but so far we have found no one that will accept compost composed of food scraps. We could get a worm bin, but I’m not sure I’m ready to have that in our apartment…
Back on the topic at hand, I’ve been spending a lot of time lately analyzing our lifestyle and trying to decide if we’re living up to the ideals we set while living in West Virginia. Our situation has changed significantly, so the way we live out some of the cornerstones – community, for example – has changed drastically. So I keep trying to think of ways that I can improve in such a way that we more closely echo the Farm’s model.
This can be a great tool, but tonight’s revelation provides a certain freedom with a side of encouragement. Our growth is not limited to becoming more and more like the Farm. We can accomplish great things! And being in a city environment gives us the opportunity to grow in new ways. We can still place that growth within the framework of the cornerstones, if that is helpful. But we can expand our horizons and spread our excitement into new realms.
Some of the topics I have been exploring since leaving the Farm include economic inequality, race relations, and urban gardening. The list will continue to grow in proportion to my stack of library books, which is already towering. And as I read, I incorporate new attitudes and ideas into my lifestyle. I begin to take action, to live out the cornerstones in a new way. That’s one way we’re bringing home the Farm.
With the inspiration of a good book, I have tonight come to an important realization. I can still grow – in my faith, in sustainability, in all of the cornerstones – away from the Farm. It’s a very basic idea, but it’s tougher than it might seem. The Farm really provides ideal conditions in which to carry out a certain lifestyle, and it’s hard to duplicate much of that in a city environment. Take compost, for example. I have to do more research, but so far we have found no one that will accept compost composed of food scraps. We could get a worm bin, but I’m not sure I’m ready to have that in our apartment…
Back on the topic at hand, I’ve been spending a lot of time lately analyzing our lifestyle and trying to decide if we’re living up to the ideals we set while living in West Virginia. Our situation has changed significantly, so the way we live out some of the cornerstones – community, for example – has changed drastically. So I keep trying to think of ways that I can improve in such a way that we more closely echo the Farm’s model.
This can be a great tool, but tonight’s revelation provides a certain freedom with a side of encouragement. Our growth is not limited to becoming more and more like the Farm. We can accomplish great things! And being in a city environment gives us the opportunity to grow in new ways. We can still place that growth within the framework of the cornerstones, if that is helpful. But we can expand our horizons and spread our excitement into new realms.
Some of the topics I have been exploring since leaving the Farm include economic inequality, race relations, and urban gardening. The list will continue to grow in proportion to my stack of library books, which is already towering. And as I read, I incorporate new attitudes and ideas into my lifestyle. I begin to take action, to live out the cornerstones in a new way. That’s one way we’re bringing home the Farm.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Opening Our Eyes by Steve Seitz
This week's blog post comes from Steve Seitz, a past chaperone, and his reflections on how Nazareth Farm opened his eyes... this was published in the June 28, 2009 edition of The Catholic Moment (page 9).
Nazareth Farm experience opens eyes and hearts
I recently had the good fortune of chaperoning a group of kids on a week long mission to a special place... Nazareth Farm.
Nazareth Farm is a service-oriented ministry in the Appalachian hill country of West Virginia. Its mission is two-fold: to live out the call of Jesus to love and serve our neighbor, and to introduce people of all ages to the great blessing to be found in answering that call. Nazareth Farm has been succeeding at both for 30 years.
As soon as we arrived, I knew this would be a unique experience for me. We pulled into the driveway as the staff all came out of the house to welcome us. Anyone watching would have thought we were there to visit family. In a very real sense, I guess we were.
Our small group from St. Louis de Montfort Church, Fishers, was not the only one. By the end of the evening, groups from five other parishes/ schools arrived - all strangers to each other. In less than 24 hours, we were friends and family, celebrating being together for a common purpose.
We were there as volunteers. Nazareth Farm provides home repair to people who might otherwise live in homes they are physically and/or financially unable to maintain properly. In keeping with Catholic social teaching, the dignity of the homeowners is respected in that they are asked to pay for materials, with all the labor provided by volunteers. Through a special arrangement with the farm, the cost of materials is not allowed to be a barrier to people having proper housing.
The truly amazing thing that happens on the farm is this: Volunteers come, expecting to work in the homes of people living in an economically impoverished area and they go home amazed at the work the Holy Spirit has done in the hearts of people living in a spiritually impoverished world.
At one moment in prayer, we listened as "Open the Eyes of My Heart" was sung. Should we have been surprised when our prayer was answered? Of course, the challenge for us is to keep those eyes open now that we are all back home.
The work was more strenuous than many of us had done for a long time, if ever. Volunteers were divided into six groups, and off we went each day.
Armed with love, cold water, a cooler full of lunch and little experience, we tackled the work laid out for us. One group worked on putting a new metal roof on a couple's home. another installed siding. Still another rolled out fresh tar over a leaky roof.
The most meaningful work for my crew was installing a fenced play area for a little girl. She lives with her grandmother, who worried that the child would wander too near a deep creek or too close to a busy road that borders their property. We worked in the heat and rain, but at the end of each day our group was still smiling, glad to be together.
Our eyes truly were opened to what can happen when we make ourselves available to the Holy spirit. He was present there with us and with the people who allowed us to serve them in Jesus' name.
In giving, we received. It was an awesome week.
How have your eyes been opened by this experience?
If you have reflections you'd like to post feel free to send them our way!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Simplicity: What it means to be "humble"
When we are able to extend simplicity beyond material matters and to a mental simplicity it is common that we think about being humble. The desire for humility makes us think that we should deny all compliments and direct all attention away from ourselves... that we are not worthy of praise but only giving of ourselves. I'm no Latin expert, and I have a bad memory of where I read this, but I read once that to be humble is to acknowledge our own humanity. In that acknowledgment we become aware of our own limitations, the fact that we have faults and make common mistakes. But in that process we also come to know ourselves and that is what really makes us humble. When we know what drives us and what turns us off to the world around us. When we know what our strengths are and the things that really challenge us. In doing that we become willing to use those desires and strengths to give of ourselves, but we also use those turn offs and challenges to challenge ourselves to give to others. And if we are able to know ourselves to this level, then we also enable ourselves to receive praise and to praise others as well. There's a reason we give work groups the time to affirm one another on Friday afternoons, so that they can realize their own gifts and receive that praise, but also recognize the gifts of others and how our humanity calls us to be interdependent.
Spend some time this week reflecting on your own humility. Do you know yourself well enough that you can accept and give affirmation? Why or why not? Do you use your gifts to give of yourself? If so, how? If not, how could you? Challenge yourself to grow by spending some time reflecting on what makes you who you are. That is what makes you humble.
Spend some time this week reflecting on your own humility. Do you know yourself well enough that you can accept and give affirmation? Why or why not? Do you use your gifts to give of yourself? If so, how? If not, how could you? Challenge yourself to grow by spending some time reflecting on what makes you who you are. That is what makes you humble.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Bringing it Home with Tina
This weeks post comes from former staff member Tina Marquart who now works at the Hospitality House in Alderson, WV. Tina enthralls us with her wisdom this week...
A simple truth: “So many want to live at the top of the mountain, but few realize that the growth and happiness occur while you’re climbing it.”
A simple truth: “So many want to live at the top of the mountain, but few realize that the growth and happiness occur while you’re climbing it.”
On many a Saturday morning at the Farm, I would listen to the story of the Transfiguration. Now when I hear that story, my thoughts drift fondly to those ridiculously early mornings in the OC. And like I would then, I still smile at Peter’s excitement, at our shared humanity, when he exclaims: “Lord! It is good that we’re here!” In the immediate wake of his revelation is his intense longing to remain there, in that moment, with Jesus. I can almost see James and John gathering sticks for a celebratory bonfire J I’m sure we’ve all felt that way! When we catch a glimpse of our Lord transfigured, of Heaven on Earth, of the breathtaking view at the top and feel pure jubilation and wonder pulsing through our veins, of course we want to stay!!! Oh, but friends, we are called to live every step of the journey: up each precarious inch of the ascent, in amazement at the grandeur of the top, and down every reflective stride of the decent. And we are to keep this in mind: while our first mountain is no doubt a sacred part of our journey and a most enriching experience, that first mountain is never intended to be our only.
So, what did I learn from the Farm?
One of the most prominent truths I hold to is that I am called to live every one of my days just as intentionally as I did at the Farm. Certainly my days now are drastically different from my days at the Farm, but today is as much of a gift as were those days. These sights and sounds, painted and composed by the same Creator, are just as magnificent. The companions on this stretch of my journey are just as cherished by the Beloved and deserving of my patience, kindness and compassion. Truly, the point of a mountain isn’t to memorize it and recreate that experience everywhere and with everyone else. In living that way, we will most assuredly be disappointed in our days. Rather, the point is to take the lessons learned (to join in a fabulous game of hide and seek with the Beloved, to tread lightly on this gorgeous Earth with which we’ve been gifted, to see the face of Christ in those I encounter, and moreover, my inherent connection to each of those souls, to serve, to be lovingly honest, to pray, to give hugs, and to dance) and keep on keepin’ on.
I hope and pray that each of us can accept with grace the paths to which we are called and that we are able to make the trip learning and loving the aches and truths along the way. May we always be able to value the mountain behind us, and summon the tenacity to keep hiking J Happy trails, friends!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Service: Sharing Our Desires with God
Let's admit it, sometimes we can't do anything but think about the future, about what opportunities lie ahead of us and how much we might want to pursue a certain one. Then when that opportunity that we were looking forward to so much doesn't work out we become upset. But lets ask ourselves, why are we upset? Is it because we made a mistake? Or is it that the lack of control we have over our own lives hits us like a brick and makes us realize that God is in control rather than ourselves.
Maybe we're hoping to make plans with a friend and then something sudden changes those plans. Possibly we're looking at a university to pursue a bachelors or masters degree but are then rejected by that university. Maybe we're wanting to get to bed a bit earlier but then a friend in need keeps us up late. There are common, and somewhat small, examples of those times when our lack of control becomes so apparent. Instead of becoming upset and so greatly frustrated we should be turning to God. We should be saying, "Ok, that's not what you're calling to, show me your will..." We should be putting ourselves at the service of our Creator so that we can grow closer to God but also help those around us grow closer to God as well. But first we need to share our desires with God so that we can lead a life of prayer. This doesn't mean to put our desires aside, or to completely push aside all initiative towards those things we want to pursue, but instead to prayerfully pursue those opportunities and people around us. Let us seek to live a life of service and not be too caught up in what lies ahead. Be present to God, yourself and those around you so that you may be of service.
Maybe we're hoping to make plans with a friend and then something sudden changes those plans. Possibly we're looking at a university to pursue a bachelors or masters degree but are then rejected by that university. Maybe we're wanting to get to bed a bit earlier but then a friend in need keeps us up late. There are common, and somewhat small, examples of those times when our lack of control becomes so apparent. Instead of becoming upset and so greatly frustrated we should be turning to God. We should be saying, "Ok, that's not what you're calling to, show me your will..." We should be putting ourselves at the service of our Creator so that we can grow closer to God but also help those around us grow closer to God as well. But first we need to share our desires with God so that we can lead a life of prayer. This doesn't mean to put our desires aside, or to completely push aside all initiative towards those things we want to pursue, but instead to prayerfully pursue those opportunities and people around us. Let us seek to live a life of service and not be too caught up in what lies ahead. Be present to God, yourself and those around you so that you may be of service.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Bringing it Home (from Joe)
In an effort to gain wisdom from past staff members and the ways they have been affected by the Farm I asked people to reflect on how they have brought the farm how after spending at least a year on staff. Our first response comes from Joe Ciesielski who was on staff August 2007-August 2008. Joe now teaches in Philadelphia. Here's what he has to say...
Hey Mike,
So I listen to a lot of NPR on my drive to work. On the local station they have a psychologist who just received an award for in Taiwan. He was talking about how life-changing this experience was for him. He was struck by how much kindness was shown to him and how he wanted to be more aware of kindness in his life, of showing kindness to other and being thankful for kindness shown to him. He wanted to do a better job of not passing judgment on individuals (which I'm sure is really difficult as a psychologist). The key to making changes in your life, such as the ones he was trying to make, is to set small, measurable goals. "I'm going to try to be aware of kindness and not passing judgment" is an attainable goal while "I'm going to be a better person," he says, is easy to let slide. You have nothing to hold yourself accountable. The mind always gravitates towards whats comfortable, so if you don't set yourself up for success by setting small, attainable goals, it's going to be very easy to let them slide away.
This has been very true in my life. When I was at the Farm, I knew that one of the things I wanted to do was keep up with relationships with those I loved in Baltimore, Philly and West "by God." So I set a goal for myself of writing a letter or a note to some one every day for the 40 days of Lent. Now, did I write one every day - heck no. But I did feel really good about staying in touch with people and growing in my relationships. But when I left WV, I didn't set a goal like that for myself. So I started a new job, got a new car, bought (actually am buying) a house, and I let those relationships that I had nurtured slide.
But it ain't all bad. One of the things I wanted to do was incorporate simplicity in what I am consuming. So I set goals for being more aware of where my food was coming from, cooking more myself and growing some. I joined a food co-op that gets all it's food from local farmers, and members can even help grow some of it, made some delicious dishes and have a few tomato plants that look pretty good so far.
There is always room for improvement and there always should be. I can build off these small success and take this aspect of simplicity to the next level. But you have set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success and keep people around you who can hold you accountable.
Hey Mike,
So I listen to a lot of NPR on my drive to work. On the local station they have a psychologist who just received an award for in Taiwan. He was talking about how life-changing this experience was for him. He was struck by how much kindness was shown to him and how he wanted to be more aware of kindness in his life, of showing kindness to other and being thankful for kindness shown to him. He wanted to do a better job of not passing judgment on individuals (which I'm sure is really difficult as a psychologist). The key to making changes in your life, such as the ones he was trying to make, is to set small, measurable goals. "I'm going to try to be aware of kindness and not passing judgment" is an attainable goal while "I'm going to be a better person," he says, is easy to let slide. You have nothing to hold yourself accountable. The mind always gravitates towards whats comfortable, so if you don't set yourself up for success by setting small, attainable goals, it's going to be very easy to let them slide away.
This has been very true in my life. When I was at the Farm, I knew that one of the things I wanted to do was keep up with relationships with those I loved in Baltimore, Philly and West "by God." So I set a goal for myself of writing a letter or a note to some one every day for the 40 days of Lent. Now, did I write one every day - heck no. But I did feel really good about staying in touch with people and growing in my relationships. But when I left WV, I didn't set a goal like that for myself. So I started a new job, got a new car, bought (actually am buying) a house, and I let those relationships that I had nurtured slide.
But it ain't all bad. One of the things I wanted to do was incorporate simplicity in what I am consuming. So I set goals for being more aware of where my food was coming from, cooking more myself and growing some. I joined a food co-op that gets all it's food from local farmers, and members can even help grow some of it, made some delicious dishes and have a few tomato plants that look pretty good so far.
There is always room for improvement and there always should be. I can build off these small success and take this aspect of simplicity to the next level. But you have set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success and keep people around you who can hold you accountable.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Cornerstones: Calling us to Balance
Growing up my faith was very much about my own personal experience and development, it wasn't very well connected to service. Sure in high school I was very involved in community service, but it was for my own benefit not the benefit of those I was serving or even to serve God. I did community service because it helped me feel good about myself, like I was doing something good for the world and that built me up. I found satisfaction in the compliments and encouragement of others and that fueled me to stay involved in service activities so that others would continue to think highly of myself. Looking back on this I realize that my faith life was very skewed towards myself.
As life went on I continued to stay involved in community service because it was something that brought me satisfaction and it wasn't until I was finishing college and working here in West Virginia that I realized it really isn't about me. Nor do I have the abilities to really "help people" in a way that will completely change their life. However, I do have the ability to share love with those around me, to let them know that despite whatever situation they are in they have inherent dignity and deserve to be treated the same way I am treated. That is what I believe God calls us all to do, to love one another.
This calling to love one another is our calling to serve and be served. However, I believe that can bring another challenge, that we become too wrapped up in doing service and become lacking in our personal faith. Having grown up in one extreme, I now find myself at the complete other end of the spectrum, enthralled in service and unable to really find a balance between personal faith and service. This is where the cornerstones come in... while I may not feel all that balanced the cornerstones call us to this balance. Turning our focus on prayer and simplicity calls us to look inside ourselves, to see how we express our faith, how we live our lives as a prayer, and what we are really focused on in our lives. Then community and service call us outward, to look at those around us and how we can work for the common good and human dignity.
This week take some time and reflect on how this balance is in your life, are you too enveloped in your personal faith? Do you do service because it brings you gratification or because you seek to love others? Are you able to connect the two (faith and service)? How do you (or could you) achieve that balance?
As life went on I continued to stay involved in community service because it was something that brought me satisfaction and it wasn't until I was finishing college and working here in West Virginia that I realized it really isn't about me. Nor do I have the abilities to really "help people" in a way that will completely change their life. However, I do have the ability to share love with those around me, to let them know that despite whatever situation they are in they have inherent dignity and deserve to be treated the same way I am treated. That is what I believe God calls us all to do, to love one another.
This calling to love one another is our calling to serve and be served. However, I believe that can bring another challenge, that we become too wrapped up in doing service and become lacking in our personal faith. Having grown up in one extreme, I now find myself at the complete other end of the spectrum, enthralled in service and unable to really find a balance between personal faith and service. This is where the cornerstones come in... while I may not feel all that balanced the cornerstones call us to this balance. Turning our focus on prayer and simplicity calls us to look inside ourselves, to see how we express our faith, how we live our lives as a prayer, and what we are really focused on in our lives. Then community and service call us outward, to look at those around us and how we can work for the common good and human dignity.
This week take some time and reflect on how this balance is in your life, are you too enveloped in your personal faith? Do you do service because it brings you gratification or because you seek to love others? Are you able to connect the two (faith and service)? How do you (or could you) achieve that balance?
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Prayer: Nature and Fireflies
Everybody needs a week off once in a while, right?
Here's our newest post, courtesy of Julie Schneider. Enjoy.
As the bugs begin to pester and the fireflies light up the hillside, I am reminded of how alive the earth becomes as summer arrives. We are surrounded with colorful wildflowers popping up in every corner, the babbling sound of our creek, the singing birds in the morning, the sun shining longer, and the season of many crops. There is much to be thankful for as we journey through a summer of beauty and life.
One thing that excites me the most at this time, in this place is the nightly presentation in the trees.
Growing up, my neighbor’s brothers, sisters and I would get a big kick out of catching lightning bugs. We would poke many holes in the lid of a jar, fill it up with some grass, and trap some bugs there for a while. It was exhilarating to catch one in between my hands and show my mom how many I got. Most of the time, we would forget about them and leave them in the jar to slowly pass away. I didn’t realize that was a mean thing to do. Regardless, to me, lighting bugs were the coolest creatures on earth and the mystery behind their little glow blew my mind.
Over time, I suppose I lost sight of lightning bugs and stopped noticing them.
When I moved to West Virginia and saw the glimmer in the hills for the first time, I realized once again how much I still get a kick of them. I also discovered how amazing they really are. Last summer, I was introduced to some of the best spots to watch them on our holler, where there isn’t any light to glare out the glowing show.
It’s incredible to witness how spectacular the hillside becomes when it’s flooded with thousands of mini sparkling bugs. As I find myself staring quite a bit lately, I also find myself in prayer with God, wondering how nature could put on such a good show. I wonder if God knew how cool this was, and I quickly realized that maybe God was asking me the same question. Do you see as God sees?
Perhaps, we are always surrounded by God in nature, not just with the amazement of fireflies, but with all living creatures and plants. As we journey through this summer, let us always be mindful of the things we encounter that both annoy us and astound us. Maybe God is present everywhere, and if we allow ourselves to see as God sees, we won’t find it too difficult to be amazed!
Here's our newest post, courtesy of Julie Schneider. Enjoy.
As the bugs begin to pester and the fireflies light up the hillside, I am reminded of how alive the earth becomes as summer arrives. We are surrounded with colorful wildflowers popping up in every corner, the babbling sound of our creek, the singing birds in the morning, the sun shining longer, and the season of many crops. There is much to be thankful for as we journey through a summer of beauty and life.
One thing that excites me the most at this time, in this place is the nightly presentation in the trees.
Growing up, my neighbor’s brothers, sisters and I would get a big kick out of catching lightning bugs. We would poke many holes in the lid of a jar, fill it up with some grass, and trap some bugs there for a while. It was exhilarating to catch one in between my hands and show my mom how many I got. Most of the time, we would forget about them and leave them in the jar to slowly pass away. I didn’t realize that was a mean thing to do. Regardless, to me, lighting bugs were the coolest creatures on earth and the mystery behind their little glow blew my mind.
Over time, I suppose I lost sight of lightning bugs and stopped noticing them.
When I moved to West Virginia and saw the glimmer in the hills for the first time, I realized once again how much I still get a kick of them. I also discovered how amazing they really are. Last summer, I was introduced to some of the best spots to watch them on our holler, where there isn’t any light to glare out the glowing show.
It’s incredible to witness how spectacular the hillside becomes when it’s flooded with thousands of mini sparkling bugs. As I find myself staring quite a bit lately, I also find myself in prayer with God, wondering how nature could put on such a good show. I wonder if God knew how cool this was, and I quickly realized that maybe God was asking me the same question. Do you see as God sees?
Perhaps, we are always surrounded by God in nature, not just with the amazement of fireflies, but with all living creatures and plants. As we journey through this summer, let us always be mindful of the things we encounter that both annoy us and astound us. Maybe God is present everywhere, and if we allow ourselves to see as God sees, we won’t find it too difficult to be amazed!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Community: Human Dignity and Stereotypes
Over the past year we've adapted our Monday afternoon "spiel" a bit. In the past we discussed stereotypes very explicitly but have recently decided to mesh that discussion into our discussion on Catholic Social Teaching. It is important to raise awareness about stereotypes and how they impact our thoughts, words and actions, and it is also important to see how those stereotypes go against our principles of CST.
Initially when I think of stereotypes I think of the basics - race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation to name a few. But I also see stereotypes put on other people by their interests and disinterests, by their capabilities. Instead of fostering open and honest communication with others we make assumptions about them. Its so easy to ask someone about their experience, about what makes them who they are, but for some reason we think its even easier to assume those things and place those stereotypes on each other. I see that act as a direct violation of the Principle of Human Dignity.
This principle calls us to recognize the inherent dignity that all of God's creation has, a dignity that cannot be given or taken away but is instilled at the moment of creation. So who are we to play God and try and take away that human dignity by creating or abusing stereotypes of others. Recognizing another's dignity is the first step in overcoming these stereotypes, breaking them down, and building an inclusive community. Let us challenge ourselves and each other to examine our thoughts, words and actions to recognize how they might be cutting others down or placing assumptions on others according to their abilities and characteristics. Let us challenge ourselves and our communities to recognize Jesus in everyone so that we may also be Jesus for others (a little bit of Mother Teresa there). In what ways have you experienced stereotypes? How do you (or could you) work to overcome those stereotypes placed on yourselves and others?
Initially when I think of stereotypes I think of the basics - race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation to name a few. But I also see stereotypes put on other people by their interests and disinterests, by their capabilities. Instead of fostering open and honest communication with others we make assumptions about them. Its so easy to ask someone about their experience, about what makes them who they are, but for some reason we think its even easier to assume those things and place those stereotypes on each other. I see that act as a direct violation of the Principle of Human Dignity.
This principle calls us to recognize the inherent dignity that all of God's creation has, a dignity that cannot be given or taken away but is instilled at the moment of creation. So who are we to play God and try and take away that human dignity by creating or abusing stereotypes of others. Recognizing another's dignity is the first step in overcoming these stereotypes, breaking them down, and building an inclusive community. Let us challenge ourselves and each other to examine our thoughts, words and actions to recognize how they might be cutting others down or placing assumptions on others according to their abilities and characteristics. Let us challenge ourselves and our communities to recognize Jesus in everyone so that we may also be Jesus for others (a little bit of Mother Teresa there). In what ways have you experienced stereotypes? How do you (or could you) work to overcome those stereotypes placed on yourselves and others?
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Prayer: Dying to Ourselves
"You will grieve, but your grief will become joy." Jn 16:20
In Thursday's gospel Jesus provides us with this quote, telling his disciples that their grief over his death would soon be turned into rejoicing. I was struck by this reading because of the recent passing of Jeanette Sandora, wife of Butch Sandora for 41-years and long-time friend and advocate of the Farm. Jeanette's death made me think of a phrase I heard in college, "dying to ourselves."
It is this theme of dying to oneself that emphasizes our life not as our own but as a glorification of God. The service we do is not for our own good, but rather the good of God's creation and God's coming kingdom. It is quite a difficult thing to do though, to always remind ourselves that it is not about us but it is about God, especially in a culture and a world that is so focused on the satisfaction of others. Dying to ourselves also calls us to a humility that recognizes the fact that we are human and that we all have certain gifts and limitations. In coming to know ourselves in this way, in dying to ourselves, then we can rejoice in turning our lives over to God. Many times we are discouraged by those limitations, and in some sense we mourn the fact that we are so human. But, instead of being discouraged, it seems more appropriate to rejoice in our humanity and the gift of God's creation, and to live a life that glorifies God.
So this week let us turn our grief into joy, let us reflect on Jesus' Ascension into heaven with the hopes that we too can be so dedicated to God that we may one day be with Jesus. Let us die to ourselves and remind ourselves that everything we do is for the glory of God, not our own glory.
In Thursday's gospel Jesus provides us with this quote, telling his disciples that their grief over his death would soon be turned into rejoicing. I was struck by this reading because of the recent passing of Jeanette Sandora, wife of Butch Sandora for 41-years and long-time friend and advocate of the Farm. Jeanette's death made me think of a phrase I heard in college, "dying to ourselves."
It is this theme of dying to oneself that emphasizes our life not as our own but as a glorification of God. The service we do is not for our own good, but rather the good of God's creation and God's coming kingdom. It is quite a difficult thing to do though, to always remind ourselves that it is not about us but it is about God, especially in a culture and a world that is so focused on the satisfaction of others. Dying to ourselves also calls us to a humility that recognizes the fact that we are human and that we all have certain gifts and limitations. In coming to know ourselves in this way, in dying to ourselves, then we can rejoice in turning our lives over to God. Many times we are discouraged by those limitations, and in some sense we mourn the fact that we are so human. But, instead of being discouraged, it seems more appropriate to rejoice in our humanity and the gift of God's creation, and to live a life that glorifies God.
So this week let us turn our grief into joy, let us reflect on Jesus' Ascension into heaven with the hopes that we too can be so dedicated to God that we may one day be with Jesus. Let us die to ourselves and remind ourselves that everything we do is for the glory of God, not our own glory.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Community: A Non-Violent Approach
This previous week during our discussion on Catholic Social Teaching, someone raised the question "Does fighting in a war fulfill the principle of the Common Good?"
Now clearly any response to this question can take a very political turn very quickly, and while I believe we should be spending our money on better causes, I'd like to steer our reflection in a spiritual direction. When it comes to the use of violence as a means to attain anything, in fact the use of violence alone I believe we need to be reminded of the image of Christ. Here is a man who had so many violent things done to him because he stood up for what he believed in and never did he retort with violence. The man was handed a cross and crucified because he believed so deeply in God. His expression of non-violence accomplished far more than any violent response could have. Sure those who wanted him crucified accomplished something in killing him, but his martyrdom is what allowed him to be raised from the dead saving all of humanity... a much greater feat than the death of one man.
On January 2nd, 1991 Mother Theresa wrote the following letter to Presidents Bush and Hussein in response to the Gulf War:
"Dear President George Bush and President Saddam Hussein:
I come to you with tears in my eyes and God's love in my heart to plead to you for the poor and those who will become poor if the war that we all dread and fear happens. I beg you with my whole heart to work for, to labor for God's peace and to be reconciled with one another.
You both have your cases to make and your people to care for, but first please listen to the One who came into the world to teach us peace. You have the power and the strength to destroy God's presence and image, his men, his women, and his children. Please listen to the will of God. God has created us to be loved by his love and not to be destroyed by our hatred.
In the short term there may be winners and losers in this war that we all dread but that never can and never will justify the suffering, pain and loss of life which your weapons will cause.
I come to you in the name of God, the God that we all love and share, to beg for the innocent ones, our poor of the world and those who will become poor because of war. They are the ones who will suffer and when they do we will be the ones who are guilty for not having done all in our power to protect and love them. I plead to you for those who will be left orphaned, widowed, and left alone because their parents, husbands, bothers and children have been killed. I beg you please save them. I plead for those who will be left with disability and disfigurement. They are God's children. I plead for those who will be left with no home, no food, and no love. Please think of them as being your children. Finally I plead for those who will have the most precious thing that God can give us, Life, taken away from them. I beg you to save our brothers and sisters, yours and ours, because they are given to us by God to love and to cherish. It is not for us to destroy what God has given to us. Please, please let your mind and your will become the mind and will of God. You have the power to bring war into the world or to build peace. Please choose the way of peace. I, my sisters, and our poor are praying for you so much. The whole world is praying that you will open your hearts in love to God. you may win the war but what will the cost be on people who are broken, disabled, and lost?
I appeal to you - to your love, your love of God and your fellowmen. In the name of God and in the name of those you will make poor do not destroy life and peace. Let the love and peace triumph and let your name be remembered for the good you have done, the joy you have spread, and the love you have shared.
Please pray for me and my sisters as we try to love and serve the poor because they belong to God and are loved in his eyes so we and our poor are praying for you. We pray that you will love and nourish what God has so lovingly entrusted into your care.
May God bless you now and always."
While violence may be our first reaction, let us respond with love. Let us be symbols of Christ's triumphant non-violence, and build community by building others up rather than tearing them down.
Now clearly any response to this question can take a very political turn very quickly, and while I believe we should be spending our money on better causes, I'd like to steer our reflection in a spiritual direction. When it comes to the use of violence as a means to attain anything, in fact the use of violence alone I believe we need to be reminded of the image of Christ. Here is a man who had so many violent things done to him because he stood up for what he believed in and never did he retort with violence. The man was handed a cross and crucified because he believed so deeply in God. His expression of non-violence accomplished far more than any violent response could have. Sure those who wanted him crucified accomplished something in killing him, but his martyrdom is what allowed him to be raised from the dead saving all of humanity... a much greater feat than the death of one man.
On January 2nd, 1991 Mother Theresa wrote the following letter to Presidents Bush and Hussein in response to the Gulf War:
"Dear President George Bush and President Saddam Hussein:
I come to you with tears in my eyes and God's love in my heart to plead to you for the poor and those who will become poor if the war that we all dread and fear happens. I beg you with my whole heart to work for, to labor for God's peace and to be reconciled with one another.
You both have your cases to make and your people to care for, but first please listen to the One who came into the world to teach us peace. You have the power and the strength to destroy God's presence and image, his men, his women, and his children. Please listen to the will of God. God has created us to be loved by his love and not to be destroyed by our hatred.
In the short term there may be winners and losers in this war that we all dread but that never can and never will justify the suffering, pain and loss of life which your weapons will cause.
I come to you in the name of God, the God that we all love and share, to beg for the innocent ones, our poor of the world and those who will become poor because of war. They are the ones who will suffer and when they do we will be the ones who are guilty for not having done all in our power to protect and love them. I plead to you for those who will be left orphaned, widowed, and left alone because their parents, husbands, bothers and children have been killed. I beg you please save them. I plead for those who will be left with disability and disfigurement. They are God's children. I plead for those who will be left with no home, no food, and no love. Please think of them as being your children. Finally I plead for those who will have the most precious thing that God can give us, Life, taken away from them. I beg you to save our brothers and sisters, yours and ours, because they are given to us by God to love and to cherish. It is not for us to destroy what God has given to us. Please, please let your mind and your will become the mind and will of God. You have the power to bring war into the world or to build peace. Please choose the way of peace. I, my sisters, and our poor are praying for you so much. The whole world is praying that you will open your hearts in love to God. you may win the war but what will the cost be on people who are broken, disabled, and lost?
I appeal to you - to your love, your love of God and your fellowmen. In the name of God and in the name of those you will make poor do not destroy life and peace. Let the love and peace triumph and let your name be remembered for the good you have done, the joy you have spread, and the love you have shared.
Please pray for me and my sisters as we try to love and serve the poor because they belong to God and are loved in his eyes so we and our poor are praying for you. We pray that you will love and nourish what God has so lovingly entrusted into your care.
May God bless you now and always."
While violence may be our first reaction, let us respond with love. Let us be symbols of Christ's triumphant non-violence, and build community by building others up rather than tearing them down.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Service: It Comes from Passion and Love
I feel like I should apologize for taking a week off last week, and I realize its not good for continuity sake. But, everybody needs a vacation day every once in a while - right? We just have to make sure we aren't taking a vacation from God or our faith, those must be constants in our everyday lives.
It is that consistency of faith that drives me to serve, to recognize the dignity of all those I encounter and to do my best to put my own blessings aside so that others may be blessed in the first place. I guess you could say that is my passion in life, to be with other people and to serve God at the same time. I'm always awestruck when I hear about people living out their passions, even jealous sometimes. A few specific situations come to mind.
Since I am a Cincinnati native, I am also a Reds fan at heart and will always be a Reds fan despite their more trying years. So I was very happy when I heard the story of Chris Dickerson integrating his passion for environmental sustainability and his center-field position with the Cincinnati Reds. As a minor-league player for the Louisville Bats, Chris was appalled by the overuse of disposable cups and Gatorade bottles in the locker room and dugouts. So he bought Sigg bottles (comparable to Naglenes and other reusable bottles) for each member of the team in an effort to be more sustainable. When he was promoted to the majors with the Cincinnati Reds he didn't let this mission die and did the same thing - bought a bottle for each teammate. Throughout that process he also started a non-profit organization called "We Play Green" which encourages athletes to live sustainably and join forces with Chris.
I also read an article lately about Dikembe Mutombo's life-changing effect on an ESPN reporter who traveled with him to Africa and saw the poverty-stricken people firsthand. Chad Ford was forever changed by that trip and the hope that Dikembe brings to the people of his native land. Seeing that hope and Love that Mutombo brings inspired him to do the same.
Check out We Play Green's website: http://www.weplaygreen.org/ or Chad Ford's letter to Dikembe Mutombo on ESPN's Blog "truehoop": http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-125/Chad-Ford-s-Letter-to-Dikembe-Mutombo.html. And let's ask ourselves, how do we liev out our passions and love for others no matter what our current profession? Who are those around us who are models of such service and how can we strive to live in their model and the model of Jesus?
It is that consistency of faith that drives me to serve, to recognize the dignity of all those I encounter and to do my best to put my own blessings aside so that others may be blessed in the first place. I guess you could say that is my passion in life, to be with other people and to serve God at the same time. I'm always awestruck when I hear about people living out their passions, even jealous sometimes. A few specific situations come to mind.
Since I am a Cincinnati native, I am also a Reds fan at heart and will always be a Reds fan despite their more trying years. So I was very happy when I heard the story of Chris Dickerson integrating his passion for environmental sustainability and his center-field position with the Cincinnati Reds. As a minor-league player for the Louisville Bats, Chris was appalled by the overuse of disposable cups and Gatorade bottles in the locker room and dugouts. So he bought Sigg bottles (comparable to Naglenes and other reusable bottles) for each member of the team in an effort to be more sustainable. When he was promoted to the majors with the Cincinnati Reds he didn't let this mission die and did the same thing - bought a bottle for each teammate. Throughout that process he also started a non-profit organization called "We Play Green" which encourages athletes to live sustainably and join forces with Chris.
I also read an article lately about Dikembe Mutombo's life-changing effect on an ESPN reporter who traveled with him to Africa and saw the poverty-stricken people firsthand. Chad Ford was forever changed by that trip and the hope that Dikembe brings to the people of his native land. Seeing that hope and Love that Mutombo brings inspired him to do the same.
Check out We Play Green's website: http://www.weplaygreen.org/ or Chad Ford's letter to Dikembe Mutombo on ESPN's Blog "truehoop": http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-125/Chad-Ford-s-Letter-to-Dikembe-Mutombo.html. And let's ask ourselves, how do we liev out our passions and love for others no matter what our current profession? Who are those around us who are models of such service and how can we strive to live in their model and the model of Jesus?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Prayer: A Bridge
Three summers ago I landed in Costa Rica to begin a seven-week study abroad course focused around Spanish language and Central American culture. For me the most intense part of a study abroad experience is the moment of meeting the host family. The family defines a crucial (and for the student, unchangeable) aspect of the environment; they remain a mere assortment of facts on paper until they suddenly spring to life in an airport terminal in a foreign country.
After waiting just outside the San José airport for what felt like hours, I spotted an eager couple holding a piece of paper with my name scribbled in unmistakably large letters. From the moment I met my host parents Gema and Edwin, I counted all my apprehensions as silly. They would become my enthusiastic guides to an incomprehensibly gorgeous country and to a language whose subtleties I was only just beginning to understand. As I would discover, their zeal permeated their faith and their community as well.
Having arrived in the middle of May, I was fortunate to catch the latter half of an unforgettable Costa Rican phenomenon. May is the month of Mary, often celebrated in the U.S. with May Crowning ceremonies in which we adorn Mary’s head with a wreath of flowers. In my particular Costa Rican neighborhood of San Lorenzo, they took May to the next step. The members of the community banded together to decorate a small float with a statue of Mary as the centerpiece. Every evening the float would move to a new family’s house, where the community would gather after dinner. Then anyone could volunteer to help lead the group in a recitation of the rosary. (I found that praying the rosary aloud in Costa Rica differed dramatically, and often humorously, from my own previous experience; rather than rely on a set rhythm of recitation as we do in the U.S. to ensure that everyone stays together, people in my Costa Rican community simply prayed the prayers at their own pace, creating a wondrous cacophony of praise.) Once the prayer finished and we sang a few hymns together the hosting family presented refreshments and everyone spent some time chatting with neighbors and meeting new friends.
What a fantastic tradition! This nightly rosary procession represented to me the embodiment and interconnectedness of the cornerstones. Prayer, of course, was the reason we gathered, but we also celebrated community in gathering together and spending time in conversation, simplicity in being fully present to each other and sharing our talents, and service in offering hospitality. With May nearly upon us, let us take time to reflect on how Mary’s simple desire to do God’s will changed the course of human history. Perhaps we can take some time to pray a rosary and gather our community and friends. I truly believe that all the cornerstones are intertwined, but without prayer as a foundation none of them can be sustained.
-by Adam Austin
After waiting just outside the San José airport for what felt like hours, I spotted an eager couple holding a piece of paper with my name scribbled in unmistakably large letters. From the moment I met my host parents Gema and Edwin, I counted all my apprehensions as silly. They would become my enthusiastic guides to an incomprehensibly gorgeous country and to a language whose subtleties I was only just beginning to understand. As I would discover, their zeal permeated their faith and their community as well.
Having arrived in the middle of May, I was fortunate to catch the latter half of an unforgettable Costa Rican phenomenon. May is the month of Mary, often celebrated in the U.S. with May Crowning ceremonies in which we adorn Mary’s head with a wreath of flowers. In my particular Costa Rican neighborhood of San Lorenzo, they took May to the next step. The members of the community banded together to decorate a small float with a statue of Mary as the centerpiece. Every evening the float would move to a new family’s house, where the community would gather after dinner. Then anyone could volunteer to help lead the group in a recitation of the rosary. (I found that praying the rosary aloud in Costa Rica differed dramatically, and often humorously, from my own previous experience; rather than rely on a set rhythm of recitation as we do in the U.S. to ensure that everyone stays together, people in my Costa Rican community simply prayed the prayers at their own pace, creating a wondrous cacophony of praise.) Once the prayer finished and we sang a few hymns together the hosting family presented refreshments and everyone spent some time chatting with neighbors and meeting new friends.
What a fantastic tradition! This nightly rosary procession represented to me the embodiment and interconnectedness of the cornerstones. Prayer, of course, was the reason we gathered, but we also celebrated community in gathering together and spending time in conversation, simplicity in being fully present to each other and sharing our talents, and service in offering hospitality. With May nearly upon us, let us take time to reflect on how Mary’s simple desire to do God’s will changed the course of human history. Perhaps we can take some time to pray a rosary and gather our community and friends. I truly believe that all the cornerstones are intertwined, but without prayer as a foundation none of them can be sustained.
-by Adam Austin
Monday, April 20, 2009
Prayer: The Reminder and Celebration of Earth Day
I'm a bit behind this week, but I thought we could spend some time reflecting on Earth Day which is this Wednesday - April 22nd.
The first thought that came to mind when I thought of Earth Day was the fact that this year there is a great movement in the White House to End Mountain Top Removal (a problem that is very prevalent all over Appalachia including southern West Virgina). This movement also brings to light the need for greater care for our natural resources in the Appalachian region. Check out these links on The Alliance for Appalachia's website for some more information about that:
The first thought that came to mind when I thought of Earth Day was the fact that this year there is a great movement in the White House to End Mountain Top Removal (a problem that is very prevalent all over Appalachia including southern West Virgina). This movement also brings to light the need for greater care for our natural resources in the Appalachian region. Check out these links on The Alliance for Appalachia's website for some more information about that:
Janet Schaeffer provides a nice reflection on the connection between Earth Day and our Catholic faith. She also points out the fact that Earth Day should be a reminder of how we should act in our everyday lives, that "Earth Day" extends to every other day of the year. Having our own faith in mind, as well as this celebration of Earth Day - lets take some time this week to think about how we use our resources and how we could be more mindful of the resources we use, the things we take for granted, and the things that we are waste. How does, or should, our own faithfulness and our own prayer lives affect the way we interact with the gift of our own environment?
Check out Janet's reflection at: http://www.aodonline.org/AODOnline/Archives+177/Faith+Formation+04-04-23.htm
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Simplicity: Focusing on the Sun, Celebrate Easter!
Alleluia! Jesus is Risen!
To begin our Easter season the staff hiked to the top of our hill very early this morning to watch the sunrise. I couldn't help but compare the sun and its production to Jesus' rising from the dead on this day. I'll assume that we've all heard many comparisons with sunrises and sunsets to our faith lives, especially since they are a great place to find God (I realize assuming is a risky thing to do). But this morning I was struck by some symbolism I hadn't quite thought of. As I watched the sun come over the mountain I couldn't help but stare at it, just like you do when you're a kid and then you can't see for a few minutes while your eyes adjust. I realize this probably wasn't the smartest decision for the health of my eyes, but I couldn't quite help myself. While focusing in on the sun, its brightness overcame everything around it and I could hardly see anything else besides that vast array of light. I found myself using trees to shade myself for a few second, but I almost felt guilty for doing so because I didn't want anything to come between myself and Jesus. And somehow, I found this as a simple way to focus my thoughts and my energy on Jesus' resurrection. In the stations of the cross we find Jesus stripped of all his garments and his dignity. Even when he is buried he is only provided with a linen cloth in a small, simple tomb. Amidst this simplicity he was able to focus on what was really important - the will of God.
This Easter season let us focus ourselves on what is really important, the Son of God, Chris out Savior and the light and warmth that He provides for us in our days. Let us pray that all that comes between God and ourselves may be pushed aside, so that we may rejoice in the loving grace of God. When Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph approach the tomb of Jesus they begin to wonder how they will move the stone which comes between Jesus and themselves... how will they remove this blockade? However, when they arrive at the tomb they find that the power of God has removed this blockade so that they may seek Christ in the world around them. Let us reflect on how Christ has freed us from sin and how we may simplify our lives to be focused on God's presence around us.
Rejoice in the Lord and His loving sacrifice and majesty!
To begin our Easter season the staff hiked to the top of our hill very early this morning to watch the sunrise. I couldn't help but compare the sun and its production to Jesus' rising from the dead on this day. I'll assume that we've all heard many comparisons with sunrises and sunsets to our faith lives, especially since they are a great place to find God (I realize assuming is a risky thing to do). But this morning I was struck by some symbolism I hadn't quite thought of. As I watched the sun come over the mountain I couldn't help but stare at it, just like you do when you're a kid and then you can't see for a few minutes while your eyes adjust. I realize this probably wasn't the smartest decision for the health of my eyes, but I couldn't quite help myself. While focusing in on the sun, its brightness overcame everything around it and I could hardly see anything else besides that vast array of light. I found myself using trees to shade myself for a few second, but I almost felt guilty for doing so because I didn't want anything to come between myself and Jesus. And somehow, I found this as a simple way to focus my thoughts and my energy on Jesus' resurrection. In the stations of the cross we find Jesus stripped of all his garments and his dignity. Even when he is buried he is only provided with a linen cloth in a small, simple tomb. Amidst this simplicity he was able to focus on what was really important - the will of God.
This Easter season let us focus ourselves on what is really important, the Son of God, Chris out Savior and the light and warmth that He provides for us in our days. Let us pray that all that comes between God and ourselves may be pushed aside, so that we may rejoice in the loving grace of God. When Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph approach the tomb of Jesus they begin to wonder how they will move the stone which comes between Jesus and themselves... how will they remove this blockade? However, when they arrive at the tomb they find that the power of God has removed this blockade so that they may seek Christ in the world around them. Let us reflect on how Christ has freed us from sin and how we may simplify our lives to be focused on God's presence around us.
Rejoice in the Lord and His loving sacrifice and majesty!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Community: Violence in Media
(I've edited this one twice for accuracy of my opinion... feel free to post your comments whether you agree or not, I'm playing a bit of the devil's advocate here.)
It was a while ago that I finished reading Fr. John Dear, S.J.'s book "A Persistent Peace." John Dear reflects on his own life and his quest for nonviolence, including his own commitment to live fight for human rights while also supporting nonviolent acts. This theme of nonviolence caused me to reflect on a lot of themes that are prevalent in movies these days.
Since I've been on staff we've watched quite a few movies, including two trips to our local (and cheap) theater. The first of those was to see "The International." In this recent film violence is a dominant theme as good attempts to prevail over evil using violent acts, but does not since violence is not the answer. It serves as a positive example of the need for peaceful resolutions instead of violent actions, but a large part of me is also troubled by how widely accepted violence is in today's media.
When I see films like "The International" I can't help but think of what things my own children will someday watch. I struggle with the fact that many TV shows and movies these days demonstrate violence as an acceptable form of expression, therefore teaching children that it is suitable to use force to fulfill their desires. It is this sense of expression, this over-tolerated violence, that causes our communities and world to be so dismantled. If we are continually seeking to be better than the next person without allowing ourselves to understand one another, the we are not only crushing the common good and any sense of community, we are allowing something to become the norm that in no way should be so heavily tolerated.
Jesus' death on the cross was truly done in a humiliating and violent fashion, but never did he resort to violent retaliation. And in the end, good prevailed - Jesus rose from the dead and brought us the gift of everlasting life, he never even flinched to use violence. Taking time this week to reflect on the closing of Lent and the Passion of the Lord, ask ourselves in what ways we encourage this culture of violence. This can go far beyond physical force, but even when we degrade others and fail to recognize their human dignity. How can we change our lives to seek peace and to do so in ways that are peaceful? How can we better build community and seek to rebuild communities torn apart by violence? I know I won't be watching any violent films for quite a while... or I'll at least be aware of how they portray violence.
It was a while ago that I finished reading Fr. John Dear, S.J.'s book "A Persistent Peace." John Dear reflects on his own life and his quest for nonviolence, including his own commitment to live fight for human rights while also supporting nonviolent acts. This theme of nonviolence caused me to reflect on a lot of themes that are prevalent in movies these days.
Since I've been on staff we've watched quite a few movies, including two trips to our local (and cheap) theater. The first of those was to see "The International." In this recent film violence is a dominant theme as good attempts to prevail over evil using violent acts, but does not since violence is not the answer. It serves as a positive example of the need for peaceful resolutions instead of violent actions, but a large part of me is also troubled by how widely accepted violence is in today's media.
When I see films like "The International" I can't help but think of what things my own children will someday watch. I struggle with the fact that many TV shows and movies these days demonstrate violence as an acceptable form of expression, therefore teaching children that it is suitable to use force to fulfill their desires. It is this sense of expression, this over-tolerated violence, that causes our communities and world to be so dismantled. If we are continually seeking to be better than the next person without allowing ourselves to understand one another, the we are not only crushing the common good and any sense of community, we are allowing something to become the norm that in no way should be so heavily tolerated.
Jesus' death on the cross was truly done in a humiliating and violent fashion, but never did he resort to violent retaliation. And in the end, good prevailed - Jesus rose from the dead and brought us the gift of everlasting life, he never even flinched to use violence. Taking time this week to reflect on the closing of Lent and the Passion of the Lord, ask ourselves in what ways we encourage this culture of violence. This can go far beyond physical force, but even when we degrade others and fail to recognize their human dignity. How can we change our lives to seek peace and to do so in ways that are peaceful? How can we better build community and seek to rebuild communities torn apart by violence? I know I won't be watching any violent films for quite a while... or I'll at least be aware of how they portray violence.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Prayer: Giving of Ourselves
Today's Gospel reading uses the parable of the grain of wheat to encourage us to give of ourselves to those around us. It challenges us to ask ourselves difficult questions - what I can do to build community with my neighbor? how can I offer some form of service to those closest (and farthest from) to me?
These are great questions to ask. But I'd like to give a "spin" on this emphasis to "give of ourselves."
The end of this past week the staff took a break to go on retreat at Jeffer's Tree Farm near Athens, OH. Every spring we take some sort of retreat to rejuvenate ourselves before the approaching craziness of the summer season. A large reality that came out of this retreat was the fact that I, as well as others in our community, can be more disciplined and dedicated to our own needs, especially that of prayer. Tending to these needs also allows us to better tend to the needs of those around us - therefore engaging in service and fostering community. Ironic how if we are more in tune with ourselves then we can be more in tune with our surroundings, right? So what if we take this theme of giving of ourselves and give ourselves to God in prayer? In what ways can we be more dedicated to our personal needs? How can that help us to then give of ourselves to others?
It is my natural tendency to want to surround myself with people. So during group weeks the only things that can hold me back from spending time with volunteers are my own responsibilities and my lack of sleep. When volunteers aren't here I am easily engaged by the staff community. While these are two great things that I want to continue to seek in my life, they also cause me to lose sight of my own need for personal time. I spend all my time working, hanging out with others, and wondering why my prayer life and other relationships feel a bit off. In the end all I really need is some discipline to be aware of my own needs and to do my best to take that time to rejuvenate myself, or else I become too worn out and am not the person I want to be.
Spend some time in prayer this week reflecting on that and the Farm's theme of "right relationships." Before the sacredness of Holy Week comes upon us, take some time to reflect on how you might be in a better relationship with yourself and with God.
These are great questions to ask. But I'd like to give a "spin" on this emphasis to "give of ourselves."
The end of this past week the staff took a break to go on retreat at Jeffer's Tree Farm near Athens, OH. Every spring we take some sort of retreat to rejuvenate ourselves before the approaching craziness of the summer season. A large reality that came out of this retreat was the fact that I, as well as others in our community, can be more disciplined and dedicated to our own needs, especially that of prayer. Tending to these needs also allows us to better tend to the needs of those around us - therefore engaging in service and fostering community. Ironic how if we are more in tune with ourselves then we can be more in tune with our surroundings, right? So what if we take this theme of giving of ourselves and give ourselves to God in prayer? In what ways can we be more dedicated to our personal needs? How can that help us to then give of ourselves to others?
It is my natural tendency to want to surround myself with people. So during group weeks the only things that can hold me back from spending time with volunteers are my own responsibilities and my lack of sleep. When volunteers aren't here I am easily engaged by the staff community. While these are two great things that I want to continue to seek in my life, they also cause me to lose sight of my own need for personal time. I spend all my time working, hanging out with others, and wondering why my prayer life and other relationships feel a bit off. In the end all I really need is some discipline to be aware of my own needs and to do my best to take that time to rejuvenate myself, or else I become too worn out and am not the person I want to be.
Spend some time in prayer this week reflecting on that and the Farm's theme of "right relationships." Before the sacredness of Holy Week comes upon us, take some time to reflect on how you might be in a better relationship with yourself and with God.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Service: Looking for the Little Things
Spring is a wonderful season for reasons beyond the change in weather and signs of growth. March brings us College Basketball's "March Madness" and is closely followed by April's start to the baseball season. I always love these two events every year, however this time around our lack of television reception and any radio station that could pick up any sporting event leaves me a bit saddened and troubled. Clearly this is something that simplicity and community call me to overcome (and maybe it sounds like they're larger impacts than they should be), but I'd like to use this factor to reflect on service a bit.
Since I long to watch as much NCAA basketball as I can at this point of the season, I called up our community friend Betty Nicholson. Betty loves watching sports and loves having people over, and is probably my favorite community friend (yes, I have a favorite) so there were many advantages to joining her for some of the opening games of the tournament. When she asked me to take her to K-Mart to pick up her prescriptions for her eye medicine I was more than willing to say yes, although a small voice in the back of my head was wishing I didn't have to use so much gas (K-Mart is at least a 30 minute drive). But I did my best to ignore that fact and help Betty out since she does everything she can to help out the Farm and is such a positive friend for all of us. I was astounded at how grateful Betty was by this simple act, that I took my own time to help her out. She has been talking about how I offered my help for two days now, making me well aware how appreciative she is of my offering. To top things off, as we were watching basketball that Friday evening, when she went to put her eye drops in she had run out and needed to open the prescription we had picked up that day. Had I not been available (or willing) to help her out she would not have had her medicine for at least the night.
Looking back on that I felt largely affirmed by Betty that my willingness to help her out was in fact a small act of service. At the Farm we always encourage those forms of service along side our more tangible service of home repair. We emphasize the acts taken on home crew - cooking, cleaning, and welcoming friends home as a form of service. We stress the fact that we are building relationships with people and that just sitting with someone can also be a form of service. So what are some of the ways that you can serve others in these small ways? What holds you back from helping others in these ways?
I hope that in my life I can continue to do these small acts of service (or small acts of kindness) and that I can even get to the point where I don't have that nagging voice in the back of my head reminding me of the negative sides to those acts. Make sure to give of yourself today and this week...
Since I long to watch as much NCAA basketball as I can at this point of the season, I called up our community friend Betty Nicholson. Betty loves watching sports and loves having people over, and is probably my favorite community friend (yes, I have a favorite) so there were many advantages to joining her for some of the opening games of the tournament. When she asked me to take her to K-Mart to pick up her prescriptions for her eye medicine I was more than willing to say yes, although a small voice in the back of my head was wishing I didn't have to use so much gas (K-Mart is at least a 30 minute drive). But I did my best to ignore that fact and help Betty out since she does everything she can to help out the Farm and is such a positive friend for all of us. I was astounded at how grateful Betty was by this simple act, that I took my own time to help her out. She has been talking about how I offered my help for two days now, making me well aware how appreciative she is of my offering. To top things off, as we were watching basketball that Friday evening, when she went to put her eye drops in she had run out and needed to open the prescription we had picked up that day. Had I not been available (or willing) to help her out she would not have had her medicine for at least the night.
Looking back on that I felt largely affirmed by Betty that my willingness to help her out was in fact a small act of service. At the Farm we always encourage those forms of service along side our more tangible service of home repair. We emphasize the acts taken on home crew - cooking, cleaning, and welcoming friends home as a form of service. We stress the fact that we are building relationships with people and that just sitting with someone can also be a form of service. So what are some of the ways that you can serve others in these small ways? What holds you back from helping others in these ways?
I hope that in my life I can continue to do these small acts of service (or small acts of kindness) and that I can even get to the point where I don't have that nagging voice in the back of my head reminding me of the negative sides to those acts. Make sure to give of yourself today and this week...
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Community: The Benefit of Locality
One of the many great attributes to our college group weeks is that volunteers are from many places that not only span the entire United States but the entire world. It always intrigues me what life is like in other parts of the country and other parts of the world, so I try to hold back all assumptions about people and where they're from while still inquiring about what life is like for them in those areas.
This previous week I was touched when talking with a volunteer who had spent time living in Ethiopia, Russia and Germany (as well as the United States). Of course I asked the typical questions, why the move? how long did you live in each place? etc. But I was more touched when I commented that it was cool that this particular volunteer had the opportunity to see the world in so many ways and so many places. I think it is extremely beneficial to spend a week or two on an immersion in a foreign place (domestic or abroad), and so I assume that having the opportunity to live in different countries for a prolonged period of time would be even more beneficial. That benefit wasn't negative, but when I made the comment that having that experience was great the response was that it is beneficial but very challenging because of the difficulty to form really great friends. I quickly realized that I am extremely lucky to have grown up in Cincinnati my entire life, to have grown up with the same people and to have people that I could call best friends. It became quite evident that while living in different places gives us great experience for life, it also inhibits our ability to form those very strong friendships and to build that sense of community in our lives.
Today's scripture readings call us to focus our lives on what is really important. Clearly Lent is a beneficial time to do such a thing. I thought those themes can be clearly connected to this theme of friendship and community. Take some time this week to reflect on the things that you hold dear in your life. Should those things be as high of a priority as they are? Are there other things that should be a higher priority instead? Make a list of these things if you can/ have to. I would hope that your closest friends are on the higher end of that list. Give thanks for the blessing of those friendships and work to continue to build that sense of community this Lent.
This previous week I was touched when talking with a volunteer who had spent time living in Ethiopia, Russia and Germany (as well as the United States). Of course I asked the typical questions, why the move? how long did you live in each place? etc. But I was more touched when I commented that it was cool that this particular volunteer had the opportunity to see the world in so many ways and so many places. I think it is extremely beneficial to spend a week or two on an immersion in a foreign place (domestic or abroad), and so I assume that having the opportunity to live in different countries for a prolonged period of time would be even more beneficial. That benefit wasn't negative, but when I made the comment that having that experience was great the response was that it is beneficial but very challenging because of the difficulty to form really great friends. I quickly realized that I am extremely lucky to have grown up in Cincinnati my entire life, to have grown up with the same people and to have people that I could call best friends. It became quite evident that while living in different places gives us great experience for life, it also inhibits our ability to form those very strong friendships and to build that sense of community in our lives.
Today's scripture readings call us to focus our lives on what is really important. Clearly Lent is a beneficial time to do such a thing. I thought those themes can be clearly connected to this theme of friendship and community. Take some time this week to reflect on the things that you hold dear in your life. Should those things be as high of a priority as they are? Are there other things that should be a higher priority instead? Make a list of these things if you can/ have to. I would hope that your closest friends are on the higher end of that list. Give thanks for the blessing of those friendships and work to continue to build that sense of community this Lent.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Simplicity: Hungering for Bread and Justice
If they are hungry, give bread. If they have bread, give the hunger for justice.
This traditional Latin American prayer resonates in my heart and what we do here at the farm. Here at the farm, we are blessed with an abundance of food. Both local and seasonal, we try to live in right relationship with the Earth and provide healthful options for our volunteers. I hear every week volunteers on home crew talk about how easy it was to make bread or granola, and how unexpected this was. I feel that our busy culture has moved us away from the simple pleasures of cooking a meal, or understanding where our food comes from. It’s very convenient to run to the local grocery store and pick up peanut butter, but a few short minutes in the kitchen with some peanuts, oil, honey and a food processor will provide the smooth creamy treat. No hydrogenated oils here! While learning the ingredients that go into our food, we are also called to be in solidarity with those who have provided those items for us. By thinking of the tomato pickers or sugar cane farm workers, we can reflect on the quality of their working conditions and the justice of their wages. I feel that we are called to demand fair wages for these workers, to respect their human dignity so they can provide for their families. We encourage you all to look at the foods you are eating today, and reflect on where these items came from. Maybe soon you can start making them for yourself!
Some of my favorite meals are made from Mexican food, and the tortilla is a basic staple in a lot of great dishes. Enjoy!
Flour Tortillas
Combine in mixing bowl:
2 c unsifted flour
1 t salt
Cut in with a pastry blender:
¼ c lard or shortening
When particles are fine, add gradually:
½ c lukewarm water
Toss with fork to make a stiff dough ball. Form into a ball and knead thoroughly on lightly floured board until smooth and flecked with air bubbles.
Divide dough into 8 balls for large size. Roll as thin as possible on a lightly floured board or between sheets of wax paper (they don’t need to be round, hearts are fun too!) Drop onto a very hot ungreased griddle. Bake until freckled on one side (approximately 20 seconds). Lift edge, turn, and bake the other side. To serve at once, fold each limp tortilla around small lump of margarine. Or cool tortillas, wrap airtight, and refrigerate or freeze. To serve later, place in tightly covered baking dish and warm in oven, or fry briefly in shallow oil.
Stuff with your favorite ingredients: cheese, beans, peppers, etc. Or be like Ken and use it as a starter for pizza. The possibilities are endless!
Recipe from Bethlehem Farm cookbook (16) / More With Less (84)
-by Laura Sienas
This traditional Latin American prayer resonates in my heart and what we do here at the farm. Here at the farm, we are blessed with an abundance of food. Both local and seasonal, we try to live in right relationship with the Earth and provide healthful options for our volunteers. I hear every week volunteers on home crew talk about how easy it was to make bread or granola, and how unexpected this was. I feel that our busy culture has moved us away from the simple pleasures of cooking a meal, or understanding where our food comes from. It’s very convenient to run to the local grocery store and pick up peanut butter, but a few short minutes in the kitchen with some peanuts, oil, honey and a food processor will provide the smooth creamy treat. No hydrogenated oils here! While learning the ingredients that go into our food, we are also called to be in solidarity with those who have provided those items for us. By thinking of the tomato pickers or sugar cane farm workers, we can reflect on the quality of their working conditions and the justice of their wages. I feel that we are called to demand fair wages for these workers, to respect their human dignity so they can provide for their families. We encourage you all to look at the foods you are eating today, and reflect on where these items came from. Maybe soon you can start making them for yourself!
Some of my favorite meals are made from Mexican food, and the tortilla is a basic staple in a lot of great dishes. Enjoy!
Flour Tortillas
Combine in mixing bowl:
2 c unsifted flour
1 t salt
Cut in with a pastry blender:
¼ c lard or shortening
When particles are fine, add gradually:
½ c lukewarm water
Toss with fork to make a stiff dough ball. Form into a ball and knead thoroughly on lightly floured board until smooth and flecked with air bubbles.
Divide dough into 8 balls for large size. Roll as thin as possible on a lightly floured board or between sheets of wax paper (they don’t need to be round, hearts are fun too!) Drop onto a very hot ungreased griddle. Bake until freckled on one side (approximately 20 seconds). Lift edge, turn, and bake the other side. To serve at once, fold each limp tortilla around small lump of margarine. Or cool tortillas, wrap airtight, and refrigerate or freeze. To serve later, place in tightly covered baking dish and warm in oven, or fry briefly in shallow oil.
Stuff with your favorite ingredients: cheese, beans, peppers, etc. Or be like Ken and use it as a starter for pizza. The possibilities are endless!
Recipe from Bethlehem Farm cookbook (16) / More With Less (84)
-by Laura Sienas
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