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?
Sunday, May 31, 2009
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)