Last month, I wrote about an act on the part of the pope which was meant to restore peace, and to be seen as an act of reconciliation. Unfortunately, Benedict's good intentions resulted in a furor of press coverage about the fact that one of the four discenting bishops who had had their excommunications lifted had been quoted as denying the reality of the holocaust.
According to a CTV story, published today, His Excellency, Richard Williamson, a member of the Society of Saint Pius X, issued an apology for his previous denial.
The best intentions of mice and men can always carry strings attached. Unfortunately, some of those strings are only discovered in the course of living life.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Priorities
Health experts speak of five dimensions of health: physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual. Each of these is important to maintain a well balanced lifestyle.
The media often highlights for us the newest information about what foods are good to eat and the need for physical activity. Many people will seek nutrient rich foods, spend hours in the gym and visit their physician regularly.
We read to increase our knowledge or sometimes engage in thought provoking activities. Scientists point to the need for continuing to challenge our minds to slow the aging process.
We seek emotionally supportive relationships. Sociologists tell us that our minds react to a smiling face forcing our own facial muscles to return the gesture. We recognize the healing value of a touch or a hug.
John Dunn said "No man is an island" indicating that we need opportunities to interact with others. We have long lists of friends and acquaintances. Having someone to share our lives with can lengthen our life.
But what of the spiritual dimension of health. Sure, some of us go to Church, some of us pray, and some of us may even seek faith development opportunities. However, if schedules get too full, the snow is falling on a Sunday morning, or if we feel run off our feet, it seems that this dimension of health will fall off the priority list first.
Do you consider your spiritual health in the same way you think about your physical health? Compared to works of fiction on your bookshelf, how many books of a religious nature do you own? Do you offer exchanges of "God Bless You" as often as you wish someone a "Good Day"? Do you seek spiritual experiences as often as you do friendships?
What would it take for you to raise the priority of spiritual health?
The media often highlights for us the newest information about what foods are good to eat and the need for physical activity. Many people will seek nutrient rich foods, spend hours in the gym and visit their physician regularly.
We read to increase our knowledge or sometimes engage in thought provoking activities. Scientists point to the need for continuing to challenge our minds to slow the aging process.
We seek emotionally supportive relationships. Sociologists tell us that our minds react to a smiling face forcing our own facial muscles to return the gesture. We recognize the healing value of a touch or a hug.
John Dunn said "No man is an island" indicating that we need opportunities to interact with others. We have long lists of friends and acquaintances. Having someone to share our lives with can lengthen our life.
But what of the spiritual dimension of health. Sure, some of us go to Church, some of us pray, and some of us may even seek faith development opportunities. However, if schedules get too full, the snow is falling on a Sunday morning, or if we feel run off our feet, it seems that this dimension of health will fall off the priority list first.
Do you consider your spiritual health in the same way you think about your physical health? Compared to works of fiction on your bookshelf, how many books of a religious nature do you own? Do you offer exchanges of "God Bless You" as often as you wish someone a "Good Day"? Do you seek spiritual experiences as often as you do friendships?
What would it take for you to raise the priority of spiritual health?
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Alone
A leaf, brave and alone, clung to the branch against wind and snow. Against the odds, it had survived the harsh autumn rains, unpredictable ice storms and the heavy snows of a Northern winter.
Do you ever feel like that leaf? Do you feel cold, alone and forgotten?
As I watched that leaf dance in the cool breeze, I wondered how many people share those feelings. There are many who lack companionship. Many who feel deserted by family, friends and society.
We as Christians are comforted in the knowledge that our Lord promised to always be with us. We will never be alone.
In response to that promise we are also obligated to share that knowledge and to demonstrate our compassion for others. Reach out to someone who you know may be lonely or may not believe. Perhaps they will welcome your companionship and through your example come to follow.
Do you ever feel like that leaf? Do you feel cold, alone and forgotten?
As I watched that leaf dance in the cool breeze, I wondered how many people share those feelings. There are many who lack companionship. Many who feel deserted by family, friends and society.
We as Christians are comforted in the knowledge that our Lord promised to always be with us. We will never be alone.
In response to that promise we are also obligated to share that knowledge and to demonstrate our compassion for others. Reach out to someone who you know may be lonely or may not believe. Perhaps they will welcome your companionship and through your example come to follow.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
United in a Simple Act
As water poured from the kettle onto the dried leaves, the gentle aroma of jasmine and green tea filled my senses transporting me to a mountain far away under a gentle morning sun.
In that moment, I knew that the sun that bathed the people picking tea leaves also brightens my day. The water that brings nourishment to the plant also brings refreshment to me. The same planet that supports the plant and the tea pickers also supports me.
Although I will never know the identity of the people whose labour has brought me this sensory delight, I know that I am one with these people. We are united in a simple act; the culmination of the works of many made this moment possible...people who picked the leaves, processed the tea, packaged the product, shipped it, shelved it and sold it. We are all one.
We are one in this process of making tea, just as we are one in our Lord. Born of this earth, raised by His plan, we are each playing our small part to complete the larger plan. We may not know each other, but without one another, we cannot be complete.
As I sip my tea, I am lifted by the image of unity with others who share this earth with me. I express my gratitude in a prayer of thanks, for the many hands who contributed to this moment. My prayer lifts me back onto that mountain, in a gentle morning sun, bathed in knowledge of the Oneness that completes us all.
In that moment, I knew that the sun that bathed the people picking tea leaves also brightens my day. The water that brings nourishment to the plant also brings refreshment to me. The same planet that supports the plant and the tea pickers also supports me.
Although I will never know the identity of the people whose labour has brought me this sensory delight, I know that I am one with these people. We are united in a simple act; the culmination of the works of many made this moment possible...people who picked the leaves, processed the tea, packaged the product, shipped it, shelved it and sold it. We are all one.
We are one in this process of making tea, just as we are one in our Lord. Born of this earth, raised by His plan, we are each playing our small part to complete the larger plan. We may not know each other, but without one another, we cannot be complete.
As I sip my tea, I am lifted by the image of unity with others who share this earth with me. I express my gratitude in a prayer of thanks, for the many hands who contributed to this moment. My prayer lifts me back onto that mountain, in a gentle morning sun, bathed in knowledge of the Oneness that completes us all.
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