Posted on Wed, Jun 27, 2012
It isn’t exactly summer reading, but I just finished Blaine Harden’s Escape from Camp 14. It tells the story of Shin Dong-hyuk, the only known person to have been born and raised in a North Korean prison camp who eventually escaped. His story is harrowing from the start. He vies with his mother over the meager ration of food that is allotted to them both and eventually witnesses her execution, along with that of his brother. One of his six-year old classmates is beaten to death by their teacher with a blackboard pointer. He has no concept of love or compassion or God. By his own admission, he was raised as an animal and viewed all those around him with mistrust and suspicion. Doing so was critical to his survival.
The book is a jarring expose of human nature at its very worst. Reflecting on this in the context of the upcoming July 4th holiday, makes me all the more aware of the grace of living in a free society. Consider the Declaration of Independence, the great manifesto against tyranny. One of its best-known lines concerns human equality and the “unalienable rights” of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” In naming these as truths, our forefathers were stating something that, to them, was obvious. The continued existence of prison camps and perpetration of genocide, racism, caste systems, and other abuses of human rights, means that we humans still haven’t grasped the concept.
Shin’s story takes a remarkable turn when he encounters two men of compassion. One nurses him back to health in an underground prison where he has been tortured because of his mother’s and brother’s crimes. The other is a fellow prisoner who tells him stories of the outside world and gives him not only hope, but the restless energy to engineer his flight to freedom. Harden points out that, in the grimmest circumstances, there is strength in the shared struggle with others. After Shin’s escape, it is the assistance of individuals and groups, often religious congregations, that helps him learn to love, to trust, and to turn his justifiable anger against a corrupt and cruel system into something productive and life-giving.
Isn’t this similar to the founding of our nation? The Declaration of Independence worked because it was co-signed by men who worked together to bring an end to tyranny. As we celebrate our freedoms, we might consider the loveliest one of all – the freedom to care for and advocate on behalf of each other. In doing so, we might also consider this holiday a celebration of our interdependence.
Bright Ideas
photo © iStockphoto
Posted on Mon, Jun 25, 2012
Sunday, July 1st, is the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The weekly celebration of the Eucharist on Saturday evening or Sunday morning defines who we are as Catholics-- in out parishes, in our households of faith, in our neighborhoods, and in our world. Plan to spend time this week reflecting on the readings and preparing to celebrate the Eucharist. Gather in My Name offers "Question of the Week" - a free resource to incorporate the Sunday Eucharist into your religion classes, family discussions, or community activities.
Gather In My Name also provides reflections and discussion questions on the readings for each Sunday and holy day liturgy. Activities for young people are included. Some materials for younger children can be printed out.
Question of the Week: What story about Jesus astounds you?
Reading 1: Wisdom 1:13-15, 2:23-24
Reading 2: 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15
Theme: "They were utterly astounded"
Gospel: Mark 5:21-24, 35-43
Looking for Whole Community Activities for the above Reading Reflections? Click here!
Posted on Wed, Jun 20, 2012
An acrid smell wafted into our home last night, and triggered dreams about fear and loss. Although the High Park fire is burning over one hundred miles away from us, the prevalence of smoke is a visceral reminder of the devastation that is overtaking so many people. It is not the largest fire in Colorado’s recorded history, but it is the most destructive. To date, over 180 homes have been destroyed and the number is expected to rise. Hundreds of more families have been evacuated and are awaiting news about when – or if – they can return home again. As one firefighter noted, each house that burns represents a family and the memories and associations they hold. It makes the damage inestimable.
Some of Scripture’s most poignant passages beseech God for restoration. Written to describe the pain of physical or spiritual displacement, they encapsulate the grief and anguish that accompanies exile. The latter includes not only the loss of a personal place of residence, but also one’s community and homeland. In today’s world, there are millions of people who have known such loss, having been forced from their homes by political upheaval and war, by natural and economic disasters, or by aging and disability.
There is no way to foresee the losses we may experience in the course of our lives. The best we can do is treasure what we have, and trust that God will be with us, no matter what firestorms arise. This thought drew me into prayer as the smell of smoke invaded my sleep. It brought to mind one my favorite psalms, one I could recite, not only for myself, but on behalf of all the displaced people of the world. “One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek; to dwell in the Lord’s house all the days of my life…” (Psalm 27:4).
Bright Ideas
-
As a catechist, spend some time this summer expanding your worldview. As you do so, consider ways to help children, young people, and adults become more aware of people who have suffered great loss in their lives.
-
Download a list of activities to help broaden your sense of compassion for those in need, and gratitude for God’s gifts in your life. Use it as a personal reflection or as a way to generate discussion within your family.
photo © iStockphoto
Posted on Mon, Jun 18, 2012
Gather in My Name offers seasonal events that bring together people of all ages to learn about and share their faith! We invite you to set aside time this summer to have a Gather in the Garden- A Summer Scripture Event in your home, catechetical sessions, volunteer groups, or parish at large.
Objective:
To show, through an exploration of Genesis 1-2:4, that God is the source of all life and that we celebrate God's gifts of creation through prayer and the practice of wise stewardship of the earth.
Faith Response:
Participants will be able to name specific ways they can act as stewards of the gifts of creation through prayer and practice. (First and fourth tasks of catechesis, GDC 85).
Source Material:
We Believe Parish Edition:
Grade K, Unit 1: "God Gives Us Many Gifts"
Grade 1, Chapter 26: "We Care for the Gifts of Creation"
Grade 6, Chapter 2: "Creation"
Format:
A full multigenerational event: 60-90 minutes in length, with the optional inclusion of a meal
Posted on Wed, Jun 13, 2012
In my childhood home, there was a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus hanging in our upstairs hallway. Instead of a sharply-defined and blood-red illustration of the Sacred Heart, it showed Jesus with a soft glow emanating from his heart-space. As such, it provided a comforting image that warmed and comforted me as I passed by it each day.
Popularization of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is credited to Saint Marguerite Marie Alacoque who, in her early twenties, had a series of beatific visions. In one she saw Christ’s heart surrounded with brilliant rays of light and containing the wound he received on the cross when soldiers pierced him with a spear. Evelyn Underhill, who wrote extensively on Christian mysticism, described this vision as a deeply intuitive contemplation of God’s love.
Image Source: Fr. Bill McNicols' icon of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
used with permission
There are over 1000 references to the heart in the Bible – more than those referring to the body, mind, or soul. For the ancient Hebrews, the heart was the locus of wisdom and understanding. One of the most evocative heart passages in Scripture comes from the Book of Ezekiel in which the ancient covenant is renewed. “I will give them one heart and put a new spirit within them. I will remove their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh so that they may follow my statutes and keep my ordinances. Then they shall be my people and I shall be their God” (Ezekiel 11:19-20).
Modern science has given us an even more intriguing way to interpret this passage about the “fleshy” aspects of the human heart. While we often limit thought to the mind and emotions to the heart, the reality is far less definitive. 60% of heart cells are neural; therefore we can actually “think” with our hearts. In addition, the electromagnetic field generated by the beating of the heart is 5000 times stronger than that of the brain. Some studies have shown a synchronization that occurs when hearts oscillate in unison. Thus, two hearts can seemingly beat “as one.”
Consider what this means in terms of Christ’s sacred heart. It pulses with love for all humankind and glows with mercy and compassion. As we contemplate the warmth of Divine love, we might feel our own hearts soften and start to beat in concert with one another and, ultimately, with the One from whom all love flows.
Bright Ideas
-
Observe the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 15) by going out of your way to imitate the love of Christ in your family, parish, and community.
-
Read Ezekiel 11:19-20 as a family. Brainstorm characteristics of a “heart of flesh” and discuss ways you can make your home more loving.
-
Download my “Prayer for a Heart of Flesh” and use it with your family or class.
Image Source: Fr. Bill McNicols' icon of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Posted on Sun, Jun 10, 2012
Sunday, June 17th, is the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Plan to spend time this week reflecting on the readings and preparing to celebrate the Eucharist. Gather in My Name offers "Question of the Week" - a free resource to incorporate the Sunday Eucharist into your religion classes, family discussions, or community activities.
Gather In My Name provides reflections and discussion questions on the readings for each Sunday and holy day liturgy. Activities for young people are included. Some materials for younger children can be printed out.
Question of the Week: Where do you see the Kingdom of God growing?
Reading 1: Ezekiel 17:22-24
Reading 2: 2Corinthians 5:6-10
Theme: Mustard Seed
Gospel: Mark 4:26-34
Looking for Discussion Questions for the above Reading Reflections? Click here!
Posted on Wed, Jun 06, 2012
While attending a summer festival in downtown Denver over the weekend, the number of fathers who were shepherding children caught my attention. They carried babies in backpacks and commandeered strollers through crowds bunched around food tents and bandstands. It is a source of delight to watch young fathers who easily take on a nurturing role in the lives of their children.
My own father was of a different generation. The only time I remember him carrying me anywhere was into a hospital emergency room when I came down with a severe case of Scarlet Fever. He didn’t toss balls around in the back yard with my brothers, and left most of the day-to-day parenting to my mother. Nevertheless, he took his role as provider seriously and I looked to him for safety and security. I knew he would never abandon or harm us in any way. Although not demonstrative, his love for his wife, children, and grandchildren was absolute.
If there is one single parable that sticks in our minds, it is probably the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-22). The image of a father waiting for the return of his wayward child with such patience and longing is one of the most poignant scenes in the Bible. His response to the prodigal’s irresponsible behavior catches us off guard with its magnanimity and parental perception. He shows the same benevolence towards the elder son, whose petulance sets up even greater barriers to reconciliation. At a time when we are quick to draw attention to “deadbeat dads”, this ancient story invites us to consider fatherhood as a reflection of God’s magnanimous heart.
We are not all blessed with nurturing parents, but we do have a God whose love knows no bounds, who stands ready to forgive us for our misbehavior, and who awaits our return home with longing and tenderness. As we honor fathers of this and past generations, may we also give thanks to our Father in heaven for his sheltering presence.
Bright Ideas
photo © iStockphoto
Posted on Sun, Jun 03, 2012
Sunday, June 10th, is The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Plan to spend time this week reflecting on the readings and preparing to celebrate the Eucharist. Gather in My Name offers "Question of the Week" - a free resource to incorporate the Sunday Eucharist into your religion classes, family discussions, or community activities.
Question of the Week: How do you show gratitude for the Eucharist?
Reading 1: Exodus 24:3-8
Reading 2: Hebrews 9:11-15
Theme: "this is my body"
Gospel: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26
Looking for Discussion Questions for the above Reading Reflections? Click here!
photo © iStockphoto