This April we will redouble our efforts to muster resources to curb our climate change and protect our planet Earth. We need to make springtime and the Easter season come alive; we resolve to re-energize ourselves for the work ahead. During this season we will give more attention to solar and wind energy applications, along with other renewable sources. Spring is a time for renewing our resolve to protect the Earth and improve the quality of life for all citizens on this planet. May the new life of flowers and greening trees brighten our April days and our efforts.
Tulips Uplift Us
Little perks give us great delight; a nodding tulip in the breeze, Colorful, rounded, up-lifting, open for all to gaze within. Sometimes we have rare pleasures that quickly come and end; Yes, tulips render Earth's spring to be a glimpse of heaven
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*** ANNOUNCING: NEW BOOK RELEASE FEBRUARY 2022 ***
Ethnic Atlas of the United States: National Maps 1980 - 2020
This ethnic atlas from Earthhealing, Inc. and published by Brassica Books, has been a work in process for over 40 years, perhaps longer than most research projects -- and involving the same three people over that multi-decade period. This book contains five specifically colored national maps from 1980 - 2020, showing ethnic pluralities of every U.S. County (3,126) using racial and ancestral data drawn from the last five federal decennial Censuses. Textual highlights are included about each state and major ethnic groups represented.
Obtaining a static overall view at one time has some merit, but a more challenging puzzle is to describe the changing face of ethnic America over time, a truly social, ecological, cultural and environmental issue worth pursuing. We strive to record how variation in 80 racial and ethnic groups have changed in all U.S. geographic areas over this recent half century period. When comparing the entire map series, one discovers the distinct flavor of America's major ethnic groups; remember that behind the scenes a wide variety of minor groups exist and even thrive. An environment in which diversity is both recorded and celebrated is an enriching one and is worth celebrating.
Observing ethnic shifting is itself dramatic and can be partly realized by comparing the five general ethnic/racial maps that have been standardized to contain the same color codes and groupings. Increasing mobility of the American public complicates the ethnic picture; it tends to erode certain concentrations of ethnic groups and causes a greater intermixing of new communities.
We are all ethnics to some degree; it is just that other issues in life often erase this focus. In the deep-down heart of things, most people would like to uncover more about their own roots and share them with others. Many agree that cultural differences, when celebrated and respected, add to the rich totality of the American experience. For this reason, we encourage the people who take pride in their ethnic backgrounds to celebrate and enjoy their togetherness when gathered at given opportunities. In many cases, this sharing extends to outsiders who venture into such gatherings and are welcome. Thus, we hope that this continued cultural consciousness will help in the global collaboration needed to save our wounded earth.
Earthhealing Team – Al Fritsch, Janet Kalisz, Mark Spencer
Resonance And Climate Controls
The present Ukrainian conflict is creating serious disharmony that will eventually damage the global collaboration needed to address current climate change problems. The challenge is that the planet’s people must work together through a cooperative endeavor never before attempted, in order to save our planet from catastrophic global heating. The existing reduction in this cooperative alternative – if continued for long – could result in horrendous consequences. The needed collaboration as detailed in my book Resonance (available on Amazon Books) has only a shrinking window of time in this decade. This cooperation must be a global undertaking by all people of good will – and the current Russian/Ukrainian warfare is spelling a disaster that must be halted ASAP.
Collaboration. The basic proposition is that we must strive for harmony in these climate changing efforts, for we can only save our planet through global collaboration. Furthermore, this curbing of global warming cannot be achieved by individual nations acting alone or in limited numbers; we need worldwide participation, since it will take worldwide collaboration in order to abandon the fossil fuel economy and truly launch the renewable (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and tidal) energy economy. While some may say the energy developments of the future go beyond these renewable sources and include the “hydrogen economy” and the nuclear fusion process adapted to domestic energy production, still existing renewable alternatives can suffice to produce a zero-carbon economy by 2050. But fossil fuel use must be phased out – not increased as in the first quarter of this year.
Harmony. We need a balancing of all energy applications through harmonious collaborations. Harmony is observed at all levels of creation, from sub-atomic particles up to beneficial human endeavors, such as music, art and compassionate care of others. Harmonizing is one of the highest human activities and so the climate change challenge is opening itself to the highest degree of human collaborative activity; this demands that the current conflict be resolved. We are not including some degree of competition, for the efforts have a united goal requiring complete human participation in teamwork.
Believing. Christians realize that the called for collaboration imitates divine activity and is actually characteristic of God’s inner activity. This Trinitarian Act leaves its divine imprint so that the harmony sought will be all the more perfect. The faith community has a special role to play that goes beyond secular efforts at curbing climate change; we beg for divine assistance to overcome rival factionalism and work together peacefully and productively. Thus, by working together in harmony we can save our threatened Earth.
The glaciers melting, oceans rising, etc. are natural phenomena! Sorry, an April Fool's joke.
I would like to believe every April Fool's trick is humorous, but the life of a planet is at stake. One Florida businessman offered to take care of all my financial problems a decade ago if I said that climate change is naturally caused and capitalism is the most perfect economic system. He found it incomprehensible that I would not accept his largess by two simple affirmations. However, we do not live in a world of fiction as do many who still defend the status quo. Wake up! The planet is being threatened.
How do you cope with apparently permanent deniers who would have their world upset, if they were to accept that human beings cause the impending catastrophe? It would mean that we are at fault and need to confess it. The Big Energy merchants of doubt can con status-quo seekers so easily. These are the ones who wrap their materialistic piety into their assertions of common sense and practicality; this permits these privileged few to distance themselves from the real world. For them, why worry, for God will clean up the ecological mess, like maids do their rooms? These regard their lifestyles as so envied by the hoi polloi that they must be doing godly things, if so many want to imitate them.
Climate deniers have their hidden fears. Underneath the facade, many rational deniers have the deep fear that they may be wrong. Many of us do not share that fear as one accepting the scientific basis for human caused climate change -- but fear is nevertheless here. Will we succeed in curbing climate change, or must we face an impending catastrophe? This difference between deniers and affirmers of human-caused climate change is most telling; it is a vast chasm between outlooks: namely, fearing to be wrong versus fearing to acting correctly. The difference is stark, but it forces us to address fears that change the way people think. Our response is a call for prudence in all matters; we must take the safer course, and with God's grace we can succeed.
Climate deniers overlook their addictions. To some degree all of us are addicted to consumer products. We are more familiar with smokers or those on drugs who refuse to quit; we wince knowing that their lives are being shortened. The virtue of prudence tells us that we must not act in a reckless manner, like teenagers on a speeding joy ride. However, consumer product addiction hurts all of us. The first step to overcoming this addiction is to recognize it and admit our condition -- and here faith-based groups can play a major role. The deniers are also the defenders of their own economic privileges and the system that currently lets them get away with "murder" of our planet. Unchallenged, this sort of denial breeds further denial. We must address the issue.
Prayer to Avoid Foolishness: Lord, as we start this month in a serious way, help us to avoid the trickery and bullying that is so common in our world and social media. Help us to balance a sense of humor and good will with seriousness required in our prayers and sacrifices. Help us direct our energies to the real problems of our relatives and friends; may we constantly encourage friends, neighbors and others to see that you hold people close to your heart, even amid limitations and imperfections.
The "fiddlehead" of an unfurled fern.
(*photo credit)
April 2, 2022Joining the Battle between Good and Evil
Three hundred years ago, April Fools was a two-day event and involved "hunting the gowk." Yes, those were simpler times. We are in another era when the foolishness of climate change denial (yesterday's topic) should be taken in all its seriousness. We do not have time to play games; when we think of how to launch reflections this Lenten season, we need to move beyond April foolishness and talk meaningfully to climate-change affirmers.
The times are serious and this stresses us in many ways. I had a horrible nightmare, though in bright daylight: it was that of a cataclysmic struggle between good and evil. The picture is really what Saint Ignatius and other spiritual writers paint about the gigantic struggle between Christ and personified evil, the devil. St. Ignatius takes this up as the "Meditation on Two Standards." Without digressing too much at this moment when the fate of the planet lies at stake, we hark back to the glory of untouched nature and find the continence of Christ looking up to us from every creature. On the other side we see the field with enticing resources of riches, honors, and pride -- temptations.
The frightening aspect is the reality of the battle that few wish to express or talk about in any serious manner, the struggle of spiritual virtue and crass materialism. In the nightmare, virtually the whole world embraces large-scale capitalism with its wealth overwhelming people to the point where they would not let go of all their earning power, insurance policies, nestegg securities, buying and selling power, and taxes and gifts given and received. The material evil is so widespread that it paralyzes doers of good and strives to pull them down into the cesspools of material quagmire and resulting pollution and waste.
The cataclysmic scene becomes almost unthinkable. Evil is so pervasive with all its technicalities, practicalities, and popularities; the agenda of denial is not that whether there is a God, but whether there is a devil, evil personified. Confession is ignored because many regard themselves as right in what they do, though others may be wrong. Furthermore, these conceive of the sovereign right to believe anything, and so some of them hold that evil does not exist; for them, materialism is supreme in every land and good folks often sink into the pervading muck.
In desperation, we cry out, "God help us; remove such thoughts from our mind." In the heat of conflict, we may find it difficult to listen to the divine response. However, this can be a grace-laden moment, a time to be aware of more than tendinitis when imaginary crickets chirp. The sun is shining, flowers are uplifting, and birds sing. The Lord is with us during this Lenten season; God is near us no matter how bleak the seeming powers of darkness. While evil abounds, far greater is the good.
Prayer to the Crucified: O Suffering Christ, call down to us from Calvary and give us the strength to endure untimely mishaps, including death of friends, relatives and heroes. Let us follow the example of your mother, who stood below the cross. May we see that glory passes, as do good health, farfetched dreams and handsome looks. Clear our starry eyes with a grasp of clear vision to see your offered yoke and the special place for us to suffer with you. May we be successful in inviting others to join our ranks and accept your offered yoke.
Fr. Al inspects fresh spring blossoms of the wild plum.
(*photo credit)
April 3, 2022Living Eternally:Martha, Mary, and Lazarus
I am the resurrection. If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. (John 11:26)
In this fifth week of Lent, we treat once more a favorite text for funerals (John, Chapter 11). This chapter is a short story much like the previous two Sundays also from John's Gospel. In all three of these stories the cast of characters are entirely different but in each there is a coming to faith, first, the woman at the well (Jesus is living water), second, that of the blind man (Jesus is light of the world), and now the faith of Martha and Mary (Jesus is life).
We see in this short story that Jesus is personally close to this little family and, upon hearing of Lazarus's sickness (not the beggar by the same name in Luke's Gospel), Jesus delays, because the ending will be to the glory of God in people coming to faith. After Lazarus' death, Jesus and the disciples come. Martha goes out and says if Jesus had been there her brother would not have died. Jesus replies that Lazarus will rise again and Martha acknowledges that this would occur on the last day. Jesus means resurrection now and says the words quoted above. Jesus IS the resurrection and Martha acknowledges that he is the Son of God. Before this greatest of miracles an emotional scene occurs. Mary's arrival comes with the same comment that if Jesus had been there her brother would not have died. Then Scripture's shortest verse appears, "Jesus wept."
Jesus shows in this episode that he is the master of death and life. He who has the command of the waves and storms also has command of all of life itself. The calling is far deeper than the first Lenten story (2 weeks ago) where he is living water, or the second (one week ago) where he is light of the world. Water and light give way to life itself. The miracle is the coming to belief of many and a point of decision in John's Gospel of plotting by religious elders to stop Jesus.
Resurrection from eternal death is at the heart of our Christian belief, for we are destined through God' grace to enjoy eternal life. We meet people who ask cynically, "Do you really believe in resurrection?" The story of the raising of Lazarus is really a preview of what is in store for the faithful who are destined for eternal life. Nothing else in what we profess has such a deep stirring, for the desire for unending life is so very deep in all of us, that to say we believe causes others to question us and to wonder whether there is something here. Only in Christ do we hope for eternal life and the joy it will bring. As this episode indicates, the miracle leads to belief on the part of bystanders, and this shakes the established secular order.
Grace for Spiritual Renewal: Lord Jesus, you are our life; you quickened Lazarus from the tomb and enlivened the many who seem lifeless. Renewal is at the heart of your message to all of us. May we be removed from the allurements that surround us and the secular culture that suppresses all our lofty desires. Keep us in this world as your serving followers; still protect us from worldly aspirations in social media and in the alien environment that we find ourselves. Empower us in your glory to see your presence and to show reverence for what we are called to do through our Baptism/Confirmation. Make us champion our sacred calling and join you in eternal glory.
Hidden treasure following spring rains.
(*photo credit)
April 4, 2022Welcoming Silver Showers
I hear it's gently sprinkling outside, showering, you might say, in spring tide, Gentle silver streaks on a window pane, answering a constant need for ample rain.
Water sounds: they pound, surround, and bound, and scare all young and old around, Winter floods and summer storms harm, keeping little kids in full alarm.
But living water comes in many ways, Some passing through a sleety, crinkly phase; Others more quietly as bubbling springs -- Harbingers of future blessed things.
Be assured: God gives us all we need, Some golden gifts we can't exceed, Gifts far beyond our feeble powers, Few equal vernal silver showers.
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Each month we are striving to celebrate some aspect of our physical environment, and so we consider April's gentle showers as ushering in May's focus on flowers and our cultivated landscapes.
Eucharist Prayer: Jesus, you are present to us today in the Liturgy we celebrate. We thank you with the full meaning of "Eucharist," for being close to us really and sacramentally. We receive your Body and Blood and go forth to act accordingly in this spirit of gratitude, for only thus can love of God be actualized in service to our neighbor. In joy we affirm your presence.
Pollinator finds the cutleaf toothwort, Dentaria laciniata.
(*photo credit)
April 5, 2022 Challenging an Enlightened Church to Speak
I formed you and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations. (Isaiah 42:6)
We live in critical times and have continued to say this again and again. It is important that this becomes an ever-sharp experience among all active citizens of this world. Part of the degree of sharpness means a resolution that the super-wealthy bear their share of the burden to bring about change. It is important that the Church enters into the social justice and environmental battles and speaks up in defense of the poor, who suffer so much from food and health insecurity -- while billionaires reap a major portion of financial profits.
Silence must not continue. For far too long, those who seek support for church-related projects bless the super-rich, who give portions of their vast store to show the world that they are "charitable." Enlightenment must come to moral leaders who see that this so-called charity is actually pay-offs that allow silence concerning the corruption and inequality of our economic system. The privileged invest some of their wealth into keeping taxes low so they can gain still more. Enlightened action includes the moral issue of redistribution of what the wealthy have accumulated; this needs to be transferred to food, water, housing, educational and health needs of the destitute and poor folks.
The above Isaiah 42:6 passage (Revised New American Bible) is quoted by Jesus in the beginning of his public ministry in his home town synagogue. The Light for the Nations is exactly what Jesus IS and what he wants us to be. "Light" encompasses both illumination of darkness and a catalytic and photosynthetic effect on all parties (leaven, a biological catalyst, does not have that deeper Scriptural context). Our focus is to be catalytic at a time of crisis, a process of coming to clarity, and something more than a local level activity; this involves all the nations -- a universal appeal. We must address as a global family the excessive wealth of those who take advantage of globalization.
However, to be truly enlightening at this time requires courage and boldness, for wealth exerts power and influence among elected leaders who they often help elect. The Church must see itself as spokes-agency for those who are too silent to speak at this time. It must reach both the silent churchgoers as well as the growing ranks of the unchurched. If we were to bash Church for being too silent the criticism might be popular, but it seems offensive to the devout. Rather, seeing Church as source of light for catalyzing action takes this out of a theoretical realm or a local or broader faith-based context and places it squarely as a global work-in-progress to save our wounded Earth.
Valley Prayer: God, Creator of the many land forms on this planet, we give you thanks for the beautiful and productive valleys of our Earth. The dales sing your praise by their presence in accentuating the surrounding highlands. In many of these valleys you give us refreshing springs of water and open the fertile strips for producing food crops for the hungry. May we continue to protect the fragile vales, which enrich our landscapes and feed our people.
Finally - spring! Harbinger of spring, Erigenia bulbosa.
(*photo credit)
April 6, 2022 Creating a Firestorm to Bring Change
I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! (Luke 12:49)
The challenge is to make an approach to curbing climate change that is not the preaching of catastrophe and yet conveys a sense of urgency and triggers change on the part of participants.
Our Earth is in trouble. This observation has colored my environmental work for over a half-century; still, troubles seem to grow all the more serious. Can we curb the climate change which is so vivid to our experiences today? We are not certain, for it takes faith to believe that the road to renewal will prove successful. What is becoming apparent in my waning days is that the collaboration among global citizens involves more than merely tweaking a dysfunctional economic/political system, for that only extends the agony. The program is not effective and only rewards those who grab; such a practice does not encourage those who would like to share resources with others. Such a needed practice is at the heart of social justice.
Addressing climate change is now a greater wake-up call than the air or water pollution of several decades ago. Weather extremes become more frequent, oceans rise at 3.2 millimeters per year, carbon dioxide increases even in these sensitive years, glaciers melt at a rapid rate, and other omens of disaster are in the offing. The challenge is for all who are concerned about future viability of our planet to do something now. We must change from fossil fuels to a renewable energy economy ASAP; we must also introduce energy efficiency in new buildings, use of consumer products, and in the purchase of electric vehicles.
Changes are certainly happening, but not fast enough. The 2015 Paris Climate Change Accord demands full implementation on the part of all world governments. The U.S. finally broke the neglect of the previous Administration (2017-20) and is coming to life with its renewal and infrastructure plans. Renewable energy and especially solar and wind are making progress at not only the federal, but also regional and local levels -- though not fast enough. Fortunately, more and more public and private agencies call for a carbon-free economy by 2030, 2040 or 2050.
We cannot let our efforts wane, for air pollution still threatens human life in unvented Asian and African hovels with wood and fossil fuel cooking devices. We still have too many autos on the highways that are fossil fuel hogs and contributing to the carbon dioxide load. Educational programs are required to curb fossil fuel consumption, reemphasize the human causes of climate change, and support renewable energy fuel source alternatives.
Grace for Generosity: Lord Jesus, you asked us to give without counting the cost, and that extends to money and material things as well as loving care and service time. You said the widow who gave a penny in the Temple contributed more than any of the rest. May we encourage gifts that are generous and unselfish and call attention to imperfect sources of "charity," which may be given to influence favorable policy changes. Make my left hand not know what my right one is doing; let me hide my generosity, for you see all that we do and that is sufficient.
Bringing comfort to the spirit on a dark, April evening.
(*photo credit)
April 7, 2022Affirming Life as Glory of Creation
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today; I set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life, then, so that you and your descendants may live in the love of YHWH, your God. (Deuteronomy 30:19)
We can marvel as the flowers and buds come forth during this month -- Earth is coming back to life in all its many forms. That life is incredibly beautiful and it is varied and highly detailed -- a mystery to behold in its fullness. At this unfolding of new life, we show gratitude; we realize that life is fragile and that it can be easily wounded or lost through neglect and misdeed. No reflection is complete, and thus we resolve to move forward with each passing day. By affirming life, we are more able to live a quality life and also enliven others.
Natural beauty enlivens, marred beauty frightens, and enhanced beauty challenges us to ever broader possibilities. We may be tempted to tiptoe through the tulips, focus on nature all around us, and deny that harm is being done. We may look out, observe damage, and still excuse ourselves, because we lack expertise to respond. We may seek to escape into the fictitious worlds that we create or into allurements that entice us. Enchanting beauty of nature can lead to overlooking damage. Marred beauty can lead to a sense of false humility, and to excuse ourselves as not being directly to blame, or are not experts who can change the situation. Enhancing beauty through our efforts may prove too onerous and so some seek to escape to other allurements. As we strive to reclaim the Commons, we realize that our approach to nature calls for a spirituality in which we admire, observe, and resolve to protect and improve our threatened Earth through global collaboration.
To enliven covers more than our human neighbors around us. It includes the multitude of plants and animals that make us the entire chain of being. Life in its precious state must be respected and seen as deserving our protection and care. In this way we are "over" other beings -- in our serving them through protection and enhancement.
Affirming Right to Life. Every person has the right to life in all its fullness and quality. Any form of violence to the human person must be avoided (abortion, euthanasia, death penalty, warfare, interpersonal conflicts, environmental pollution, and even humanly-caused climate change). An elementary example of failure to respect life is when sufficient pure air is denied another. It follows from the right to life that our Global Commons must be preserved from still existing human-caused harmful actions.
Yeast Prayer: Creator God, you give us this biological catalyst yeast, which has such essential uses in our plant world. We use yeast to aid our nutrition and leaven our bread. Sometimes we see this material as a symbol of luxury, even while affirming its basic qualities. Help us to continue to benefit from the multitude of yeasts and their products, and yet find spiritual significance in the use at times of unleavened bread. May we appreciate the yeasts in our baked goods and in fermenting our drinks. Thank you for this gift.
BeingFaithful in Difficult Times
If we unite in our sufferings with crucified Jesus who defeated evil on the cross, then that suffering will become the place of action of God’s grace, God’s power. Catholic Bishops in Ukraine, March 2022
This Holy Week begins with the suffering of Ukrainians more than waving palms and ends next week with Easter; during the interim, our spirits rise and fall with the emotional tide that involves Calvary, extended in space and time. We strive to be aware of a suffering nation and seek to participate according to our levels of physical and spiritual energy. For believers, we know this calls us to be with the Lord and yet be present with today’s Calvary in the middle of conflict. This takes our special effort and spiritual insight.
Unfortunately, this conflict becomes an opportunity to witness to the divine call right now, to be more like the sacrificing Christ. We can join in waving palms on the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem; but we are also called to stand by in consolation during his journey to Calvary, a journey with refugees and those trapped in war-torn cities. We are to be faithful in good times and in bad, in sorrow of current reality and the joy of eternal glory. During Holy Week we are nearer to Calvary, and as people of faith we join the suffering Lord of two millennia ago; we are there and he is here. Calvary continues today.
Holy Week is a time for testing our ongoing fidelity to the Lord, saluting triumphs and willing to undergo suffering from within or among those around us. All things considered, faithfulness becomes a lesson for young and old, rich or poor. Are we able, as we have declared in many manifestations of public liturgical prayer, to be one with the Lord in bad times as well as good? The mood of sufferers, who refrain from hatred and accept their condition, is worthy of notice and imitation. Through the media we gaze upon a suffering people.
Compassion, more than observation, is called for; the victim’s companion enters emotionally into the suffering of the other and our concern is expressed both in prayers and actions. It is difficult to stay evenly balanced when directly witnessing and grasping the blow-by-blow account of a suffering nation. We do not want to pretend when conditions are trying, and yet we know there is an eternal resurrection in the offing. True compassion is heart-felt, mutually shared and inviting all to participate in a spiritual way. Victory will come!
Part of our mutual global compassionate learning experience includes conscious suffering that can change the world. Like a deer that yearns for running water, so we yearn for God. It is good for those who are near and dear to know that their fellow brothers and sisters in other parts of the world are with them during this time of crisis. Holy Week calls us to global togetherness.
First foliage appears along the Kentucky River.
(*photo credit)
April 8, 2022 Recognizing Our Global Consumer Addictions
This reflection is not easy and we are tempted to say, virtually impossible, if we are limited to talking to or among ourselves. Overuse of consumer products is a problem that first surfaced for me in the early 1970s right after Earth Day. I attempted to address this in a book The Contrasumers: A Citizen's Guide to Resource Conservation (Praeger) in 1974. A rational approach to controlling excessive consumption through resource conservation by concerned citizens appeared optimal at the time.
Preaching conservation is needed because waste is so blatant, but it is not enough. Many citizens give lip service, find token savings, and consider problems solved. Consumer addiction continues and even grows on a worldwide scale. The most notorious addicts stand in line on Thanksgiving evening to be first to buy on Black Friday, the sacred season of materialists. The consumer culture is pervasive and challenges those who try to refute it, for appetites for material things are insatiable and growing. Have you ever reasoned with a confirmed smoker? Conducting a measured discussion makes addicts believe that they still have self-control.
Ought we to give up? The Spirit moves us to go beyond a one-to-one talk. The truth is we must bring the addict into a caring community and go beyond the individual process. Consumer addiction is a pressure placed by a materialistic peer-pressured, comfort-inducing system filled with sophisticated electronic devices. The addiction has a social aspect and the addict needs help from others and within a formal setting of like-minded people seeking to overcome difficulties. The addict must find God, for without God there is no answer. Conservation practices are needed, but are not enough. Without prayer and conversation with God, efforts at controlling the climate change crisis brought on by consumer-addicted people are incomplete. We need to work in collaboration with a global family containing both those striving to conserve and those addicted to material things. At the heart of the matter is need to recognize addiction and surrendering to the power of God.
Rest assured, we are immersed in this problem together. If we agree that we are addicted at least to oil and natural gas then we share something, our knowledge of addictions and concern about getting free from them. The global community then is one not of an elite superior and poor inferior, but a total community in the stage of imperfection and in need of God. Alcoholics Anonymous folks teach us something profound: recognize the addiction and get together to share a status in community; extend the conversation of sharing to reach to a Higher Power, to discover and involve our God. Without this, the conversation remains solely at a rational level, and does not really touch the addict's heart.
Liturgy Renewal: During this season of spring, may we, O Lord, find ourselves resolving to attend to the regular Liturgy with ever greater devotion. So often our minds wander and our thoughts distance themselves from the marvelous mystery that unfolds before us. May we mean what we say, and do it as if it were the first time. You come ever closer and we must affirm this as a Body and as individual worshippers. Help us recall the intentions of this day, and resolve to succeed in living the Mass in our everyday activities.
Gently relocating a frog from path of forest trail.
(*photo credit)
April 9, 2022 Finding the Glory of Creation in Springtime
We praise God by glorying in the springtime’s bursting life -- in flowers and birds and budding trees. Natural beauty is uplifting, is beckoning, is widely appreciated among all in the animal world. We humans do more when seeing beauty as a gift, and natural creation is in need of our protection. We Americans speak of "purple mountain's majesty" and "fruited plains." People of all cultural backgrounds, and especially primitive folks who live close to nature have much in common: they admire the beauty of an undisturbed landscape -- a beauty in the eyes of all beholders of good will, but somewhat hidden to those more materially addicted.
Natural beauty is uplifting and raises the soul to new heights; this natural delight extends to mountains, rivers, forests, deserts, and seashores. All creation has charm and grace that only the hand of the Creator can give -- and natural scenes, whether physically visited or observed virtually, bestow on us immense peace of soul. Nature's beauty is the gateway to ever-deeper respect. In fact, the unmarred, resplendent earthly beauty is our primary Commons.
Marred beauty stands in utter contrast to natural beauty. With open eyes we cannot help but encounter eroded land, unreclaimed strip mines, loss of wildlife, and polluted air and water. If everything is connected to everything else (Barry Commoner's First Law of Ecology), then all parts of this world and all activities have some impact on other parts. Some lovers of Earth want to hold tightly to the purity of natural, untouched beauty, but that is wishful thinking at best. The free acts of individuals make a difference in society; good acts benefit all -- and bad ones harm all. Thus, we have beauty all about, but beauty is fragile and can vanish through misdeeds by all of us.
Enhanced beauty energizes us to go beyond admiration; we perceive danger and we can choose to protect and to enhance what has been damaged. Thus, mere appreciation of natural beauty untouched by human beings is not sufficient. Could beauty be reintroduced to marred landscape? Could we repair what has been spoiled? The added treasure of cultivated and well-managed fields, gardens, and forests is a product of human sweat mingled with creative genius. In a 1971 lecture made before the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, DC, Rene Dubos stressed that human ingenuity can enhance the environment and is not always a negative factor when reworking nature. He noted the progress of northern France where he grew up, and said the draining of the marshes for cultivated fields was really an enhancement of nature -- and the result was a more beautiful landscape that could be appreciated by all who were residing or visiting. Human beings as enhancers of nature become part of nature and are acting in natural and human ways.
Creature/Teacher Prayer: O Creator of all life, revive in us a sense of companionship and friendship. May we appreciate the blessings of all fauna, wild and tame. Hasten us to abandon our immature attitudes, from being hard-of-heart to becoming mellow and compassionate. Too often in the past we have seen animals as threats (the crows), or destructive (goats), or dangerous (snakes), or totally for our culinary appetites (hogs). Animals are truly companions on our spiritual journey, if we open our hearts to them. Remind us of St. Francis, who spoke to his sisters and brothers of the animal kingdom, and they in turn responded to him. May we also be so blessed as protectors of the endangered animal kingdom.
The arrival of spring upon the forest floor.
(*photo credit)
April 10, 2022Processing with Palms
Blessings on the King who comes, in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens. (Luke 19:38)
This is a narrative of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem before his passion and death. The Pharisees try to stop the crowd shouting for Jesus, but he rebukes them and said that if the crowds keep silent the stones will ring out. The public recognition of the Messiah is part of the story, but it is not the triumphal entry of an earthly king with parades and horses and pomp and circumstance. This is a simple entry with Jesus riding on an ass in a humble manner of his birth, announcement, mission and eventually his suffering and death at week's end. Recall that in Luke's Gospel his journey narrative takes Jesus from Nazareth to Jerusalem, just as the narrative in the Acts of the Apostles takes the Church from Jerusalem out to all the world. A moment of joy fills our hearts, for the Messiah has come for all the world to see. Rejoice heart and soul, daughter of Zion! Shout with gladness, daughter of Jerusalem! See now, your king comes to you; he is victorious, he is triumphant, humble and riding on a donkey on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9)
This public entry shows the prophetic announcement of the coming of the Messiah is being fulfilled, and Luke tells the story in detail. King David entered in triumph to this city, and this entrance of Christ is also public but humble, and not with the massive display of worldly majestic pomp. The divine plan is starting to unfold; God’s ways are becoming manifest for all the people to see. Immense suffering is just beyond the horizon. Jesus would say to his disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:26) "Was it not ordained that the Christ should suffer so as to enter into his glory." The second contrasting display is soon to come as expressed in the same Chapter in Luke describing his driving moneychangers from the temple.
Today, churchgoers pick up palm fronds and process in or around the church proper. Movement from place to place is a symbolic sign of our own journey of faith and our profession of the coming of the Messiah. No matter how much time is consumed, it is generally short in comparison to the liturgical celebration that includes a lengthy passion and death Scriptural narrative. We move from one place to another showing our faith journey has moments of consolation awaiting the realistic knocks of life still to come. We are to undergo our suffering and death so as to enter into our glory. We are willing to publicly profess our faith, and thus are willing to do so even knowing that harder times may come and we need spiritual stamina.
Palm Blessings: Lord, you give us palms to wave with all believers at your humble entrance into Jerusalem. We sing "Hosanna to the Son of David! Hosanna in the highest!" Lord, sanctify these symbols of our praise-worthiness; may we stay with you throughout your suffering and death; may we find steadfastness to be compassionate friends of those who surround us. Guide us to follow you in exultation and reach the eternal Jerusalem with you.
Potential Environmental Disaster! Ohio - Kentucky - West Virginia
Whistleblower Jeff Walburn exposes issues with the decommissioning of the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant near Piketon Ohio, which has potentially released highly toxic heavy metals into our environment. For more information contact Jeff at: nuclear.investigations@gmail.com.
Blossom of the wild geranium, Geranium maculatum. Harlan Co., KY.
(*photo credit)
April 11, 2022 Controlling Air and Related Pollution
Closing many coal-burning powerplants has resulted in some air improvement in many parts of the country, for coal emissions are certainly dirty. However, natural gas has its pollution as well as do the millions of fossil-fuel-burning vehicles on the highways. We have been concerned for a long time with air pollution that affects residents in certain regions more than others. Fossil fuel-burning power plants, heavy industry, and congested traffic are not evenly distributed on this planet. Particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, ozone, sulfur oxides, and other pollutants vary from negligible levels to hazardous conditions.
We all have a right to clean air, and no one has a right to pollute it and harm people, wildlife and plants. Furthermore, non-toxic carbon dioxide in increasing quantities results in a greenhouse effect that is causing climate change to a noticeable degree, with possible catastrophic effects. In addition, nuclear powerplants have the potential to emit radioactive materials that can be harmful -- and in rare cases this has happened. From 2017 to 2020 a U.S. federal administration listened to those who overlooked air contaminants and regarded any regulations as "job-killers." However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), which stated that regulations actually create new jobs, was misled for those four years. Only in this past year has there been a return to federal air pollution control.
Light pollution is another form of pollution; this hinders an appreciation of the night sky in urban areas. The natural celestial night is shrouded from our vision, a fact we confirm when traveling by plane at night and observing distant city lights. The urbanized half of the world's inhabitants are unable to gaze upon a beautiful night sky. This problem calls for community regulation of light pollution, including street lights and vehicles. Tucson Arizona, near where a major academic observatory is located, has taken steps to reduce light pollution. Recall that during the famous blackouts of the Second World War, drivers drove about with dimmed lights, street lighting was curbed, and windows were covered with black shades. Peacetime solutions are more difficult; however, reflection shields could direct lighting downward where the pedestrian and driver could benefit. Additional municipal lights are meant for safety in higher crime areas. In essence, the night sky belongs to all to enjoy; and reclaiming it proves difficult.
Odors are recurring annoyances and can range from unpleasant to highly irritating. In some cases, smoke or dust can also be unhealthy; in others, such as a sickening smell of pulp mills or livestock yards, the odor may not be harmful in itself, but does lower the quality of life in our communities. It is often quite difficult to take remedial steps to remove odors without curtailing operations that furnish jobs to the local labor force.
Ride the Spiritual Tide: Lord Jesus, we accompany you in the entry to Jerusalem with its shouts of acclamation, the rising that comes to the points of Last Supper and the low depression of death on the Cross. But mercifully this sinking into desolation is short-lived, for the joy of new fire and your rising gives a surging to new heights of elation. Yes, our emotions rise, fall and rise all the more during this period. You mean for us to endure this spiritual roller coaster with you, for emotions are part of our spiritual life. May we become more like you.
Blue-eyed mary (Collinsia verna) of the figwort family.
(*photo credit)
April 12, 2022 Answering Global Warming with Renewable Energy
On Global Warming Day we observe that the hottest years of the past century have been very recent ones; summers are toasty these days. The warming is only part of the total effects of climate change, and unfortunately more hurricanes, floods and other disasters have appeared on the scene. Some are alarmed by a few degrees rise in our body temperature could impair us or be fatal. Likewise, the planet is sensitive to a four-degree rise, and such could be highly damaging to our eco-system. Can we reduce the march to world devastation or deny where things are and escape to other allurements? One positive action is energy efficiency; another is a deliberate move to a renewable energy economy.
Renewable energy includes solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, tidal power and some add biofuels. For the most part, these are clean and virtually environmentally benign fuels; their installment costs are going down with new technical improvements and economies of scale. Today, throughout the U.S. developers are furnishing wind and solar applications at competitive prices with natural gas and other fossil fuels. When hidden environmental costs are included, these renewables have emerging economic advantages.
Renewable energy sources need legislative support in order to even the playing fields with formerly advantaged fossil fuels. However, biofuels are questionably "renewable;" use of productive agricultural lands to grow corn for ethanol biofuels (amounting in normal years to one-quarter of the American corn crop) is wrongheaded, and subsidies for such practices need to be removed. Other biofuels encourage placing wildscape into cellulosic fiber production to the detriment of wildlife habitat. However, economies result when biofuels are made from waste products (wood or agricultural wastes).
A 2030 low-carbon renewable energy economy is still possible, but it will take a redoubled effort for the transition has not been fast enough in many countries including our own. A study in the journal Energy Policy, projects that total global energy use could be renewable by satisfying the following goals: 4 million 5-MW wind turbines; 1.3 billion 3-kW roof-mounted solar PV systems; 90,000 300-MW solar power plants (including PV and concentrated solar); and a smattering of geothermal, wave and tidal power plants. This study left out biomass because of pollution and land use issues, as well as nuclear energy. However, this could be amended to include hydropower facilities as well as geothermal operations and omit many centralized solar power plants. The willingness of our country is what is most problematic. Can we convert fast enough to truly curb the climate change to higher degree global temperatures?
Spiritual Commons: Lord Justice, you approached your favorite place of worship in the Temple and found it commercialized -- that sacred place, which was meant for all the people. Your holy anger swelled up and resulted in driving the moneychangers from the Temple. Due to this public act, the critics connived to kill you. May your deep respect for a Commons for all the devout enter into our spiritual journey of Faith in a telling manner; may we be inspired to be activists to help overcome the many injustices which are faced today, especially those directed against the poor and destitute. May we follow you in needed action.
April 13, 2022 Recalling Spy Wednesday: Loyalty and Betrayal
The title Spy Wednesday is known to Christians who follow the liturgy of the "Holy Week", for on the day before Maundy (Holy) Thursday, Judas slipped away from the disciple band and betrayed his master for thirty pieces of silver. To this day, the deed is so dastardly, because of whom it betrayed and because it was the opposite to what Jesus does for us -- remaining loyal even when we disobey and go our separate ways.
Betrayal is part of our sinful character, and must be recognized by most of us through our sinful misdeeds. Yes, we regret our moments of betrayal. Even the self-righteous need to tread lightly, for their moments of betrayal may blind them to seeing who they really are. God awaits our return and offers forgiveness ever so quickly for our imperfections. Purifying ourselves means accepting God's grace, acknowledging our faults, asking forgiveness, and seeking to rectify our disordered lives.
Loyalty as shown by God's grace to us is to be our own affirmation of renewal, even in hard times. Marriage vows say "in good times and in bad," and that applies to all aspects of life, from early schooling to final illnesses. Life is not always a bed of roses, but sometimes thorns prick us and bring about needed readjustments. Loyalty involves coming back again and again even when it hurts to come back. We need to examine our own consciences and discover our disloyal streaks that ought to be avoided so we can become the Lord's loyalists. Protecting our Christian calling requires a return to God through forgiveness and restitution.
Spying is a form of disloyalty to those who expect trust. In fact, this spying into our lives occurs so often we hardly notice: the spam by telemarketers and robocallers, cookies in computers, advertising on cell phones and electronic tablets, cameras when we enter stores, and on and on. Facebook and personal photos are now being commercialized; buying habits recorded and sold; privacy theft in many forms is rampant; and even our homes are publicized unless we make an effort to stay off the tracking devices. Demanding our Social Security number by a business or bank violates the original intent in issuing the confidential federal number. "Big Brother" knows our purchasing propensities; cameras scan our entry and departure, and devices check our auto speeds and practices, our work habits, and much else. New required school paraphernalia have GPS computer chips that tell where students are at a given time.
We are called to be healers, not hermits. Public service demands opening to risks, such as private and public spying. We do the best we can and continue our efforts to preserve privacy and refrain from having our information commercialized. We seek to become loyalists to our neighbor and especially to the Lord.
Gethsemane Prayer: Redeemer Lord, on the night before you died you prayed for the grace to withstand the suffering ahead. In so doing you were confronted by our sin in a massive recollection that caused you to sweat blood. We ask you to forgive our wrongdoing and instead find comfort that we now beg forgiveness and a desire to accompany you in your passion. May what we did not live on, but be an experience that will energize us now to seek to be of ever greater service. May we be conscious of suffering around us in today's Gethsemane.
Dolomedes, sunning on limestone slab.
(*photo credit)
April 14, 2022 Performing Priestly Service for Others
On Holy (Maundy) Thursday we turn our thoughts to service -- even though the culture of the Last Supper was primarily a remembrance. The word "maundy" comes from mandatum or the commandment that Jesus gave when washing the disciples' feet; this is the humble service they are to do for others (John 13). This service rendered with an ancient cultural rite makes us ask exactly where "priests" fit in. Recall that this word conjures many reactions: "priest holes" were hiding places for priests in times of English persecutions; the "priesthood" of Aaron dates from Old Testament times of sacrificial offerings; modern controversies swirl about "priestly duties" and conduct. In fact, the priest has a service to perform when following the demands of the Lord.
Old Testament priestly duties involved sacrifice of animals. A New Testament priesthood of all through Baptism/Confirmation has been mentioned in "Priest, Prophet and King." Nor is this a question of celibacy as such (see "Priests for Equality: An Expanded View," Report on this website). The state of life is not of the essence of priesthood, though it is often coupled in many discussions. The focus on ministry admits that various ranks in our society are slated to perform different types of service, for we all have particular and often unique callings.
Ministerially, priests focus on two areas designated in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 6:3-4) when addressing an overload of work; thus, was instituted the order of deacons to handle charitable works for the poor; the apostles were to devote themselves to prayer (liturgical formal prayer of the Church) and service of the word -- spreading Good News. The prayer life included dispensing sacraments and especially those of reconciliation and the celebration of the Eucharist. Through reconciliation those in the community who are wounded are healed and brought into full community life; through the Eucharist the spiritual nourishment of sacramental life in Christ is given again and again, because we need it so desperately to do or work.
Priestly service is rendered in union with the suffering Christ, and that entails taking risks and refraining from blandness or silence. If a priest remains silent about an oppressive system, he is thrust into the role of chaplain to nobles, whether inherited privilege or wealth gained through hook or crook. However, in our consumer-oriented dysfunctional culture, tacit acceptance by the priest can be grossly deceptive, and thus needs constant review. We realize that priests should not kowtow to the establishment, lest God's Word is desecrated. For the faithful, the basic priestly ministry of formal prayers would be welcomed for we all need prayers. In fact, the deepest priestly service is to motivate others to pray for the needs of our world.
Prayer for Ultimate Success: Holy Redeemer, we seek to follow you in the revitalizing of our world. Give us the power of being members of your Body, and make the serious tasks before us successful. As Psalm 90 says, "Give success to the work of our hands." May that success extend to all our activities of head and heart and wellbeing. May this success be long-term and be of great value, even if its completion is beyond our mortal span. Lord, this is sufficient for my satisfaction. May I continue to work towards a prosperity that may be achieved only after I am gone.
Affirming Easter Faith
Those who celebrate the Easter event of Christ’s resurrection search ways to express their joy on this happy occasion. We discover that we can thank the Lord, smile to loved ones, share in a community of believers, greet non-believers, seek reconciliation, and join the joy of all creation around us.
Personal affirmation: “The Lord is risen!” Some form of this expression is in our prayers both personal and liturgical, as well as a greeting to fellow believers. Our hearts are moved by the risen Lord’s new life and invitation to ours as well. We are moved to respond in thanking God for our participation in the Resurrection event, the first Easter, and the continued Easter of eternal life. Amid the refreshing springtime of the season, we strive to feel utter togetherness with the risen Lord.
Sharing renewal is contagious: In sharing our faith with fellow believers we encourage them to discover their own relationship with the risen Lord; thus, a social dimension of faith grows within our believing community. We need the affirming presence of others to help us advance in faith, for together within the Body of Christ we can spread Good News.
Forgiveness: When I am forgiven for past misdeeds, a sense of renewal comes over me; life is ever more refreshing. When we forgive others, we give them new life in our world of relationships; as forgiven they become alive to us. This act of forgiving that is often hard to do and requires a period of time, leads to resurrection, a firm belief in new life for both us and for those forgiven.
Witness: As Pope Francis says,we are immersed in a materialistic culture that robs the youth of hope and of life itself. Believers witness to the risen Christ, who sustains our hope and renews our enthusiasm; we seek to attract others to the love and mercy of God. Some ask in an incredible manner, “Do you really believe in an eternal life?” As believers in the risen Lord our firmness of response manifests the quality of our belief: the deeper the affirmation, the higher the quality of witnessing before others in a fractured world.
Proclaim to all creation: The risen Lord is present as empowering lord of all creation. Christ, the messiah, has come on his own and redeemed a fallen world. The Resurrection is an ever-present historic event that changes the relationship of a world of creatures. The risen Christ is cosmic and we are, as witnesses, to proclaim this to all creation. The broadening dimension in our promised resurrection now pervades the universe. In some mystical manner our world is elevated through our participation in the Body of the risen Christ, who is cosmic Lord of the entire universe. Christ heals a broken Earth that human beings have damaged; as risen Lord he is savior of all and overall.
Did part of the herd that had shouted "Hosanna" now shout "Crucify Him?" The betrayal and arrest send a bolt of lightning through the little disciple band; except for John, they go into hiding, frightened about the lack of military might to defend their leader and unwilling to speak up publicly. Only a very faithful few, and these mainly women with Mary his mother, trudge up the hill to Calvary. John accompanied them, but where are the rest?
The question in song can be asked to each of us, "Were you there when they crucified the Lord?" Yes, we can ask it with the same remorse and sadness expressed by that relatively recent spiritual, but it pains us all even to be asked. Of course, from solely human secular time we are not there, but rather born about two millennia later. So why the question? The answer is that Calvary is part of something more than a historic event around 33 A.D. Calvary enters the realm of the eternal in which our participation today allows us to be present in a past event -- and to have our recent mishaps and current reparations registered in eternal time. It is sort of a "counter investment" -- a change occurring in the past by actions taken today.
So often, for a second when a severe accident occurs in our vicinity, we suddenly deny the crash is taking place. While some people run to the scene we can no longer deny, but we can hold back saying "Make way for the first responders." Another instant impulse by the fearful is to simply escape from the scene, excusing ourselves with more important business. However, some are called and do respond to be present at the foot of the cross and all the horror involved. Any crucifixion is not a pleasant site, no matter how much artisans paint it in vivid color or sculpt it in marble or ivory. Sobering is hardly the word. Mary is portrayed as looking down quite often, but did she? Do we stand beside her and look up at the crucified?
The point to be made is more than a private reflection of my individual personal devotion. What we must do is bring others to the Calvary event and have them stand with us, supporting those at the lonely stance and the One who is upon the cross. It is an act of being united with Jesus, who is meek and humble of heart. To join hearts in compassion is our simple Calvary venture, an act that places us in a unique experiential role that few others care to venture in this age of comfort. Are we willing to touch the rock that bore the cross and hear him say, "Look what they have done to my Earth!"? Our stance can be with the poor and suffering of this planet who in all ages have been willing to obey God's will generously and lovingly. We stand with them and fortify them in this ghastly moment and place, when time does not stand still but becomes eternal.
Stations of the Cross: Lord Jesus who bears the cross, we walk with you on your way to Calvary, a transcendent event that now includes all the sufferers of the world and their compassionate caregivers. We accompany you, bear with you, fall with you, and endure the cross with you. Our thoughts go back with you two thousand years and yet also move forward to today, where stations still abound. There is a togetherness of events, and we sense this in our compassion. May we suffer with you and rise with you.
Holy Saturday is the time we await the coming of the Savior, much as the holy people of the Old Testament awaited the Messiah to open the gates of heaven for them. In the liturgical order no activities really take place after the close of Good Friday and before the drama of Easter Holy Saturday night. The hiatus is a telling one, but it too invites us to reflect more deeply, for it is a time to catch our breath after the roller coaster dip of Good Friday.
The New Fire is a baptized version of a ritual of spring that occurred across the countryside in pagan European times and continued in some variation until today. In youth, our pagan roots were stirred when we burned plant beds for sowing tobacco seed. Throughout the countryside fires of substantial size burned on those late winter evenings, for this was a harbinger that spring was coming. In a similar way, where no fire alerts exist, neighbors burn brush and accumulated trash this time of year.
For the Christian, Holy Saturday evening is the time we await with anticipation the coming of the Risen One at Easter -- for the event begins after dark. We are watchful as we start a mini-bonfire and from that fire light a taper for the Easter Candle that is blessed at the start of the Liturgy. From the light of this Pascal Candle, tapers are lit for all in the congregation; we hear the refrain "Light of Christ" coming in the darkness. Upon arriving at the altar, the "Exsultet" is proclaimed in a fitting and solemn manner, and the entire building is illumined by light. A New Fire has gradually given light to all; in that light we listen to Scripture from the creation narrative to our redemption.
From the Holy Saturday events we recall Jesus' words, "I have come to bring fire to the Earth, and how I wish it were blazing already!" (Luke 12:49). The message by the Light of the world on this most holy night is that we are being called in our renewal of baptismal vows; we are to take that new fire to the entire world. Fire can destroy (anything combustible) and fire can purify, turning ore into iron and copper; fire can burn us or fire when properly used can cook our meals and light our way. Firemen put out fires and firemen stock fires in a furnace.
Learning to control fire is the first great act of human civilization, a moment in our long history worth celebrating because by controlling fire we control light. From youth we are fascinated with fire; matches must be kept out of infant hands. We are drawn to fire like moths to light; we warm ourselves and comfort ourselves by stove and hearth and campfire. We are on fire when we become more energetic. This is what the silence of Holy Saturday is about, namely, energizing us to carry on our mission.
Prayer with New Fire: Resurrected Jesus, give us the grace to start a new fire that burns with your love. Our tired world is in need of enlivening in springtime and in proximity to Easter in its fullness. Eternity awaits us, if we act sincerely and humbly; it is a sure promise that we follow where you lead us. Allow us to flee from darkness and come like moths to your light, so that the new fire's light signals direction for all the world's wanderers. May we be enlightened and help kindle a new fire.
You must know that a small amount of yeast is enough to leaven all the dough, so get rid of all the old yeast, and make yourselves into a completely new batch of bread, unleavened as you are meant to be. (I Corinthians 5:6-8)
In this year of renewal of our Faith, Easter becomes a golden opportunity to express that newness of life in which we are called. St. Paul in this first letter to the Corinthians uses the imagery of ridding ourselves of leaven and becoming unleavened. That is faithful to the Old Testament use of numerous leaven or yeast symbols for sinfulness and corruption (e.g., Exodus 12 and 13). The unleavened bread in Exodus was baked in haste by which the Israelites departed from Egypt. In that place the unleavened condition had this sense of purity from sin. This imagery clashes with seeing yeast as a biological catalyst that penetrates dough in small amounts and hastens a process of baking bread. Using traditional Scriptural imagery of leavening as corruption, we find at Easter that we move from sin to newness of life in Christ.
The egg is another symbol prominent in celebrating Easter. In many places eggs are colored and even painted. We recall that from the egg comes forth the fluffy ball of life, the new-born chick, which has a way of enlivening our spirits. New Life! That is what Christ gives us in his rising from the dead. He goes before us and in every way fills us with joy, for we are to rise to eternal life if we are faithful to him. This fidelity shows itself at this time of enlivening in the Easter event. Affirming the rising of Christ also affirms our own rising someday to eternal life. Our oneness in Christ is the destiny that gives us joy today.
Fire is another Easter symbol. We speak of the need for catalyst of change in the coming Kingdom of God. However, more catalytic aspects of quickening come through the use of fire (Luke 12:49), for a blaze moves quickly and has dramatic effect. Fire can either destroy or damage, or fire can warm and purify; water can give life to the thirsty or drown a helpless person. We are able to dispel darkness by Easter fire, our theme yesterday. Fire of the risen Christ empowers us and hastens our actions.
Water of Easter and of baptism is that final symbol that enlivens our Easter spirit. We enter into the new life of the Lord, for our old selves give way by dying to sin and rising to the Lord. At Easter, our renewal of Baptismal vows has the effect of committing ourselves by word to renounce Satan and all his works and take on the Lord Jesus as Easter people willing to bring dramatic change to our tired world. One of the most meaningful acts we performed as youth at Easter was to take some of the blessed Easter water to each field and to sprinkle it on livestock and buildings and crops. Let all creation be blessed at Easter!
Prayer of Joy in Easter: Resurrected Lord, you fill us with the renewed joy of life over death. We marvel at the power of your rising, for it is the foundation of our faith. We also are filled with joy that we are to accompany you when our mortal life is ended. With the awareness of our mishaps and yet confident in your forgiving words, we expand that joy to our whole being and to all people and creatures around us. Easter joy cannot be contained; it reaches to the ends of the Earth and embraces especially all believers who affirm "Christ is risen!"
April 18, 2022 Escaping Methane: Hot Airor Scorching Gas?
American optimists cite the rise of methane in natural gas as choice for one-third of the fuel for American electricity production as a greening phenomenon. Within two decades, fracked lower-priced natural gas has replaced coal in becoming the primary fuel of power plant choice. I have observed the 110-car coal trains (switched near my residence) reduced in number from about six per day to none in 2016. In recent years, operators were expected to clean up coal-burning plants; rather, they either switched to natural gas as primary fuel or closed entirely.
Fracking has some water pollution problems due to amount used containing certain chemicals; the discharge of these aqueous wastes can induce earthquakes; communities can be torn by one neighbor getting handsome payments and a neighbor enduring added noise and congestion. But these are not the major concerns. Some researchers have said that fracked methane leakages below 3.2% would still give an advantage of this fuel over pollution spewing from coal-fired plants. The USEPA suggested leakage rates in 2009 of 2.4% from total natural gas production. Others have suggested higher overall losses. This is worrisome because the main component of natural gas is methane, which has a long-term greenhouse effect at least 23 times greater than carbon dioxide.
In 2012 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the University of Colorado in Boulder reported 4% leakage of methane in Colorado natural gas hydraulic fracking; they also observed a 9% methane leakage rate into the atmosphere at a Utah fracking facility. Different gas conservation procedures associated with drilling, transporting and processing natural gas are less profitable in certain circumstances; however, many agencies simply overlook the leakage. Big Energy people still support the low-cost fossil fuel as a transition source before the world goes completely to renewable energy (hopefully by mid-century). Concerted efforts using aircraft to measure atmospheric pollutants are being employed. If rates are higher than 3%, then fracked natural gas is INCREASING climate change rates.
Increased natural gas use application occurs while the U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide has declined, especially in the pandemic year of 2020 and hopefully at a steady rate with the full implementation of the recommendations of the 2015 Paris Climate Change Accord. An emerging problem is that more and more countries seek to improve the quality of life of their people, and this requires more energy use. Unfortunately, natural gas is considered a cleaner interim fuel than coal and is thus being used in larger amounts. The plentiful supply of gas locked within shale formations in many countries is far too tempting at this stage to be left untapped, only adding to the slow conversion to renewable energy sources (wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal and tidal).
Prayer for Easter Blessings: Jesus, you bless us as we journey on our way and do more; you inspire us to extend the blessing of new life to others. We discover a wealth in extending your gift to us by enlivening others. Don't let us become exhausted, but rather be ever renewed in saying and doing good things for others. Let this season be filled with blessings.
April 19, 2022Rejecting the "Right" to Automatic Weapons
At this 247th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, it is fitting that we talk about bearing arms or at least possessing ammunition. The right to bear arms is hotly debated at this time in the light of the many mass killings in this century, especially in schools. People are "up in arms" over what to do about reducing gun violence. Much about the "private" versus "community" right to bear arms is worth reflection, though overlooked by many in the U.S. Congress. Recall that the British marched to Concord in 1775 to take over a community repository of arms/ammo. The patriots had their single-shot muzzle-loaders (they never conceived of automatic weapons), but community ammo was what was at stake.
An automatic clip and weapon are considered here as a single firing unit. What is the automatic weapon worth without its ammo? Why on Earth does an individual citizen need to use a military style weapon, for hunting, or target practice, or defense of home? Even if training were provided, why should such a lethal and easily mishandled device be allowed on the loose? Can't these be banned again, as once before in the 1990s? Even if all automatic weapons cannot be collected, their improper possession, as with rocket launchers or machine guns, could be a matter of confiscation. Rewards to those who report possession of lethal weapons could go a long way in ridding the nation of these devices.
The mass shootings alluded to above occur amid a multitude of gun deaths, reported on a daily basis. We are quick to forbid bombs and grenades and other such weapons in the hands of individuals. Why automatic weapons, except to satisfy the effort of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and weapons' manufacturers? Not only was there a problem with issuing such weapons to unstable individuals who became mass shooters -- and there are more out there right now -- the pandemic year 2020 was an all-time high for gun purchases. Unfortunately, expect new episodes to occur.
Such weapons only add to the insecurity of our nation. All the while, the NRA proposes to arm every classroom teacher and post armed guards at every school. Do they prefer these teachers and administrators carry automatic weapons, for one could spray the area from where the targeted assailants are coming from? Weaponry does the opposite in establishing security, for guns are no answer.
We do have an "automatic weapon" in a spiritual sense that ought not be banned. Powerful prayer can be directed at any time to the Almighty. Prayer ensures protective response immediately and has a rapid, low cost, easily operable response. This is true security! The Lord says we can build barns and store materials for insurance and then on the very night the building is completed the unwise builder's life would be taken. We can only trust in God, especially to help our country come to its senses about security.
Prayer for the Earth: O Divine Creator, assist us in finding our niche in the protection of our mother Earth. Fashion in us a sense of compassion, for our planet is fragile and needs our special and respectful attention. On this Earth Day, allow us to join with all people of good will and form a cooperative body of those who work for repairing damages and bringing new life to our beloved but fragile planet.
Hallmark of springtime in Appalachia, the redbud in bloom.
(*photo credit)
April 20, 2022 Acquainting Ourselves with Fossil Fuel Problems
The energy picture is changing rapidly as we start to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. But it is not changing fast enough, in part because of the replacement of coal with lower-cost fracked natural gas. This is strictly not a cleaner fuel (day-before-yesterday reflection); however, its plentiful supply has allowed our country to shift from a gas importer to a net exporter. Coal is certainly being replaced both by natural gas and by renewable sources especially solar and wind.
Controlling carbon dioxide emissions is problematic. Sequestering carbon dioxide emissions from burning coal was never more than a distant dream. Retaining coal-powerplants even in enlightened Europe remains an energy-hungry global problem, while coal applications are declining rapidly in the U.S. The plans in all countries are to move to cheaper renewables along with energy efficiency savings; however, these changes are not occurring fast enough to avoid catastrophe as predicted by the 2015 Paris Climate Change Accord. The older plants continue to emit carbon dioxide along with worrisome mercury emissions and other hazardous pollutants. Acting in a socially responsible manner has meant making fossil fuels pay their fair share of environmental pollution damages, but they're now on their way out so why extra regulations? However, replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources must be coupled with a broad-based program of energy efficiency. All of this takes planning, policy adjustments, and precious time.
Impending environmental catastrophe emerges as a daunting challenge to human cooperative efforts. In August 1914, nations took sides with bands playing the martial music of warfare. What was expected to be a quick world war turned into a slaughter of millions through trench warfare, poison gas, and massive artillery shelling. And the poppies bloom on Flanders fields. That war "to end all wars" was an unexpected human-caused catastrophe. A repeat? The League of Nations failed and, in its aftermath, came the Second World War. Furthermore, posturing world leaders at the failed Copenhagen Climate Conference in late 2009 show lessons unlearned. Will we say this of successors to the Paris Accord?
The problem grows worse. Virtually all climate scientists now say that a 4oC warmer world must be avoided. The report says that at the current rate of climate change we could expect this or even higher by 2100. This would be disastrous with increased heat, drought, and floods. Global temperatures have already risen 0.8oC above pre-industrial levels and appear likely to exceed the United Nations' goal of 2oC and reach 3oC and a 20% chance of going over 4oC by 2100. If the permafrost starts melting and release added methane, the disaster will be even worse. Is this a catastrophe unfolding before our eyes, or do we have the willingness as global citizens to take steps that it will never occur?
Easter People Prayer: Resurrected Jesus, you are Lord and you constitute us as a people empowered with you as servants of all creation. We reduce the impulse for individualism and affirm a movement to social cooperation geared to protecting and guarding our wounded environment. This gives us confidence that even though we are powerless on our own, we are now part of your Body, empowered to help in the saving of our fragile and wounded Earth. We accompany you in the work ahead of us, and feel the energized strength coming from your resurrection. May we succeed through the work of our hands, head and heart.
Flowers of the boxelder (maple), Acer negrundo.
(*photo credit)
April 21, 2022 Focusing on Cardinal or Theological Virtues
We spend time with reflections titles in order to trigger search engines to alert the public to our reflections. The Cardinal Virtues are from ancient Greek philosophical times: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. In Christian times these are called "theological virtues," and much has been written about them in both philosophical and spiritual literature. Take a Google search! The virtue names are clear enough: for temperance the moderate use of good things; prudence, when and how to act; justice, giving others what is due; and courage, the willingness to act at a given time, even with accompanying risks. All are operative, but some have periods of greater focus or emphasis.
Temperance strikes us early in environmental work, for we are surrounded by the many good consumer products to choose from; we become aware of exercising some degree of moderation, especially when goods are so enticing. If one has a problem with extra intake of food or drink at a given time, then focus on temperance or, if too difficult, on total abstinence. Temperance calls for resource conservation in times of excessive pollution and waste. My book, The Contrasumers, dealt with resource conservation in an age of wasteful consumption (of the early 1970s), but this work has been more operative amid elementary environmental awareness.
Prudence is that way of acting in times of decision, the present moment. In fact, we experience right now the time of urgency to work together in ways to save our wounded Earth. Silence of the fearful must be exposed and seen for what it is. Prudence involves the moments when our choice must be balanced to the need to focus limited resources on the massive mission ahead of us, and realizing that we can only do so much. Prudence overcomes impulsive action, but also allows for proper awareness of what can be done amid our obvious limitations.
Justice is certainly the ultimate goal (so often assumed) in the work we are doing to bring about the Kingdom of God. It is not only the justice between local neighbors or the giving of a living wage to a helping hand, but it involves ecological elements and is social as well, embracing ever broadening neighborhoods. In one sense, this calls us to reach out to our global brothers and sisters to attain a renewed Earth through cooperative efforts.
Courage, no doubt, is needed in these times since the temptation to be silent, or to go along with the crowd. Why rock the boat in the middle of a storm? Every time we speak, we run the risk that others will immediately characterize our words or actions as improper or beyond the pale. Our first impulse is to strike out recklessly, but we overcome this for a greater good. To do the less dramatic but nobly needed action takes boldness and courage -- just as we dare to say "Our Father" in our prayers.
Easter Water Prayer: Lord, give us the grace to move forth and bless all that we love and are near: land, wildlife, trees, garden plants, pets, neighbors and their pets, fields, roadways, fountains of running water, the air around us, and many other things as well. Let nothing be omitted; may we discover plentitude in each thing we pause to bless. May this sense of Easter blessing be extended to all our loved ones as well.
Making a Spring Diet Review
You may say that reviewing our diet is a Lenten exercise, but isn’t it a healthy procedure for any season of the year? Really during springtime renewal, we find it part of annual housecleaning to consider our regular eating habits, which tend to become slack over time. Perhaps the following questions can be helpful to both you and me:
Do we curb meat consumption to some degree? All with a sense of general environmental awareness know that certain food dishes are more costly, both financially and resource-wise. Meat production requires upkeep of animals in feed and medical supplies; it often takes multiple resource quantity for one portion of eatable product (takes more resources for pork and beef than for chicken and fish). Cutting our number of all or specific meat meals is good conservation practice and well worth our occasional review.
Do we buy less processed foods? Second only to meat consumption is the normal American purchase of cakes and other baked goods, prepared mixed meat, pasta and vegetable dishes, chili, pizza and on and on. We know that our favorite prepared foods are resource intense, expensive and often contain excessive salt, sugar or unhealthy fats. However, they take less time to prepare; that’s a consideration for busy people, who dislike cooking. With forethought, homemade soups and salads are healthy and inexpensive.
How about the selection of snack foods? We know the popularity of various chips by the sheer extent of shelf space in grocery stores. Many, including youngsters, like the chips in the oversized packages with their assorted flavors. Still, satisfying snacks could include more healthy nuts, dried fruit, raw carrots, apples and celery. Where do we stand in the spectrum ranging from junk to healthy foods in choice of snacks?
What about the liquids which are so vital to a healthy life? Some of us with active taste buds do not like domestic water and either buy alternative bottled water or use other-flavored alternatives, such as soda or diet liquids. Let’ s look at what we do each day for the needed liquids to keep our system functioning properly. Of course we should cut the empty calories, but some do not. It is hard to change -- but think more water, less other drinks.
Finally, as the pandemic subsides, will we return to our favorite restaurants? It is far easier to control home consumption practices than to exercise care at a busy dining place, with its inviting smells and sights. An occasional exception can call for a celebration with others; a regular outside eating practice can become routine and involve too much of certain foods when not watching. Much depends on a willingness to be careful when it comes to all food choices.
Earth Day 2022 - POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER IN THE MAKING
Central Appalachia is blessed by many varieties of wildflowers, wildlife, trees and unique land forms – and in calmer times these are all well worth celebrating. Too often, environmentalists focus on these blessings and fail to see the nitty-gritty tasks of monitoring and protection of what could be easily damaged. Let’s look more closely into the area where Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky meet; here could be a disaster in the making.
The Portsmouth (Ohio) Gaseous Diffusion Plant is being dismantled, having served government and commercial purposes since the early 1950s. This vast facility produced enriched uranium, both highly enriched weapons-grade for U.S. governmental agencies and low enriched uranium for commercial nuclear power reactors; Portsmouth was one of three such U.S. facilities (the others at Oak Ridge, TN and Paducah, KY). This dismantling is not a simple operation, for many of the pipes and structural materials are contaminated with the highly toxic heavy metals used in the enrichment process. Only the smallest amount of certain uranium isotopes is extremely toxic if ingested by a human being. Unfortunately, some heavy metal contamination has been detected in aquifers at the Piketon site and as far as 14 miles beyond.
In our Earthhealing YouTube video section, we feature interviews with long-time whistleblowers Chick Lawson and Jeff Walburn, the latest by the latter. These courageous individuals are calling for better dismantling methods that involve complete enclosure of the plants in deconstruction operations, and inverse local pressure in the actual dismantling – expensive safeguards. No governmental safety requirements are currently in place. The neglect is truly frightening in light of unusual health effects that have killed eleven local children with a rare form of leukemia, and similar examples cropping up across the Ohio River in Greenup County, KY. Demands for safer dismantling are not being pressed by environmental groups, who naively believe the Department of Energy narratives; these tell legislative representatives that “those dumb hillbillies don’t know what they are talking about.” A horrible misuse of a biased term! All the while, these noble whistleblowers are being threatened with assassination on numerous occasions – and yet carry on.
The very real possibility of release of heavy metals to the water, air and land environment is frightening and overwhelms the normal course for Earth Day celebration. The contamination is real; the toxic effects, as the whistleblowers explain, are long lasting – even thousands of years. The reason for the actual careless practices is pure profit-making on the part of those dismantling the plants – and only one-third of the operation is complete as of now. A disaster is in the making, if safe practices are not quickly installed. This atmosphere of ‘business as usual’ is a false risk that involves human lives right now and in the future. It is high time that we shelf celebration to a future date and concentrate on true environmental concerns and the moral implications of proper disposal of contaminated heavy metals – currently stored or buried at the site.
Earth Day 2022: Speak up for prudential action NOW!
April 22, 2022 Remembering Lou Lipps: A Down-to-Earth Jesuit
This is Earth Day and generally themes are related to pressing down-to-Earth issues. For Jesuits, this is also the feast of Mary, the Mother of the Society of Jesus. Until now, this environmental website has overlooked that companion spiritual feast. Upon preparing for how to commemorate both days, I was rewriting a homily for a deceased Jesuit, Lou Lipps, and though he wasn't a noted "environmentalist" as such, he was truly down-to-Earth.
Lou Lipps had an eternal twinkle in his eyes that showed goodness without saying a word, the windows to a gentle soul. Lou was a down-to-earth person who while gone on to the Lord, still remains with us. He would be the last to agree with what is said, but it is true, nonetheless. Whatever he thought, he rarely said, for his kindness always exuded an approving smile. Lou could be stamped as a gentle person, not pretentious, deeply humble, willing to listen, totally caring, and one who was somehow still down to Earth. We cannot forget how Lou Lipps profoundly influenced our lives during his seventeen years of ministry in Kentucky's Appalachia. He served as spiritual advisor, confessor, and friend to many especially religious women -- and all others who called for help. At his passing many friends shared special remembrances that we have been able to treasure together.
Lou's first priestly ministry after ordination and training was to teach philosophy at Xavier University. This overlapped my student days about seventy years ago. I remarked to another who mistook him for a young student and said, "He is a priest? I thought all Jesuit teachers are old men." Yes, in younger years he was blessed with an extremely youthful face that remained for years prior to the full facial hair of bearded wisdom. In fact, by growing his proverbial beard Lou happened to pass from youth to old age without middle years. He would call this exaggerated (only my way of speaking), for he surely passed through a middle age of busyness and continual hard work. I suspect that the vastly different ministries in which he engaged honed him for a ministry few others had, namely to act as Santa Claus to children in restaurants and all along the way. A truly gentle ministry for a person with such various talents.
Lou never ever intended to stop working, and throughout his octogenarian years he gave countless retreats and spiritual counseling sessions, and his ministry extended from Appalachia to the urban poor in Cincinnati. All good things come to an end and so he had to close down. My last meeting with him was at the ordination banquet in June, 2011 right before Lou's ninetieth birthday. He was just told to retire and stop his current work. Immobility and loss of ministry were nailing his feet and hands to a cross. Yes, he deserved a breather before the eternal journey.
Easter Egg Prayer: Risen Lord, you give us all good things, especially a share in divine life. Our colored eggs are symbols of your power to bring forth life and the hope that we can grow in your love. Spring-like growth emerges from seeds and eggs for all to see. May our resting in your Easter nest be a sign that improvement is possible and that we can proclaim the mystery of new and resurrected life to all our neighbors and companions.
Common blue violet, Viola sororia.
(*photo credit)
April 23, 2022 Breaking the Myth: Handouts Go to the Poor
We are in the process of redistributing resources from those with gross excess to those in essential need. Amid a massive amount of data being gathered on this enterprise, we often wonder whether the redistribution is actually occurring, as the disparity of wealth in this country seems to continue its upward track, even with some efforts on taxing the wealthiest. This is valuable time spent wrangling over entitlement and focusing on shunted resources to the poorest one-fifth of our nation in the form of subsidies, food stamps, and affordable medical care. There is considerable opposition to this from the superrich and their supporters.
Studies confirm that the redistribution is not in that direction of rich to poor, but in fact the flow is and has been for some time in the opposite direction, with one-fifth and especially the top 1% benefiting the most from somewhat hidden tax loopholes, deductions, and hidden benefits. Over a decade ago Wealth and Welfare States by Irwin Garfinkel, Lee Rainwater, and Timothy Smeeding points out that the federal government spends four times as much on subsidizing housing for the richest one-fifth of Americans as it does on public housing for the poorest one-fifth -- and this still occurs. This is mainly a subsidy as mortgage-interest deductions. If all the wealthy's entitlements are included, the trend is still for redistribution to the upper end of the economic spectrum, because these have the influence to reduce or eliminate efforts at redistribution in the direction of justice.
Taxes are not yet at a level that deserves to make major changes in redistribution. Certainly the current Administration is trying to move in that direction, but the task is gigantic. We should be setting a goal to do what FDR did successfully during the Second World War and tax the rich at about 94% of profits -- but is such possible today? Over 60% of the unreformed tax preferences, which include tax exemptions (taxes paid on mortgages and contributions to gold-plated health insurance), flow to the wealthiest 20% of the population -- and this is never addressed. The wealthy do not have to hold out their bejeweled hand; all their benefits slip under the door when citizens are not looking.
How on Earth can this lack of just redistribution be changed? One of the surest ways is to enter into the political battle and call for radical reform of the complex tax code with its many favors for the wealthy, whether individuals or corporations. All need to pay their fair share and this would be the most efficient way to bring redistribution. Maybe the recent efforts by our friends in France to tax the wealthy at a 75% rate would allow for the funds needed to bring about employment of all people and the reconstruction of our deteriorating infrastructure.
Birdsong Prayer: Creator God, we hear today the returned birds, along with the winter ones; they make full music to our ears, especially the mockingbird that nests nearby. It is amazing how happy birds are while finding today's sustenance without a worry in the world; may we develop a trust in you equal to that steady confidence of birds seeking their daily essentials. May we be so trusting that all will ultimately be proper in our lives. May the singing birds inspire us to reply to your goodness in song as well.
Squirell and starlings learn to share.
(*photo credit)
April 24, 2022 Needing God's Mercy Today
Do not be afraid; it is I, the First and the Last; I am the Living One. (Rev. 1:17)
Easter is the time of God's mercy shown in many ways, from the disciples on the road to Emmaus, to women at the tomb, from a doubting Thomas, to discouraged fishermen. God gently brings to faith the doubting Thomas, the one needing positive proof; and Jesus blesses all of us who do not have this tangible proof of his presence in our midst. We believe through witnessed faith.
The mercy of Christ empowers us amid our imperfect ways, but it also gives us hope that what is giving can be transforming; this mercy allows us to practice godliness that grows as we perceive and express gratitude for all of God's gifts. We need God's mercy as a sign of being forgiven; we are empowered to go forth and assist others. Within the narratives today is the story of the institution of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the hand of God within our family of the Church. In today's Gospel account Thomas is accepted even while he appears to lack faith in what the others tell him. Do we tolerate doubters in our midst and show the same mercy that God shows us? Thomas professes his deepest and most profound manner of belief and so ought we.
Where must we help extend God's mercy? Many are confused by the happenings that occur so rapidly and with the serious threats that come to our gentle Earth through the misdeeds of all who extract resources in callous ways. Those who pollute our commons raise our ire and strain our attempts at mercy. We have to come face to face with the need to be willing to stop malpractices, and the need to show mercy to those who seek to reform their ways. Our mercy is tried by the ones who are merciless, but we hold open the genuine possibility that they will change their ways. We can gently refuse to tolerate their continued abuses.
God speaks to us in nature's sounds and sights. We find God's mercy in the breezes, the blooming tulips, the fresh green grass and unfolding tree leaves, the scramble of the squirrels, and the song of birds. Here in a springtime landscape, God tells us not to abandon the efforts we are making, for all creation yearns for the Lord -- and we are divine messengers. We determine our location; we feel our urge to act; we sense our individual limitations; we must come together as the spiritually poor in spirit. We must discover that we, as poor in spirit, need God's help; that need seems to grow with each passing day. We can destroy our Earth when forgetting God's presence. We can only save our earth with God's help, and that urgency increases with each passing day.
Grace of Reconciliation: Resurrected Jesus, you gave peace to your followers at Easter and beyond through forgiveness of sin. And you do even more; you ordained your disciples as spiritual leaders with the power to forgive sin; this was a divine power now extended so that the wayward are comforted by the knowledge that you are a forgiving Lord -- and that they hear it in human words. May we receive this sacrament of love and mercy, and encourage others to do the same. May we experience forgiveness of minor fault at Liturgy; and may we also forgive those who fault us.
Toadstool, hidden on forest floor. Pulaski Co., KY.
(*photo credit)
April 25, 2022Attacking Over-Competitiveness in Our Culture
Unfortunately, we live in a highly competitive culture, and many would prefer to say the inverse, or "fortunately," since for them this is what makes America great. Competition is all around us: from being first in line for commercial sales to weaving more rapidly through traffic to get somewhere faster; from getting enrolled in the most prestigious school to obtaining press attention in the media; from making a particular movie or song to getting widespread acceptance. For a competitive culture, quality enjoyment or joy in sharing are not the most important factors. Actually, I came from a highly competitive family and that fact showed for better and worse on a number of occasions in playing games and cards. They rejected my non-competitive game and entertainment creations as though I was crazy.
Perhaps the "unfortunate" condition stems from the ugly statistic that 655,000 Americans die each year from various types of heart disease involving stressful conditions -- and competition can be stressful. Some handle this phenomenon better than others, but we pause when people die from competitive sports at a young age or from a heart attack resulted in watching a closely-scored athletic event. Stress is part of competition, for without the strain and focus required by the one performing, competing groups are not successful. Yes, the easy going are not successful competitors; however, they generally live longer.
What do we do to reduce over-competitiveness so as to improve the quality of life for all? We could learn much from select (not all) primitive cultures, where sharing is primary, and not undercutting another in order to get ahead. Conquering another is not everything, even though those seeking world records by climbing mountains or enduring hardships on the high seas may think so. A prime consideration is to wish another success and allow them to take a lead, but some would argue that this is throwing the competitive game. Actually, the rage of audiences would subside if all came to watch a good performance and not one team beating another. However, modern athletics is less bloody than gladiators in the Roman stadium or internecine battles - or is it?
Another remedy for over-competitiveness is working together as a team to conquer the scourges of our planet -- illnesses, diseases, lack of proper food and water, and especially the global collaboration needed to curb climate change. What is there in an attempt to be number one over and above others? Isn't it far better to strive to be number one in sharing resources with those who have little? The act of being open in sharing takes far more talent and finesse than does the gross attempts at competition. We are one global family and should take pride in elevating the lower-income at rapidly as possible through our joint efforts. The faster, the better -- and that greater than competition.
Saint Mark Evangelist: Hear the prayer we raise seeking to be ever nearer to the Lord. You and your family were near the Lord in habitat; you worked in helping to establish the early assembly of believers; and you assisted both Peter and Paul in their efforts. Speak up for us as we strive to navigate among the body of believers and avoiding the sharp rocks of disbelief. We are confident that you are close to the Lord and will speak on our behalf.
April 26, 2022 Assessing Strengths and Weaknesses of the Church
This website has never been critical of the Church and I intend to keep it that way. Most commentators will admit that emerging from the Roman catacombs did change the practices of Christians and led to far larger numbers of people in church attendance and public norms of conformity. What was outlawed suddenly became approved by Emperor Constantine. Within a mere few decades persecuted people were tolerated and then given preferential treatment. By the mid-fifth century the Bishop of Rome, Leo the Great, became a temporal ruler. There’re trade-offs between a powerless persecuted body and a worldwide temporal voice.
Strengths of a public and recognized Church include being witness to those in need when persecutions of disasters occur. Any astute observer except the most deeply biased will be happy when the Church speaks out against a corrupt dictator, or urge members to rush aid to disaster victims of an earthquake or hurricane. For a brief moment, the critics are uncharacteristically silent or even give begrudging approval. A public voice on pressing moral issues of our day from death penalty to immigration is most often welcomed by the progressive community. Other social issues win others. Church visibility allows the message to be heard in the noisy marketplace of competing ideas. Christianity comprises one-third of the human race and the weight of its voice cannot be denied when spoken clearly. Institutional structures that magnify that voice are regarded as praiseworthy. Publicizing devoted Christians who sacrifice their lives for others is worthwhile public witnessing.
Weaknesses include the infernal politics that accompanies the existence of institutions. Some leaders are gifted to handling the art of politics with finesse and some not so -- and that becomes a source of criticism wherein an institutional spiritual message is submerged. However, there is a greater and inherent weakness whether the institution is a hospital, college, or charitable group, namely, keeping these places functioning takes considerable funding whether public or private. In this modern age of attracting students and clients, physical facilities tend to be elaborate and costly, insurance requires jumping hoops, and faculty salaries and perks are burdensome. To finance such enterprises requires friendly relations to public and private providers of money and influence. If those providers are highly principled, then funds come with few strings; if economic systems underlying funding sources have weaknesses, it often involves toning down faults so as not to bite the hand that feeds the institution.
The thin line of balance between magnifying strengths and overcoming weaknesses takes exceptional leaders -- and attentive followers. No one is perfect, but all must witness to the truth. It is to the best interest of all parties that praise be well directed and criticism charitably given.
Prayer for New Life: O Resurrected One, reveal to us the journey that starts with the glories of creation, moves through our forgiven misdeeds and their social wounds, and springs forth anew in the Easter event in our lives and of Earth herself. Give us the grace to be Easter people, who affirm new life, and show the enthusiasm in believing that what is promised beyond the horizon can be partly fulfilled through our renewing efforts.
Rock "sculpture" discovered on Appalachian hike.
(*photo credit)
April 27, 2022 Curbing Climate Change through Church Witness
A voice crying in the wilderness... And all mankind will see the salvation of God. (Luke 3:4-6)
Climate change is affecting the quality of life of all people, and it is the Church's mission to become deeply concerned. We affirm that the Church bears witness to both the beauty of God's blessing and the ugliness of human misdeeds found in pollution and wasteful resource misuse. The Church must continue to speak out for the poor who are most affected by environmental pollution. We know that fragile nascent human life, or "being born," requires human protective measures and responsibility -- and thus is deserving of mutual respect and extra effort. The Church must resist policies allowing the termination of life through willful means. We defend the unborn, elderly, ill, those in prison, and Earth as source of vitality. Our Earth is "one great act of giving birth" (Rom.8:22) and we accept responsibility for this living but threatened planet. On a practical level, the Church must champion resource conservation through good insulation practices and use of energy efficient devices in institutional life. Truly pro-life!
Action 1 -- Encourage those who are environmentally active. While we take for granted that all must act in a responsible fashion with respect to protecting and enhancing our Earth, still it is good to give encouragement to those who make a sincere effort. We are capable of encouraging through giving blessing to those who act responsibly -- and they are further energized through our support. A blessing from the heart is also of great value both to the one giving and the one receiving. When we bless another, we extend God's mercy and love to them. It is critical at these difficult times to teach all believers to realize the blessing of God in the gift of creation -- and to extend blessings whenever possible.
The cost of reducing greenhouse gas emission, increasing reforestation, cutting air pollutants and helping poor regions adapt to climate change pales in comparison to the price the world will pay if we fail to act now.
Pontifical Academy of Sciences
Action 2 -- Boldly address human-caused Climate Change. If ever a crusade ought to be waged, the time is right to act through homilies, talks, writings, and all forms of social media interactions to defend our Earth. This stance in defense of our endangered planet is needed right now, and yet some who seek to extend fossil fuel profits deny its relevance. We must confront those who mistreat the environment and accept responsibility for renewal. Our ancestors did not know human beings have the power to threaten planetary life; however, today we are becoming aware that current fossil fuel practices are leading to disaster and we must respond with all resources to act to avoid a possible catastrophe.
Queen of Heaven Prayer:O God, who gave joy to the world through the resurrection of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, grant we beseech you, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may obtain the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
April 28, 2022 Reflecting on Non-Violent Revolution
Our founding fathers believed in the moral right to revolution under given circumstances. In the spirit of these civic parents can we speak of a moral right of people to generate revolution -- and is it right to entertain such thoughts today? Citizens may ask, "Why change an imperfect system for something you do not know?" "Why not reform the current system and be accepted as reformers, not as the reckless revolutionaries who would throw the baby out with the bath water?" Such questions by status quo preservers seem enticing, but require some second thoughts.
Is revolution worth considering when our consumer culture is simply not sustainable and does harm to Earth in the long term? If a system embraces unjust aspects, to revolt is one option -- and most who believe in freedom would agree, if that refers to the political or economic conditions of our long-suffering neighbors. We can't stand idly by; we must do something. The risk is more than unpopularity; it may be considered by some as downright treasonous as John Hancock and others knew when appending their signatures to the Declaration of Independence.
The current global consumer economy is unsustainable and the very stability of the planet is at stake. This involves more than just a scientific opinion of human-caused climate change. What is at stake is the livelihoods of countless millions of people, with those of little economic base being most vulnerable. On the other hand, a status quo is materialistically based and is driven by the comfort and convenience of those with self-interest in benefits; these are the privileged few who mix affluence with selfishness. This current globalized consumer culture is anti-democratic, for it lacks the controls on acquisition, movement, and sheltering of untaxed globalized wealth of at least 20 trillion dollars.
The current system is unjust because it predicates a given pool of the unemployed who compete with each other and enhance profiteering by employers. Unemployment feeds the system -- the new form of enslavement. Ability to earn a livelihood is expected of every citizen; it is their right. This current unsustainable system denies those who desire work from obtaining a job, while protecting the privileged who have the capital resources needed to create jobs. The gross materialism behind this economy is fed on a greed that is insatiable. Injustice must be addressed. Tweaking an unjust system prolongs injustice and is like beautifying slave hovels with whitewash. We must not be silent; we must act.
Revolution need not be violent. The Velvet Revolution following the breakup of the Soviet Empire was non-violent. Radical change can occur without resorting to violent means in this enlightened age. Even some change must occur with a risk of unintended violence which does not equal the current violence perpetrated on those who suffer from food or lodging insecurity.
Prayer: Lord, inspire us to promote non-violent change.
April Gives Way to May Flowers
Have we noticed in our busy day the world around us? It is the season of wildflowers, which carpet the landscape immediately before the emerging foliage shades the surface landscape. What a delight! Yet we sometimes forget to notice God’s grand floral creation. Let us take a pause and look about:
Flowers beautify the landscape, a natural fountain of splendid color that almost changes by the day in this glorious season. Other creatures do likewise in their own way, but without the pronounced “amen” offered by all flowers, wild and tame. Their color and texture is beyond verbal description.
Flowers attract not only the many early pollinators such as bees and wasps, but also the larger creatures including we human beings. Flowers beckon in their own way and with surprising power when in clusters, magnifying their collective social nature. They lead us to relate to others as well.
Flowers scent in either faint or pronounced ways and contribute to the fullness of the spring environment. If our senses are awake, we can tell the predominant species through the aroma exuded at this time of year.
Flowers heal in humble ways. This is why many bring bouquets to sick folks, for there is a healing atmosphere when flowers are present. These plants can soothe nerves and uplift spirits that may be downcast through too much drabness all around. Flowers lead the way as a healing balm.
Flowers inspire us to lift our minds and hearts in praise of the delicate touch of the Creator, who gives us so many good things. We halt a moment and say thanks for all that is gift, and especially for transitory beauty. We realize that we must enliven in every way possible for we will soon age and wither after our full life of activity. Flowers teach us that this is our time to make the best
of these precious moments of mortal glory. It will soon pass on.
Flowers tempt us to grab, as though in digging up or picking we have a greater possession of something that is sure not to last too long. Some may be tempted to eat a gorgeous bloom and in some cases that could be nutritious, but why not let the flower be for itself in its own glorious presence?
Flowers praise the merciful and loving creator who sees good in all creation. They do not have a freedom to say “yes” or “no” as we humans do, but in their presence they show forth the marvels of the Creator of all.
Flowers encourage us to truly be ourselves. We have much to offer the world through an enthusiasm that is the God within – our floral presentation that is meant to attract others and bring them to God. Such is life in floral imitation!
Springtime is a time of renewal. The old must give way as a new growing season begins. Hopes run high that we will have enough sunlight, rain, and personal stamina and courage to move through this growing season successfully.
Renew what? Everything around us: our neighborhood, our home life, our office, our community, our nation, our world, all are subject to renewal. Much work to bring creation to completion is still to occur, and where resources have been taken by the privileged from the Commons, they need to be reclaimed. All resources are gifts to be guarded for the benefit of the many.
Is renewal possible? One of the problems in the past has been that we cannot find the energy whether physical or spiritual to bring about renewal in our lives. We feel helpless as individuals to effect any change. From the work of housecleaning and garden renewal we extend to the need for spiritual renewal as well. Yes, with effort and God's grace we can become renewers.
How much can we do? We are always finding ourselves in a rut at some level. It is impossible to lift ourselves out by our bootstraps. In desperation we feel a temptation to become or remain paralyzed, a depression of inaction because we can do so little -- and problems are so great. However, what we cannot do alone we can do with the efforts of others in teamwork and sharing. With God's help all things are possible.
Is renewing so self-evident? Our Commons given by the Creator to all are under attack in many ways. We share the resources as well as a common destiny, and to surrender the common desire for sharing is to halt the renewing process. The act of change is as old as there have been people dissatisfied with those who sequestered some of the Commons for private or individual uses. Renewal then becomes the continuation of a common struggle where we claim our collective right to the Commons and by redoubling our efforts, we renew who we are. Thus, the renewal is one of collective hope, and that includes trusting in God's help without which we simply lose heart.
Does renewal involve commitment? The quest in this life is never fully answered, and yet it must not be abandoned through lack of willingness to move to something better. People who see no hope for change, no outside source of fulfillment, and no energy to improve are left lifeless; they must be inspired and enlivened.
Must we proclaim renewal? When we publicly recommit ourselves to change, we regain a sense of urgency and take upon ourselves the recharging energy needed to continue. We need a public proclamation to launch the renewal process in earnest.
Saint Catherine of Siena, Doctor: You spoke out boldly, St. Catherine, to many leaders including the Pope. You were a woman ahead of your times, and yet you embraced a total movement of reform within the era in which you lived. We ask your intercession today for leaders everywhere who need the courage you exhibited during your life; extend that courage to each of us so that we follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We need more women like you; may they see your leadership and rise to this occasion.
April 30, 2022 Approaching Climate Change by Soft or Hard Sell
One can approach environmental issues from a hard-nosed fear of catastrophe, if we don't act; likewise, there's a softer and more gentle approach of seeking to enhance the wonders of creation through improvements. Hard-sell: We cannot save our Earth unless we change; Soft-sell: We can save our Earth when we renew her.
Urgency of time, audience need, and pressure from within the messengers themselves all add up to dictate choice of approaches. A "YouTube" clip circulating by an old acquaintance, Michael Dowd, who I knew when he was a full-blown, creation-centered champion, now appears with deep concern and demands that the audience take up the climate-change issue at once in order to save our planet. Amen! Michael and his wife's message move the distracted or unconcerned to a greater sense of urgency, but is it reaching everyone? Is the situation even more serious than they announce? Methane leakage in natural gas extraction (as well as soot) could be far worse climate-change hastening ingredients than indicated by the video -- partial remedies are available.
Is vacillation proper? If I were to characterize my life, I would place it in the period of early urgency when the need to undertake environmental work was strong, then the long period of soft approach in which urgency was translated in precious time to bring about improvements. Lifestyle simplification is important, and ways to bring about change seemed within reach, if we just take the time. Choices of approach are critical, for to be "turned off" is of little avail; to be "turned on" in wrong ways is even worse, for actions can spin out of control. Our sensitivity to people and where they come from makes us reluctant to over-emphasize solely either approach, and yet there are times and places for each.
Are our efforts limited? Do we want ideologues who seek to convert others through the hard approach? A half century based on a combination of soft and hard approaches requires a sympathetic understanding that people can only hear so much of catastrophe -- and sanity requires that people on occasion lighten up with a positively soft approach. If our reflections target a new salad, it is because we have to eat something; if we talk about gardening it means we must get outdoors in full spectrum sunlight and fresh air to preserve sanity; if we talk about conservation or plans, then we affirm that is part of domestic life.
Are addicted people able to save our wounded Earth? If we think we can stimulate others through our self-righteous higher elite position, we are sadly mistaken; the folks simply back away. A strictly rational approach is limited. If we show that we are all party to social addiction and must act together then some movement of solidarity may result. Together the road to recovery is possible. We must use both approaches on the road to renewal.
Sing Praise to God:My heart is ready, O God. I will sing your praise. Awake my soul; awake lyre and harp, I will awake the dawn. I will thank you, Lord among the peoples, among the nations I will praise you for your love reaches to the heavens and your truth to the skies. O God, arise above the heavens; may your glory shine on Earth. Amen.
