On this fat Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday, ushering in the liturgical season of Lent) the big question hovers.
What are you doing for Lent?
There are varied forms of this question, what are you giving up for Lent, what is your Lenten discipline, what is something you want to add to your life this Lent, are you attending services... I could go on.
So, what are you doing for Lent? Here are some thoughts.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Condoms & Bombs
I've recently picked up again the book Persistent Peace by John Dear, SJ (Jesuit Priest). I started reading it last summer before my trip to Australia and never got back into it upon my return - until now. If you aren't familiar with John Dear's writings, he comes at faith and theology from a nonviolent, liberation perspective. He has spent his entire life "ordained for peace;" working on behalf of victims of war, standing against the death penalty, challenging the government to seek peace and not kill. Fr. Dear has been arrested numerous times - staging sit-ins at the pentagon, facilitating civil disobedience at police stations and elected officials' offices, standing in the way of the "industrial military complex" at every juncture he could. If this isn't true faith and the living out of Gospel values I am not sure what is. If this isn't a "faith the does justice" then I haven't seen faith lately. I've been (re)inspired!
As I sat reading this morning on the shuttle downtown, I couldn't help but think of this book's timely invitation. In about a week, we usher in the season of Lent, a time of introspection, prayer, ritual, and a remembrance of Christ's life and mission, death and significance, and re-appropriating such in our lives today. Jesus himself, a victim of murder and capital punishment, sought a new world order, one built on peace and love. Peering out the window to cars rushing by, several questions arose for me:
Is Dear's spiritual memoir an invitation to look at the peaceful movements (and non-peaceful movements) in my life? Is picking up the book again calling me to look at the structures and systems that perpetuate violence? And finally, what about inner violence and destruction - the kind I strap on myself and is all too present in the hearts of many?
This would be quite the Lenten undertaking! I'm aware that it is not in the answers to these questions that I will find peace. Instead, in trying to be peace and yearn for peace, I am made peaceful.
I chuckled this morning when I read Dear describe the Catholic Church hierarchy's often sluggish response to issues of war and peace.
"One friend noted that if the United States had dropped eighty thousand tons of condoms on Iraq, the bishops would have denounced it and done civil disobedience at the White House. Evidently, bombs did not hold the same priority" (Dear, 2008, p. 213).
As we gear up for another Lenten journey, may God give us the wisdom and foresight to focus on what really matters! In the meantime, I want to make a special effort to pray for all those affected by war and violence in our world today. May they be inspired by a persistence peace, too!
Dear, J. (2008). A persistent peace: One man's struggle for a nonviolent world. Chicago: Loyola Press.
As I sat reading this morning on the shuttle downtown, I couldn't help but think of this book's timely invitation. In about a week, we usher in the season of Lent, a time of introspection, prayer, ritual, and a remembrance of Christ's life and mission, death and significance, and re-appropriating such in our lives today. Jesus himself, a victim of murder and capital punishment, sought a new world order, one built on peace and love. Peering out the window to cars rushing by, several questions arose for me:
Is Dear's spiritual memoir an invitation to look at the peaceful movements (and non-peaceful movements) in my life? Is picking up the book again calling me to look at the structures and systems that perpetuate violence? And finally, what about inner violence and destruction - the kind I strap on myself and is all too present in the hearts of many?
This would be quite the Lenten undertaking! I'm aware that it is not in the answers to these questions that I will find peace. Instead, in trying to be peace and yearn for peace, I am made peaceful.
I chuckled this morning when I read Dear describe the Catholic Church hierarchy's often sluggish response to issues of war and peace.
"One friend noted that if the United States had dropped eighty thousand tons of condoms on Iraq, the bishops would have denounced it and done civil disobedience at the White House. Evidently, bombs did not hold the same priority" (Dear, 2008, p. 213).
As we gear up for another Lenten journey, may God give us the wisdom and foresight to focus on what really matters! In the meantime, I want to make a special effort to pray for all those affected by war and violence in our world today. May they be inspired by a persistence peace, too!
Dear, J. (2008). A persistent peace: One man's struggle for a nonviolent world. Chicago: Loyola Press.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Splash of Spring
A splash of spring arrived this weekend; I hope it's just not a teaser!I was cleaning my apartment yesterday when I abruptly stopped at the sound of birds chirping outside. While many may not view this as a startling event, I was captured by the sound of it because of what it spoke to me - life is peeping through the slumber of winter, waiting to burst with even more energy as the next several months unfold. These were birds, live ones at that, playing near my window seal, singing the praises of spring re-born.
Today, on the way to work, I saw geese frolicking about by the waters of Lake Michigan and the streams along Lake Shore Drive. They, too, seemed to be adding melody to the music masterpiece of spring-time in the air. What refreshing sites and new energy. I think it's the whispering of life cracking the winter chill. I can't help but be thankful.
(The picture above is from the Chicago Botanical Gardens in the spring)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Cool Joe? No.
Ryan is making a concerted effort to get back to the gym! I've come up with a "plan" that entails working out 4 times a week. Instead of going "balls to the wall," my new work-out philosophy is slow and steady. Slow and steady wins the race, right? I figure if I can jog for about a half hour a week I will be doing good. And once the muscular physique that is Ryan (note sarcasm here) gets into the swing of things, maybe I'll be able to increase the speed in which I jog or the length of time on the treadmill. Whatever happens, I am committed to doing something to stay active. Stay tuned - stories are sure to abound!
The natural response to any working out is making sure you have some tunes to motivate and sustain you while your huffing and puffing (and yes, I WILL be huffing and puffing). As such, I've dusted off the 4 year old IPOD and have been listening to some tunes on it this week on the way to work. Where did some of this music come from? Did I have no organization skills when I uploaded this music? Simply put - HOT MESS! I am back to the drawing board with the IPOD: re-organizing, uploading new music and deleting old stuff, finding CDs to get music from, sitting down and uploading my songs, creating playlists, and... well, you know how it is! I'm not particularly excited about this, but I know it will be time well spent when I am about ready to keel over from running and make an ass out of myself in the gym (which may happen anyway, but at least I'll have some Bon Jovi with me, encouraging me to scream out "Living On a Prayer so back off!").
I need to be a cool Joe when I work-out (not cool Joe like Joe the Plumber, there is nothing cool about his political "philosophy"). I'm working out at the campus recreation center, so of course many sport the latest work-out gear, sweat bands, tennis shoes, and the like. My version of "cool Joe" sports the latest spandex shorts, crew socks, and rankly old t-shirts that I don't care about. I don't dress up to work-out, nor will I ever. I chuckle when I watch the news while working out and glance around me - so this is what it is like to be on the "old end" of the age spectrum (at university gym this is certainly true!)? I'd like to think I will bring some sophistication, some class (and certainly sass!), and some wisdom. I'm just not ready to yell out "respect your elders" while panting like I've just rode the Tour De France. I guess I'll have to rely on my charm and charisma, wit and humor. I most definitely will bring the humor - decked out in my "gear" and sporting my work-out routine. Richard Simmons would be proud.
The natural response to any working out is making sure you have some tunes to motivate and sustain you while your huffing and puffing (and yes, I WILL be huffing and puffing). As such, I've dusted off the 4 year old IPOD and have been listening to some tunes on it this week on the way to work. Where did some of this music come from? Did I have no organization skills when I uploaded this music? Simply put - HOT MESS! I am back to the drawing board with the IPOD: re-organizing, uploading new music and deleting old stuff, finding CDs to get music from, sitting down and uploading my songs, creating playlists, and... well, you know how it is! I'm not particularly excited about this, but I know it will be time well spent when I am about ready to keel over from running and make an ass out of myself in the gym (which may happen anyway, but at least I'll have some Bon Jovi with me, encouraging me to scream out "Living On a Prayer so back off!").
I need to be a cool Joe when I work-out (not cool Joe like Joe the Plumber, there is nothing cool about his political "philosophy"). I'm working out at the campus recreation center, so of course many sport the latest work-out gear, sweat bands, tennis shoes, and the like. My version of "cool Joe" sports the latest spandex shorts, crew socks, and rankly old t-shirts that I don't care about. I don't dress up to work-out, nor will I ever. I chuckle when I watch the news while working out and glance around me - so this is what it is like to be on the "old end" of the age spectrum (at university gym this is certainly true!)? I'd like to think I will bring some sophistication, some class (and certainly sass!), and some wisdom. I'm just not ready to yell out "respect your elders" while panting like I've just rode the Tour De France. I guess I'll have to rely on my charm and charisma, wit and humor. I most definitely will bring the humor - decked out in my "gear" and sporting my work-out routine. Richard Simmons would be proud.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Anxiously Awaiting
I'm anxiously awaiting spring. That's right, I said it - I want spring to come!
I'm still a fan of winter. I love the brisk air on my face and the liberating feel of the chill, keeping me awake and alive to feel the world around me. Summer days are perceived to be hot and sticky, the sun luring you to nap and sleep and, if you want to be active, go lye on the beach and soak in rays while listening to the water clash about. This has it's unique beauty; I'm just not a fan of humidity and extreme heat.
As I slosh around in the city and journey over and around snow piles stacked to the hilt, I am feeling a bit leery - I've walked this street so many times and yet I STILL manage to slip and slide in the exact SAME places. I STILL manage to get a foot or two stuck in the exact SAME snow holes. I STILL manage to step in the exact SAME puddle of ice, snow, and dirt. Feel free to capture a mental picture here if wish: Ryan, twisting and gyrating, bending and kicking, ass down and legs up while transit buses swerve, cars honk, and people giggle. I laugh, too. The lower body gets a work out while the feet cry for relief. I wish I could say help was immanent or right around the corner. It may very well be, but I won't be betting on that here in Chicago.
The brisk air of winter is still hitting a sweet spot, conjuring up a sense of aliveness and energy. At the same time, the feet are being drug through a messy winter-land. I want to yell, "hang in there, feet, you'll be complaining about the hot sand soon enough!" I want spring to come, and stay throughout the summer.
I'm still a fan of winter. I love the brisk air on my face and the liberating feel of the chill, keeping me awake and alive to feel the world around me. Summer days are perceived to be hot and sticky, the sun luring you to nap and sleep and, if you want to be active, go lye on the beach and soak in rays while listening to the water clash about. This has it's unique beauty; I'm just not a fan of humidity and extreme heat.
As I slosh around in the city and journey over and around snow piles stacked to the hilt, I am feeling a bit leery - I've walked this street so many times and yet I STILL manage to slip and slide in the exact SAME places. I STILL manage to get a foot or two stuck in the exact SAME snow holes. I STILL manage to step in the exact SAME puddle of ice, snow, and dirt. Feel free to capture a mental picture here if wish: Ryan, twisting and gyrating, bending and kicking, ass down and legs up while transit buses swerve, cars honk, and people giggle. I laugh, too. The lower body gets a work out while the feet cry for relief. I wish I could say help was immanent or right around the corner. It may very well be, but I won't be betting on that here in Chicago.
The brisk air of winter is still hitting a sweet spot, conjuring up a sense of aliveness and energy. At the same time, the feet are being drug through a messy winter-land. I want to yell, "hang in there, feet, you'll be complaining about the hot sand soon enough!" I want spring to come, and stay throughout the summer.
Friday, January 23, 2009
A Week of Renewal & Promise
What is this world coming to?
Death and destruction. War and terror. Burning, pillaging, genocide, ethnic cleansing. Hatred and injustice. Racism, homophobia, sexism. Poverty and illness. Shortage of food, dirty water, lack of medicine, expensive drugs.
The question above surfaces for many of us frequently. Although we may not be able to articulate such, it seems never far from memory, etched solidly in our unconscious. The world today does present challenges, there is no denying that. Where there is fear, however, there is opportunity. Where there exists atrocities and violence, there can be birthed peace and healing.
Behind all sin and shortcomings their exists a proportionate grace and invitation.
It's easy to get overwhelmed. Yet, as this week alone reminded me, there is reason to celebrate the "proportionate grace and invitation" behind the doors of violence and injustice.
1) Martin Luther King, Jr. was honored on Monday. His witness to nonviolence and steadfast support of equal rights for all inspires us today. The Six Principles of Nonviolence is only one of his legacies: nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people, seeks to win friendship and understanding, seeks to defeat injustice not people, holds that suffering can educate and transform, chooses love instead of hate, and believes that the universe is on the side of justice.
2) Barack Obama was inaugurated the 44th President of the United States of America. While his legacy is yet to be determined, a new day has seemed to sweep across the country, valuing openness and respect, competence and integrity, unity and purpose. His presidency is no small feat. It's one of those breakthrough moments, re-routing our collective expectations and energy for the future.
3) This Sunday marks the 50th anniversary of the proclamation for Vatican II by John Paul XXIII. A renewed, excited, and enlivened Church emerged. It is still giving birth to many fruits, as it continues to open up faith, spirituality, and theology for many, providing access and invitation to being Church. No longer can we pit grace against human nature, religious against lay, or understand sacrifice as salvation - it's instead provoked new questions, visions of a just Church and truly compassionate God.
The challenges are many and the load we bear is not light. The examples above demonstrate that these are burdens carried together, and although progress may not come as fast or furious as we would like, embodied leaders and movements of change do happen. This week is living proof. From this perspective, the world points to renewal and wholeness.
Death and destruction. War and terror. Burning, pillaging, genocide, ethnic cleansing. Hatred and injustice. Racism, homophobia, sexism. Poverty and illness. Shortage of food, dirty water, lack of medicine, expensive drugs.
The question above surfaces for many of us frequently. Although we may not be able to articulate such, it seems never far from memory, etched solidly in our unconscious. The world today does present challenges, there is no denying that. Where there is fear, however, there is opportunity. Where there exists atrocities and violence, there can be birthed peace and healing.
Behind all sin and shortcomings their exists a proportionate grace and invitation.
It's easy to get overwhelmed. Yet, as this week alone reminded me, there is reason to celebrate the "proportionate grace and invitation" behind the doors of violence and injustice.
1) Martin Luther King, Jr. was honored on Monday. His witness to nonviolence and steadfast support of equal rights for all inspires us today. The Six Principles of Nonviolence is only one of his legacies: nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people, seeks to win friendship and understanding, seeks to defeat injustice not people, holds that suffering can educate and transform, chooses love instead of hate, and believes that the universe is on the side of justice.
2) Barack Obama was inaugurated the 44th President of the United States of America. While his legacy is yet to be determined, a new day has seemed to sweep across the country, valuing openness and respect, competence and integrity, unity and purpose. His presidency is no small feat. It's one of those breakthrough moments, re-routing our collective expectations and energy for the future.
3) This Sunday marks the 50th anniversary of the proclamation for Vatican II by John Paul XXIII. A renewed, excited, and enlivened Church emerged. It is still giving birth to many fruits, as it continues to open up faith, spirituality, and theology for many, providing access and invitation to being Church. No longer can we pit grace against human nature, religious against lay, or understand sacrifice as salvation - it's instead provoked new questions, visions of a just Church and truly compassionate God.
The challenges are many and the load we bear is not light. The examples above demonstrate that these are burdens carried together, and although progress may not come as fast or furious as we would like, embodied leaders and movements of change do happen. This week is living proof. From this perspective, the world points to renewal and wholeness.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Divide & Conquer -- Unite & Prosper
If you are a progressive like myself you are elated at today's inauguration of Barack Obama. If you are a conservative, you have doubts. Obama won't be a perfect president and certainly doesn't have all the answers. I'd like to suggest we push ideology aside, even if just for today. There will be plenty of time for ideologues to banter.
Instead, I want to focus on process. What is the process by which our new leader will govern? Just as much as ideology informs government, so does the process (rules?) of engagement. I would argue that process has just as much to do with success as does having the 'right' answers and the 'correct' policies. This is important - but it is not everything.
What process will move us forward? Unlike Bush's method of divide and conquer, Obama's seems to be unite and prosper. Unlike the exclusiveness and rigidity of the last 8 years, we seem to entering an era of collaboration, inclusiveness (even of ideas different than our own), and dialogue. This process, marked by transparency and integrity, invites and welcomes, affirms, and gathers all around the national table of conversation. And while there will be disagreements and dissent, there will be a place for all.
Conservatives may have doubts, but they will be allowed at the national table, too. As a self-identified progressive, I wish the same would have been true of 'us' during Bush's presidency. The outrage we feel towards Bush isn't grounded in dissenting ideology (good people can disagree), it's in being pushed - and in many ways shoved - to the periphery, to the margins of public discourse, our ideas and person-hood violated, discredited, many times seemingly not even recognized. There is a more dignified way forward - a process which can hold agreement and tension, dissent and collaboration, conservatives and liberals. It is about building up, not tearing down.
My prayer for America is that Obama continues the spirit of this process. Over the last year Americans rejected a government of fear and unilateralism and embraced hope and possibility, full of big ideas and diverse populations coming together once again for the common good of all. This might be the process needed to solve problems and elevate our collective quality of life.
Instead, I want to focus on process. What is the process by which our new leader will govern? Just as much as ideology informs government, so does the process (rules?) of engagement. I would argue that process has just as much to do with success as does having the 'right' answers and the 'correct' policies. This is important - but it is not everything.
What process will move us forward? Unlike Bush's method of divide and conquer, Obama's seems to be unite and prosper. Unlike the exclusiveness and rigidity of the last 8 years, we seem to entering an era of collaboration, inclusiveness (even of ideas different than our own), and dialogue. This process, marked by transparency and integrity, invites and welcomes, affirms, and gathers all around the national table of conversation. And while there will be disagreements and dissent, there will be a place for all.
Conservatives may have doubts, but they will be allowed at the national table, too. As a self-identified progressive, I wish the same would have been true of 'us' during Bush's presidency. The outrage we feel towards Bush isn't grounded in dissenting ideology (good people can disagree), it's in being pushed - and in many ways shoved - to the periphery, to the margins of public discourse, our ideas and person-hood violated, discredited, many times seemingly not even recognized. There is a more dignified way forward - a process which can hold agreement and tension, dissent and collaboration, conservatives and liberals. It is about building up, not tearing down.
My prayer for America is that Obama continues the spirit of this process. Over the last year Americans rejected a government of fear and unilateralism and embraced hope and possibility, full of big ideas and diverse populations coming together once again for the common good of all. This might be the process needed to solve problems and elevate our collective quality of life.
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