Memorial Day marks memory of men and women who
live and die for this Nation.
To do or die and not to ask, why?
At the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, TN., the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
museum, this Sunday, had me wondering about warriors, martyrs, and, more.
My brother, Lucas Ventline, killed in Vietnam in '68 also emerged in my mind.
Why war?
Why so much more?
One can imagine ways out of the most primitive ways to settle conflict with others, and, waging war.
Will we?
The will to live, or, the will to die?
What do we want more?
Life, or, death?
We must imagine more.
As King, Jr. said, we learn to live together or we die alone.
I will say a pray this Memorial Day.
And, I will ask why?
The truth will set us free.
Truth in a land that would rather lie, it seems.
God help us.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
At Our Core Is Longing for Creator
At one's center and core is a longing for God in each of us creatures made in God's image and likeness.
The culture of corruption will change when this Source alone is recognized, while love of God and neighbor is embraced by parents, among others, in rearing youngsters.
No other way works.
We've tried our own failed ways.
As crime and corruption continue to fill this culture, realization of God's place in one's life, will alone morph and mend a broken and lost society.
The Golden Rule has to be embraced again.
Band-aid solutions and symptoms of a broken system must give way to the root cause of
all the problems we face today.
Spiritual leaders say that unless God is the ground of one's being, the path now pursued will continue in destruction.
The task to engage God again will not be easy, however. Resistance will be met, and, one's
own solutions will continue to be futilely proposed.
We must try God's path.
Letting go of tried and failed ways will be met with much countering by many.
The culture of corruption will change when this Source alone is recognized, while love of God and neighbor is embraced by parents, among others, in rearing youngsters.
No other way works.
We've tried our own failed ways.
As crime and corruption continue to fill this culture, realization of God's place in one's life, will alone morph and mend a broken and lost society.
The Golden Rule has to be embraced again.
Band-aid solutions and symptoms of a broken system must give way to the root cause of
all the problems we face today.
Spiritual leaders say that unless God is the ground of one's being, the path now pursued will continue in destruction.
The task to engage God again will not be easy, however. Resistance will be met, and, one's
own solutions will continue to be futilely proposed.
We must try God's path.
Letting go of tried and failed ways will be met with much countering by many.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Human Happiness
The integration of our emotional life with reason and the subjection of our whole being to God constitutes Saint Thomas Aquinas's definition of human happiness.
While in "still time" this morning after a long walk in the pastoral setting near Metropolitan Beach off of Sixteen Mile Road and Jefferson, happiness emerged in prayer.
The Trappist Thomas Keating speaks of a fruit of the night of spirit is freedom from the domination of any emotion.
Of course, not by giving the emotion energy.
Not by repressing or unduly suppressing unwarranted emotions by sheer willpower, but by accepting and integrating them into the rational and intuitive parts of our nature, Keating
writes in his Invitation to Love.
That's human happiness.
Since life may not be working well for some these days, this integrating of emotions, and, programs that get one into a mess, and, into trouble, can be gently countered in the connection one makes with the divine therapist, namely, the Creator.
And, because God is not on some time machine or watch, this integration of emotions unfolds
ever so slowly without noticing perhaps.
We are God's work of art, created in Jesus Christ for the good works which God has already designated to make up our way of life, Saint Paul notes in his letter to the church at Ephesus, chapter 2, verse 10.
Taking time to be still a couple times a day for twenty minute sessions, doing nothing, "nada," no thing, may be just what your physician prescribes to lower the stress, or, heart rate, or anger brewing into rage and impatience, vices that do no one any good.
That false self needs to give way to the true self in the fashion the Maker molded you and I.
Google prayer, or, talk to your doctor about the healing value of pausing and praying each day.
Facts shows people who pray, heal up more readily.
You may like it.
Your living temple, the body given for some limited decdes will relish the time taken
to be still.
Prayer works.
Into your hands...I commend my soul... Charles de Foucauld recommends.
Having spent some substantial still time, the remainder of this day is welcomed
with Mass soon, with appointments in Clinton Twp., and, an, enhancing the quality of life and reducing crime meeting in the St. Clair Shores, MI., Library at 5:30 pm, and, a clergy picnic at the seminary, a K of C meeting, and, pauses in between one meeting at a time.
The abundant life of the Lord promised wants us to embrace time today, while noticing and savoring everyone and all that I encounter each second with a smile, a salute, a salutation to the sacred and soical self she or he is made in God's image.
So be it. Amen. It is true. +
While in "still time" this morning after a long walk in the pastoral setting near Metropolitan Beach off of Sixteen Mile Road and Jefferson, happiness emerged in prayer.
The Trappist Thomas Keating speaks of a fruit of the night of spirit is freedom from the domination of any emotion.
Of course, not by giving the emotion energy.
Not by repressing or unduly suppressing unwarranted emotions by sheer willpower, but by accepting and integrating them into the rational and intuitive parts of our nature, Keating
writes in his Invitation to Love.
That's human happiness.
Since life may not be working well for some these days, this integrating of emotions, and, programs that get one into a mess, and, into trouble, can be gently countered in the connection one makes with the divine therapist, namely, the Creator.
And, because God is not on some time machine or watch, this integration of emotions unfolds
ever so slowly without noticing perhaps.
We are God's work of art, created in Jesus Christ for the good works which God has already designated to make up our way of life, Saint Paul notes in his letter to the church at Ephesus, chapter 2, verse 10.
Taking time to be still a couple times a day for twenty minute sessions, doing nothing, "nada," no thing, may be just what your physician prescribes to lower the stress, or, heart rate, or anger brewing into rage and impatience, vices that do no one any good.
That false self needs to give way to the true self in the fashion the Maker molded you and I.
Google prayer, or, talk to your doctor about the healing value of pausing and praying each day.
Facts shows people who pray, heal up more readily.
You may like it.
Your living temple, the body given for some limited decdes will relish the time taken
to be still.
Prayer works.
Into your hands...I commend my soul... Charles de Foucauld recommends.
Having spent some substantial still time, the remainder of this day is welcomed
with Mass soon, with appointments in Clinton Twp., and, an, enhancing the quality of life and reducing crime meeting in the St. Clair Shores, MI., Library at 5:30 pm, and, a clergy picnic at the seminary, a K of C meeting, and, pauses in between one meeting at a time.
The abundant life of the Lord promised wants us to embrace time today, while noticing and savoring everyone and all that I encounter each second with a smile, a salute, a salutation to the sacred and soical self she or he is made in God's image.
So be it. Amen. It is true. +
Monday, May 23, 2011
Autobiography in 5 Short Chapters
Portia Nelson tells a story of roots, relationships and religion that I keep in mind.
It's a tale of how to deal with temptation. It reminds me how to avoid sin, missing the mark.
Chapter One
I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. . .I am helpless.
It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out.
Chapter Two
I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole inthe sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place, but, it isn't my fault. It still takes a long time to get out.
Chapter Three
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in ...it's a habit.
My eyes are open. I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
Chapter Four
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
Chapter Five
I walk down another street.
It's a tale of how to deal with temptation. It reminds me how to avoid sin, missing the mark.
Chapter One
I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. . .I am helpless.
It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out.
Chapter Two
I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole inthe sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place, but, it isn't my fault. It still takes a long time to get out.
Chapter Three
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in ...it's a habit.
My eyes are open. I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
Chapter Four
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
Chapter Five
I walk down another street.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Eye See You! A Fresh Effort
Eye see you!
Now that we're still here after the false prediction about Saturday's rapture, we need to roll up our sleeves and help create a little heaven on earth now, no?
ICUN.
They aim to keep an eye out and improve the quality of life, and, to reduce crime. Organizers hope to give a little peace.
Inclusive Communities Uniting Neighbors (ICUN) is a fresh
initiative in Macomb County, MI., gathering for another
"speak up" and town-hall-like Neighborhood Watch, and,
Habitat for Humanity meeting Tuesday, May 24, 2011 from
5:30-7 pm in the St. Clair Shores Public Library at Eleven Mile
Road and Jefferson.
Catch the spirit, and, come!
A fresh effort, three previous meetings were held, one with teens and
mentors, to address area needs, enhancing the quality of life, and, realizing
proposals such as more Neighborhood Watch streets, and, helping to build homes
for Habitat for Humanity in St. Clair Shores, MI., for example.
Planners Henry and Betsy Castro are leading the effort in the Neighborhood Watch
initiative, while David (a carpenter) and Debbie Cotrell are pushing to build homes for Habitat for Humanity.
Harrison Township, MI., Fire Chief Mike Lopez and St. Clair Shores, MI., Community Resource, and, Police Officer Cherie Mascarello, will be on hand May 24th to lead the effort to get more Neighborhood Watch streets started.
We're on a roll!
Furthrmore, on Saturday, June 25, from 11 am until 12:30 pm, the Islamic Cultural Institute
on Greater Mack in St. Clair Shores, will host a meeting on the same topic. Imam Shamsid-Deen Abdur-Rasheed will welcome us. His neighbors are excited about getting Neighborhood Watch started on Greater Mack where the mosque is located.
Join us, and jump in to help enhance the quality of life, igniting each one's worth. At the same time, awaken what is often a sleeping community!
Leaders all around are welcoming ICUN, including Harrison Township Supervisor Kenneth Verkest, Jack Pellegrino, and, Chuck, the barber at 13 Mile Road and Jefferson, who has been cutting hair for over four decades.
Contact me at 586 777 9116, or, other leaders at the meetings, or, sacredheartroseville@saintly.com for more information.
Give a little peace, please.
Now that we're still here after the false prediction about Saturday's rapture, we need to roll up our sleeves and help create a little heaven on earth now, no?
ICUN.
They aim to keep an eye out and improve the quality of life, and, to reduce crime. Organizers hope to give a little peace.
Inclusive Communities Uniting Neighbors (ICUN) is a fresh
initiative in Macomb County, MI., gathering for another
"speak up" and town-hall-like Neighborhood Watch, and,
Habitat for Humanity meeting Tuesday, May 24, 2011 from
5:30-7 pm in the St. Clair Shores Public Library at Eleven Mile
Road and Jefferson.
Catch the spirit, and, come!
A fresh effort, three previous meetings were held, one with teens and
mentors, to address area needs, enhancing the quality of life, and, realizing
proposals such as more Neighborhood Watch streets, and, helping to build homes
for Habitat for Humanity in St. Clair Shores, MI., for example.
Planners Henry and Betsy Castro are leading the effort in the Neighborhood Watch
initiative, while David (a carpenter) and Debbie Cotrell are pushing to build homes for Habitat for Humanity.
Harrison Township, MI., Fire Chief Mike Lopez and St. Clair Shores, MI., Community Resource, and, Police Officer Cherie Mascarello, will be on hand May 24th to lead the effort to get more Neighborhood Watch streets started.
We're on a roll!
Furthrmore, on Saturday, June 25, from 11 am until 12:30 pm, the Islamic Cultural Institute
on Greater Mack in St. Clair Shores, will host a meeting on the same topic. Imam Shamsid-Deen Abdur-Rasheed will welcome us. His neighbors are excited about getting Neighborhood Watch started on Greater Mack where the mosque is located.
Join us, and jump in to help enhance the quality of life, igniting each one's worth. At the same time, awaken what is often a sleeping community!
Leaders all around are welcoming ICUN, including Harrison Township Supervisor Kenneth Verkest, Jack Pellegrino, and, Chuck, the barber at 13 Mile Road and Jefferson, who has been cutting hair for over four decades.
Contact me at 586 777 9116, or, other leaders at the meetings, or, sacredheartroseville@saintly.com for more information.
Give a little peace, please.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Saturday's End of the World, and Praying
What do you do best? Especially with some's predictions of the end of time this Saturday.
You do something very well, I bet!
Cook? Teach? Lead? Love? Parent? Laugh? Work? Dance? Draw? Decorate? Plan? Perform? Study?
Or . . .?
Tuesday night was one of my most memorable moments as a Catholic, and, a clergyman for thirty-five years.
Dozens of people of all ages joined together in Roseville, MI., USA.
As the crowd poured in, leaders lifted tables and joined them together in order that all participants could face one another in a long rectangle.
At one end of the long tables, leaders addressed the group. Interventions were made. Questions answered. Quiet everywhere. Something awesome was happening. A call to the Creator was about to happen in prayer for fifteen minutes of silent nothingness without words, chatter, emotional programs and thoughts.
Participants were calling up the Creator, the Divine Therapist, to move from the false to the true self. They were getting ready to purge pretensions, and, the masks we wear, to illumine and discover God's love as we are, and, to let recovery of the true self emerge again in God who made us.
At the other end of the tables, people took notes while they listened, and, gleaned ways to do what they could do best. Silence still stirred loudly, awesomely. We were ready to call God.
Imagine that!
That's what we do best, I bet. And, you?
After instructions were given, a bell rang, and, an intrusive cell phone, and, the hum of a passing train. All this happened as a breeze flowed through the windows of the historic 150-year-old Roseville Sacred Heart Education Building, where thousands of grade and high school students were formed long before this crowd gathered this night to do what they do best.
When these distractions, among others, came, each would focus on her or his chosen word selected before the start of a quiet session, such as:
Beloved, joy, peace, Jesus, or, the like. Each gently returned to their sacred word as they comfortably sat in silence for fifteen minutes doing nothing, saying nothing, and simply consenting to the will of the Creator.
They were learning to pray.
That's what believers do best, or, they should. And, the best of them will wait for Saturday knowing full well that there's an urgency to the Gospel, about being ready for the day or hour that we know not! Some will sit back and criticize everyone and everything, while others are serving the neediest, stooping low to lift the lost with evergreen hope, eating ice cream, enjoying, and relying on the Lord all the days of the limited life we each get for a few decades or so.
After all, Armegedon is coming Saturday, some say, and many are running to the supermarket
to stock up. (I guess they're packing suitcases also filled with their food for the trek to Heaven, unless they have other plans!) Be ready, just in case! We could all shape up, even the Americans who know it all, and, are perfect and pretty enough, they claim.
This crowd that spent this past Tuesday learning to pray with veteran centering prayer practicioner, Father Lawrence Kaiser of Livonia, MI., will be praying, I'm sure, while store lines
start to panic.
Go to http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/, or, http://www.aod.org/ for more on prayer. For Saturday's gloomy prediction about the end of the world, well, Jesus the Christ notes in the sacred Scriptures that he wasn't "privy" to the day or the hour, so . . . well, how would these others know?
And, furthermore, the urgency of the good news of the Gospel, and, those writing under deadlines know, like Catherine Haven, Gordy Wilczynski, Roger Wingelaar, Julie Jacobson, Jody McVeigh, Steve Bitsoli, John Carlisle, and Julie Snyder know, among others, life needs to be in deadline order, anyway, anyhow, no?
Saturday.....hmmm.......praying, and, waiting patiently, loving, but, going on with my day of surprises anyway.
And, join me the first Friday of each month, next session is June 3rd at 7-8 pm for prayer in the parish center of Sacred Heart Church at 18430 Utica Road at Gratiot in Roseville, 586 777 916, in the building next to the huge edifice (use the rear door please, and, park your car there also, unless you leave it here next Saturday, and, can't make it).
If you're still here Tuesday, May 24th, Inlcusive Communities Uniting Neighbors (ICUN) welcomes you at 5:30-7 pm in the St. Clair Shores Library meetng room at Elven Mile Road and Jefferson to enhance the quality of life (if unhappy with Heaven, or, wherever you end Saturday!) and, establish Neighborhood Watch, and, help build homes for the homeless for Habitat for Humanity. Officer Cherrie Mascarelli of the St. Clair Shore Police, and, Fire Chief Mike Lopez of the Harrison Twp., MI., firehouse will join us, all kidding aside, to update us on Neighborhood Watch efforts, among other neighborly acts of kindess on earth.
And, just planning ahead, and, if the prediction for Saturday passes uneventfully, please gather with me Saturday, June 25, at 11 am until 12:30 pm in the Islamic Cultural Center at 30135 Greater Mack, near 12 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, where Imam Shamsid-Deen Abdur-Rasheed will host ICUN, and, a Neighborhood Watch Meeting, and, home building for Habitat.
Write me at sacredheartroseville@saintly.com, and, let me know what you think, or, how you pray in communion with the Maker.
Will you check in on your family, and, me Saturday also, just in case? A prayer is recommended also, please.
You do something very well, I bet!
Cook? Teach? Lead? Love? Parent? Laugh? Work? Dance? Draw? Decorate? Plan? Perform? Study?
Or . . .?
Tuesday night was one of my most memorable moments as a Catholic, and, a clergyman for thirty-five years.
Dozens of people of all ages joined together in Roseville, MI., USA.
As the crowd poured in, leaders lifted tables and joined them together in order that all participants could face one another in a long rectangle.
At one end of the long tables, leaders addressed the group. Interventions were made. Questions answered. Quiet everywhere. Something awesome was happening. A call to the Creator was about to happen in prayer for fifteen minutes of silent nothingness without words, chatter, emotional programs and thoughts.
Participants were calling up the Creator, the Divine Therapist, to move from the false to the true self. They were getting ready to purge pretensions, and, the masks we wear, to illumine and discover God's love as we are, and, to let recovery of the true self emerge again in God who made us.
At the other end of the tables, people took notes while they listened, and, gleaned ways to do what they could do best. Silence still stirred loudly, awesomely. We were ready to call God.
Imagine that!
That's what we do best, I bet. And, you?
After instructions were given, a bell rang, and, an intrusive cell phone, and, the hum of a passing train. All this happened as a breeze flowed through the windows of the historic 150-year-old Roseville Sacred Heart Education Building, where thousands of grade and high school students were formed long before this crowd gathered this night to do what they do best.
When these distractions, among others, came, each would focus on her or his chosen word selected before the start of a quiet session, such as:
Beloved, joy, peace, Jesus, or, the like. Each gently returned to their sacred word as they comfortably sat in silence for fifteen minutes doing nothing, saying nothing, and simply consenting to the will of the Creator.
They were learning to pray.
That's what believers do best, or, they should. And, the best of them will wait for Saturday knowing full well that there's an urgency to the Gospel, about being ready for the day or hour that we know not! Some will sit back and criticize everyone and everything, while others are serving the neediest, stooping low to lift the lost with evergreen hope, eating ice cream, enjoying, and relying on the Lord all the days of the limited life we each get for a few decades or so.
After all, Armegedon is coming Saturday, some say, and many are running to the supermarket
to stock up. (I guess they're packing suitcases also filled with their food for the trek to Heaven, unless they have other plans!) Be ready, just in case! We could all shape up, even the Americans who know it all, and, are perfect and pretty enough, they claim.
This crowd that spent this past Tuesday learning to pray with veteran centering prayer practicioner, Father Lawrence Kaiser of Livonia, MI., will be praying, I'm sure, while store lines
start to panic.
Go to http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/, or, http://www.aod.org/ for more on prayer. For Saturday's gloomy prediction about the end of the world, well, Jesus the Christ notes in the sacred Scriptures that he wasn't "privy" to the day or the hour, so . . . well, how would these others know?
And, furthermore, the urgency of the good news of the Gospel, and, those writing under deadlines know, like Catherine Haven, Gordy Wilczynski, Roger Wingelaar, Julie Jacobson, Jody McVeigh, Steve Bitsoli, John Carlisle, and Julie Snyder know, among others, life needs to be in deadline order, anyway, anyhow, no?
Saturday.....hmmm.......praying, and, waiting patiently, loving, but, going on with my day of surprises anyway.
And, join me the first Friday of each month, next session is June 3rd at 7-8 pm for prayer in the parish center of Sacred Heart Church at 18430 Utica Road at Gratiot in Roseville, 586 777 916, in the building next to the huge edifice (use the rear door please, and, park your car there also, unless you leave it here next Saturday, and, can't make it).
If you're still here Tuesday, May 24th, Inlcusive Communities Uniting Neighbors (ICUN) welcomes you at 5:30-7 pm in the St. Clair Shores Library meetng room at Elven Mile Road and Jefferson to enhance the quality of life (if unhappy with Heaven, or, wherever you end Saturday!) and, establish Neighborhood Watch, and, help build homes for the homeless for Habitat for Humanity. Officer Cherrie Mascarelli of the St. Clair Shore Police, and, Fire Chief Mike Lopez of the Harrison Twp., MI., firehouse will join us, all kidding aside, to update us on Neighborhood Watch efforts, among other neighborly acts of kindess on earth.
And, just planning ahead, and, if the prediction for Saturday passes uneventfully, please gather with me Saturday, June 25, at 11 am until 12:30 pm in the Islamic Cultural Center at 30135 Greater Mack, near 12 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, where Imam Shamsid-Deen Abdur-Rasheed will host ICUN, and, a Neighborhood Watch Meeting, and, home building for Habitat.
Write me at sacredheartroseville@saintly.com, and, let me know what you think, or, how you pray in communion with the Maker.
Will you check in on your family, and, me Saturday also, just in case? A prayer is recommended also, please.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Tough Choices for Elderly, Family
The elderly and frail Mary and Betty are sisters who live in Madison Heights, MI.
They would die if they were moved to an assisted living residence, away from the home
they have cherished for over four decades now.
Like other wise and aging sages, they struggled the other day with their future.
Their deacon and pastor met with them for over three hours, while their niece helped sort out a complicated situation.
Most of Mary and Betty's relatives move in and out of their comfortable home as they juggle family and work obligations first.
"I feel all alone," Betty complained, "and, I cannot sleep as I worry," she added, while Mary, at least five years older, sat patiently listening.
Betty claims she's been caregiver for Mary, and, anxiety and stress keeps her from sleeping much day and night.
Sitting in their living room, five people altogether tried to come up with a plan much of the afternoon. They're worth the time and energy. They are our cherished pioneers, after all.
Will a full-time live-in caregiver be the solution? Part-time person? Or, as seemed problematic,
one or the other of the sisters would not validate the choices proposed by Julie, the niece who
pays their bills ever so often, and runs the sisters on errands. "We have lunch together also after doctor appointments; and, at times they pay, or, I pay."
Amid tears and fears about her future, Betty cried often with her face held into her hands as she prayed in frustration, "Jesus...!"
One can only imagine what it would be like if they were forced to move given their incapacity to fend for themselves as they have for decades caring for each other so faithfully and effectively, even while they band-aided the needs and choices their families made getting in trouble with the law, with alcohol, with time constraints, and all the burdens of raising families in a dysfunctional culture in America.
Others are concerned for their safety, and use of the stove, for example, that has been left
burning after food has been prepared by one or the other.
One way or the other, a resolution will be worked out. After all, nothing is perfect, but God and perhaps math.
Betty and Mary have me wondering, however, about thousands of other Oakland County seniors who may not have advocates who help them sort out their frail futures.
Do they just quietly and painfully fade away, and, are forgotten, in a nation that will be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable in and outside the womb?
God help us to help them. To wake up and notice life all around us aching so often for assistance.
They would die if they were moved to an assisted living residence, away from the home
they have cherished for over four decades now.
Like other wise and aging sages, they struggled the other day with their future.
Their deacon and pastor met with them for over three hours, while their niece helped sort out a complicated situation.
Most of Mary and Betty's relatives move in and out of their comfortable home as they juggle family and work obligations first.
"I feel all alone," Betty complained, "and, I cannot sleep as I worry," she added, while Mary, at least five years older, sat patiently listening.
Betty claims she's been caregiver for Mary, and, anxiety and stress keeps her from sleeping much day and night.
Sitting in their living room, five people altogether tried to come up with a plan much of the afternoon. They're worth the time and energy. They are our cherished pioneers, after all.
Will a full-time live-in caregiver be the solution? Part-time person? Or, as seemed problematic,
one or the other of the sisters would not validate the choices proposed by Julie, the niece who
pays their bills ever so often, and runs the sisters on errands. "We have lunch together also after doctor appointments; and, at times they pay, or, I pay."
Amid tears and fears about her future, Betty cried often with her face held into her hands as she prayed in frustration, "Jesus...!"
One can only imagine what it would be like if they were forced to move given their incapacity to fend for themselves as they have for decades caring for each other so faithfully and effectively, even while they band-aided the needs and choices their families made getting in trouble with the law, with alcohol, with time constraints, and all the burdens of raising families in a dysfunctional culture in America.
Others are concerned for their safety, and use of the stove, for example, that has been left
burning after food has been prepared by one or the other.
One way or the other, a resolution will be worked out. After all, nothing is perfect, but God and perhaps math.
Betty and Mary have me wondering, however, about thousands of other Oakland County seniors who may not have advocates who help them sort out their frail futures.
Do they just quietly and painfully fade away, and, are forgotten, in a nation that will be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable in and outside the womb?
God help us to help them. To wake up and notice life all around us aching so often for assistance.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Rewards for Integrity
So. . . Singapore is said to be the least corrupt of nations. And, Africa imagined ways to reward
integral lives and leaders with billion-dollar awards to honest leadership.
It took some time to find an honest awardee, but after a few years in the search, one leader
won the prize for integrity.
Imagine that?
What if that old-fashioned virtue and strength of honesty over corruption and greed is highlighted as a value in America again? Virtue is sytlish, and, in again.
Sounds like how relationships were intended to engage with the Golden Rule of the Creator, and,
the ten commandments that became suggestions since so many people were living corrupt and dishonest lives that the urgency of virtues took a back seat.
But, watch out!
God's law is surfacing again by imaginative leaders who no longer want to reward drug cartels, dishonesty, and, other curruptions in cultures all around the globe.
Finally, those who are to lead are beginning to lead once more as they chase out what has been called sin from time immemorial. That missing of the mark, called sin, is going the way of dinosaurs. Celebrate in the streets for this latest movement catching on now.
Rewarding good is meritorious, while it pushes the possibility of sin and selfishness out of the center that it is when ego has to take front and focus in people lives, and, in their relationships with each other.
Recently, I heard how a family couldn't trust its own members given that they were stealing from each other.
Imagine that!
Accentuating the positive law of love of God is the way to go. There are leaders around, at least in Africa and Singapore, reports prove, who favor intergrity.
We'll all be better for them.
And, watch the momentum mount as others follow suit.
And, so will the world's ways refuse wickedness again, thanks be to God.
Leaders will stand up against evil, while so many still remain sitting, saying nada, nothing, zip!
Rise up for truth and integrity now!
integral lives and leaders with billion-dollar awards to honest leadership.
It took some time to find an honest awardee, but after a few years in the search, one leader
won the prize for integrity.
Imagine that?
What if that old-fashioned virtue and strength of honesty over corruption and greed is highlighted as a value in America again? Virtue is sytlish, and, in again.
Sounds like how relationships were intended to engage with the Golden Rule of the Creator, and,
the ten commandments that became suggestions since so many people were living corrupt and dishonest lives that the urgency of virtues took a back seat.
But, watch out!
God's law is surfacing again by imaginative leaders who no longer want to reward drug cartels, dishonesty, and, other curruptions in cultures all around the globe.
Finally, those who are to lead are beginning to lead once more as they chase out what has been called sin from time immemorial. That missing of the mark, called sin, is going the way of dinosaurs. Celebrate in the streets for this latest movement catching on now.
Rewarding good is meritorious, while it pushes the possibility of sin and selfishness out of the center that it is when ego has to take front and focus in people lives, and, in their relationships with each other.
Recently, I heard how a family couldn't trust its own members given that they were stealing from each other.
Imagine that!
Accentuating the positive law of love of God is the way to go. There are leaders around, at least in Africa and Singapore, reports prove, who favor intergrity.
We'll all be better for them.
And, watch the momentum mount as others follow suit.
And, so will the world's ways refuse wickedness again, thanks be to God.
Leaders will stand up against evil, while so many still remain sitting, saying nada, nothing, zip!
Rise up for truth and integrity now!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
First Communion Day
All the youngsters are making their first Communion these days of May.
That brought to mind my own first communion when I was in the second grade.
Holy Communion is the Eucharist, a word that means, thanksgiving, and Catholics believe that
the bread become the Body of Christ who is really present after consecration at Mass.
Yesterday, one little guy who is home schooled, was a Mass at 9 am in St. Edmund's with his family. The Mass intention was for him to appreciate the sacrament he is receiving today for the first time.
His family was all excited after Friday's daily Mass as we mingled in the parking lot and conversed.
As I recalled my own first Holy Communion, I remember all the preparation by my parents and teachers, including nuns who helped us know who Jesus the Christ is, and, what it is that we were receiving in the circuclar wafer.
Eucharist is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. Others are baptism, penance, confirmtion, matrimony, ordination and anointing of the sick.
That brought to mind my own first communion when I was in the second grade.
Holy Communion is the Eucharist, a word that means, thanksgiving, and Catholics believe that
the bread become the Body of Christ who is really present after consecration at Mass.
Yesterday, one little guy who is home schooled, was a Mass at 9 am in St. Edmund's with his family. The Mass intention was for him to appreciate the sacrament he is receiving today for the first time.
His family was all excited after Friday's daily Mass as we mingled in the parking lot and conversed.
As I recalled my own first Holy Communion, I remember all the preparation by my parents and teachers, including nuns who helped us know who Jesus the Christ is, and, what it is that we were receiving in the circuclar wafer.
Eucharist is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. Others are baptism, penance, confirmtion, matrimony, ordination and anointing of the sick.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Drugs and Kids at U.S.Border
Repeated stories tell of young children who serve as
carriers of drugs for dealers along the U.S. and Mexican
border.
What are we doing raising youngsters in a corrupt way
of life that keeps the U.S. and Mexican economy spiking?
On the backs and minds of our youth, leaders must stand
up and speak out against this horror.
While this corruption of the hearts and minds of our children
has been tolerated for decades, and more, government and others
need to stop this crime at ports of entry, and elsewhere.
Daily, I listen to families who know what it is like to be gripped by
the demonic drug cartel, particularly, sons and daughters.
Led by bad example, adults must be challenged to stop this business
now that hurts kids, and households alike, let alone communities and schools.
Border patrol is obviously insufficient to do the job. Others must
help now to save our kids from this devilish behavior.
Children are sacred and social creatures like the rest of us.
However, they will live what they learn from corrupt leaders.
This is no time for silence, and, therefore, complicity in this crime,
God help us all.
carriers of drugs for dealers along the U.S. and Mexican
border.
What are we doing raising youngsters in a corrupt way
of life that keeps the U.S. and Mexican economy spiking?
On the backs and minds of our youth, leaders must stand
up and speak out against this horror.
While this corruption of the hearts and minds of our children
has been tolerated for decades, and more, government and others
need to stop this crime at ports of entry, and elsewhere.
Daily, I listen to families who know what it is like to be gripped by
the demonic drug cartel, particularly, sons and daughters.
Led by bad example, adults must be challenged to stop this business
now that hurts kids, and households alike, let alone communities and schools.
Border patrol is obviously insufficient to do the job. Others must
help now to save our kids from this devilish behavior.
Children are sacred and social creatures like the rest of us.
However, they will live what they learn from corrupt leaders.
This is no time for silence, and, therefore, complicity in this crime,
God help us all.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Mother's Day, and Motown's Saint Anne
Happy Mother's Day!
It is a great day since everyone wants to honor mom, the center of most homes, and, the one who calls the family together, with dad's help, course.
The grandmother of Jesus, St. Anne, was proclaimed Thursday as the patroness of Detroit, MI.
At the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the mother church of the Archdiocese of Detroit, where the head of the Catholic Church here, resides, Arhcbishop Allen Vigneron, made the announcment to a round of applause.
God knows we need all the help we can get these days.
And, the powerful intercession of St. Anne has been called upon for centuries in the city since the original Catholic parish in Detroit that was established in 1701, is named after her.
Mother's Day is a meritorious day to hold up moms and women everywhere. Generativity and
nurturance are qualities of the female.
The decree from the Vatican that was read noted that St. Anne has been the patroness "from time immemorial."
Anne is the spouse of St. Joachim, and was chosen by God to be the mother of Mary, God's own blessed Mother on earth, Catholics hold.
Both were of the royal house of David in the Hebrew Scriptures, and, their lives were wholly occupied in prayer and good works. They were childless, and this was held as a misfortune among the Jews. But, when Anne was an aged woman, Mary was born, the fruit more of grace than of nature, and the child more of God than of man and woman.
With the birth of Mary, Anne was vigilant with the immaculate child.
Tradition tells that when Mary was three years old Anne and Joachim led her up the Temple steps.
All mothers can take solace in the heart and hands of St. Anne, a mother revered like all moms.
Or, at least they should be as sacred vessels that they are for humanity's generativity and birth.
It is a great day since everyone wants to honor mom, the center of most homes, and, the one who calls the family together, with dad's help, course.
The grandmother of Jesus, St. Anne, was proclaimed Thursday as the patroness of Detroit, MI.
At the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the mother church of the Archdiocese of Detroit, where the head of the Catholic Church here, resides, Arhcbishop Allen Vigneron, made the announcment to a round of applause.
God knows we need all the help we can get these days.
And, the powerful intercession of St. Anne has been called upon for centuries in the city since the original Catholic parish in Detroit that was established in 1701, is named after her.
Mother's Day is a meritorious day to hold up moms and women everywhere. Generativity and
nurturance are qualities of the female.
The decree from the Vatican that was read noted that St. Anne has been the patroness "from time immemorial."
Anne is the spouse of St. Joachim, and was chosen by God to be the mother of Mary, God's own blessed Mother on earth, Catholics hold.
Both were of the royal house of David in the Hebrew Scriptures, and, their lives were wholly occupied in prayer and good works. They were childless, and this was held as a misfortune among the Jews. But, when Anne was an aged woman, Mary was born, the fruit more of grace than of nature, and the child more of God than of man and woman.
With the birth of Mary, Anne was vigilant with the immaculate child.
Tradition tells that when Mary was three years old Anne and Joachim led her up the Temple steps.
All mothers can take solace in the heart and hands of St. Anne, a mother revered like all moms.
Or, at least they should be as sacred vessels that they are for humanity's generativity and birth.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Dear Bishops Byrnes, Hanchon, Cepida
Dear + Bishops Byrnes, Hanchon, and Cepida:
Congratulations!
Now, you are invited to lead the lost and oppressed, to lift up the fallen and afraid, to govern a church asunder, to unite, and, teach virtues, like charity, hope and faith, and, of course, to be holy.
Thank you!
Everyone wants to tell you how to manage people, parishioners, and the flock.
Here's just a friendly and fraternal reminder.
You are pastors.
Try not to be a CEO, or, an MBA, or, what you're not, OK?
We need pastors today. And, leaders who are willing to address the personnel problem among the shortage and scandals of priests and bishops today.
The heart of the Good Shepherd seeks and searches, and goes where others aims elsewhere. Go there where the sick, the forgotten, the lonely, the lost live in jails, in frozen hearts grown cold over time!
Please stand up when others choose to sit and say little, and, show less of truth to be told today in a fractured and broken world, a culture lost, and, not knowing where it is going.
Without a plan, the people are perishing, you know, as the psalmist pokes deep to aim clearly with an objective, a goal.
With fear wrapping us scared since 9/11, faith has to vibrantly lead by example. Fear knocks, faith answers, and no one is there.
Please tell the truth, hide nothing, and bring all matters to the Light of God's shine and scrutiny for all to see. No two-tier systems of a "party line" and separate Truth.
And, while your inner life unfolds more deeply in communion with God, please sit still long enough to tell the mysteries of life to young males who miss this lesson:
You don't get everything you want in life.
You lose some, and, win some.
You may be rejected by your first love, the gang at school, the team, even your family.
You may get pased over for that lead on the football team, or that job you had your eyes set upon, or that love you were hoping for.
You will one day die.
These are the paschal mysteries of life. When they are left untaught, males go into rage when they come up against their first rejection or fail on a test, or aren't given those designer jeans, or . . .
And, then, without the respect they need to be taught about sexuality, and, respect for self, others and weapons, terrible things happen and tragedy emerges so often, you know, in our culture of violence.
Have a heart always. Big and bright and wide and generous and wonderful to behold always! Live for others, but do take care of your health, your living temple given by God, and, eat, sleep, pray, and exercise well with routine and daily doses of laughs, hugs and encouragement.
Ask you priests how they are doing. We're all you got you know, with God's guidance and support. And, ask parishioners what the Church needs to be alive, and, to stop the faithful from going elsewhere to be nourished and spiritually fed and led.
Be compassionate.
Be the man God calls you to be. And be all yo can be with the influence you have to do good for all.
I will pray for you.
Wherever you go, go with God. Z Bogiem! (My parents would say in Polish).
Your brother pastor, in Christ the Good Shepherd,
Lawrence M. Ventline
Congratulations!
Now, you are invited to lead the lost and oppressed, to lift up the fallen and afraid, to govern a church asunder, to unite, and, teach virtues, like charity, hope and faith, and, of course, to be holy.
Thank you!
Everyone wants to tell you how to manage people, parishioners, and the flock.
Here's just a friendly and fraternal reminder.
You are pastors.
Try not to be a CEO, or, an MBA, or, what you're not, OK?
We need pastors today. And, leaders who are willing to address the personnel problem among the shortage and scandals of priests and bishops today.
The heart of the Good Shepherd seeks and searches, and goes where others aims elsewhere. Go there where the sick, the forgotten, the lonely, the lost live in jails, in frozen hearts grown cold over time!
Please stand up when others choose to sit and say little, and, show less of truth to be told today in a fractured and broken world, a culture lost, and, not knowing where it is going.
Without a plan, the people are perishing, you know, as the psalmist pokes deep to aim clearly with an objective, a goal.
With fear wrapping us scared since 9/11, faith has to vibrantly lead by example. Fear knocks, faith answers, and no one is there.
Please tell the truth, hide nothing, and bring all matters to the Light of God's shine and scrutiny for all to see. No two-tier systems of a "party line" and separate Truth.
And, while your inner life unfolds more deeply in communion with God, please sit still long enough to tell the mysteries of life to young males who miss this lesson:
You don't get everything you want in life.
You lose some, and, win some.
You may be rejected by your first love, the gang at school, the team, even your family.
You may get pased over for that lead on the football team, or that job you had your eyes set upon, or that love you were hoping for.
You will one day die.
These are the paschal mysteries of life. When they are left untaught, males go into rage when they come up against their first rejection or fail on a test, or aren't given those designer jeans, or . . .
And, then, without the respect they need to be taught about sexuality, and, respect for self, others and weapons, terrible things happen and tragedy emerges so often, you know, in our culture of violence.
Have a heart always. Big and bright and wide and generous and wonderful to behold always! Live for others, but do take care of your health, your living temple given by God, and, eat, sleep, pray, and exercise well with routine and daily doses of laughs, hugs and encouragement.
Ask you priests how they are doing. We're all you got you know, with God's guidance and support. And, ask parishioners what the Church needs to be alive, and, to stop the faithful from going elsewhere to be nourished and spiritually fed and led.
Be compassionate.
Be the man God calls you to be. And be all yo can be with the influence you have to do good for all.
I will pray for you.
Wherever you go, go with God. Z Bogiem! (My parents would say in Polish).
Your brother pastor, in Christ the Good Shepherd,
Lawrence M. Ventline
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
OF GODS AND MEN MOVIE LAUDS FIDELITY
It's all I seem to hear about these days.
Fear and terror.
Perhaps as a pastor and counselor, that's the way it is supposed to be in my vocation, and commitment to fidelity.
But, my roots and relationships were beyond fear and terror four decades ago, other than unusual violence and rage in my Detroit neighborhood.. Today's out-of-control cycle of terror, anger, and murder is as common as blowing one's nose.
Of Gods and Men, currently showing at the Royal Oak, MI., Main Art Theater, is the
true, two-hour tale of roots and relations in fidelity, faithfulness, and commitment.
Such virtues and strengths are in short supply around here, today, no?
And, those terrorists who kill a fifteen-year-old, in the movie, for not wearing her head scarf, have to be ignorant, sad to admit, let alone the murderers of all of society in killing her.
The movie is an austere, beautiful and somber drama set in the 1990s in beautiful Algeria's mountains. It is fresh air on faithfulness to God's law of love of neighbor.
That country is gripped by grim and gruesome civil strife and evil, namely, more of the same terrorism rocking this globe daily.
A raging and ruthless insurgency twins with a corrupt government, on separate tracks with agendas of their own, while both pursue eight monks from France, among others, who simply want to serve humanity's needy. They try to live out love and charity among the neighbors with whom they live, work, and, even pray often.
The sacred and social nature of every human being is forgotten by the terrorists, shame on them, since there is no law or directive that permits such slaughter of innocence like the close to 3,000 they killed at the twin Trade Towers in New York a decade ago.
The monks farm with help from their neighbors, and, tend sheep, and, bees for honey, for sale in the marketplace, to make a modest living as they live out their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, among other virtues.
The monks' Croatian neighbors suddenly turn up dead as their throat are slit. All of this conflicts
the community of men, and their neighbors, who wrestle out loud about whether each monk should stay or flee the threatened monastery.
Long into their informed decision to stay, and, not leave their neighbors to the wolves, the monks seem to be at peace despite normal worry, sleeplessness, and stress caused by the fear of the terrorists returning to kill them also.
Just when the drama, tanks, and helicopters calm down some, and point elsewhere toward the end of the film, the monks reflect on their sense of satisfaction and service at a final supper. The face of each tells it all. Tchaikovsky's Grand Theme from "Swan Lake" is turned on by Luc, the physician, who spends his days assisting the sick and stressed with clinical care, and, carries a couple of bottles of wine for the monks to share this last time together.
Never have I witnessed such allegiance to the love of the Gospels, over violence, and, their respect for the evil enemy pursuing them like lambs who are finally led to the slaughter.
The monks make a point about the "apathy of oblivion" in the culture today everywhere, it seems. They awaken a sleeping nation, here, and elsewhere, to choose another path, as they
have so well demonstrated by example beyond mere words.
Reflections on, "The Faith of Abraham: Bond or Barrier, Resolving common Issues A Deacade After 9/11, is set for Thursday, Sept. 1 at 6 pm in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, at 18430 Utica
Road at Gratiot Avenue in Roseville, MI. Among the speakers will be CEO William Jones, and, Elaenor Josaitis of Focus:HOPE, Steve Spreitzer of the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, and Fox 2 reporter, Bill Gallagher, master of ceremonies, among others. Amazing Grace, the emblematic hymn of the All Faiths Festival (AFF) will be sung. ]
All are welcome to this event, and to the AFF annual picnic at Belle Isle's children's play area at Jefferson and East Grand Boulevard in Detroit, Sunday, Aug. 7 from 10 am. Aim is to build bridges among all faith traditions, foster dialog, and help strengthen marriage and family today together. Children's games, and more are planned by committee members, including Pastor Jacque McDaniel of Worship International Church at St. Paul Lutheran Church in East Lansing, MI., and Marge Hallman, among others. Call 586 777 9116 or write m3abbass@yahoo.com, or, online at www.interfaithwork.com.
Fear and terror.
Perhaps as a pastor and counselor, that's the way it is supposed to be in my vocation, and commitment to fidelity.
But, my roots and relationships were beyond fear and terror four decades ago, other than unusual violence and rage in my Detroit neighborhood.. Today's out-of-control cycle of terror, anger, and murder is as common as blowing one's nose.
Of Gods and Men, currently showing at the Royal Oak, MI., Main Art Theater, is the
true, two-hour tale of roots and relations in fidelity, faithfulness, and commitment.
Such virtues and strengths are in short supply around here, today, no?
And, those terrorists who kill a fifteen-year-old, in the movie, for not wearing her head scarf, have to be ignorant, sad to admit, let alone the murderers of all of society in killing her.
The movie is an austere, beautiful and somber drama set in the 1990s in beautiful Algeria's mountains. It is fresh air on faithfulness to God's law of love of neighbor.
That country is gripped by grim and gruesome civil strife and evil, namely, more of the same terrorism rocking this globe daily.
A raging and ruthless insurgency twins with a corrupt government, on separate tracks with agendas of their own, while both pursue eight monks from France, among others, who simply want to serve humanity's needy. They try to live out love and charity among the neighbors with whom they live, work, and, even pray often.
The sacred and social nature of every human being is forgotten by the terrorists, shame on them, since there is no law or directive that permits such slaughter of innocence like the close to 3,000 they killed at the twin Trade Towers in New York a decade ago.
The monks farm with help from their neighbors, and, tend sheep, and, bees for honey, for sale in the marketplace, to make a modest living as they live out their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, among other virtues.
The monks' Croatian neighbors suddenly turn up dead as their throat are slit. All of this conflicts
the community of men, and their neighbors, who wrestle out loud about whether each monk should stay or flee the threatened monastery.
Long into their informed decision to stay, and, not leave their neighbors to the wolves, the monks seem to be at peace despite normal worry, sleeplessness, and stress caused by the fear of the terrorists returning to kill them also.
Just when the drama, tanks, and helicopters calm down some, and point elsewhere toward the end of the film, the monks reflect on their sense of satisfaction and service at a final supper. The face of each tells it all. Tchaikovsky's Grand Theme from "Swan Lake" is turned on by Luc, the physician, who spends his days assisting the sick and stressed with clinical care, and, carries a couple of bottles of wine for the monks to share this last time together.
Never have I witnessed such allegiance to the love of the Gospels, over violence, and, their respect for the evil enemy pursuing them like lambs who are finally led to the slaughter.
The monks make a point about the "apathy of oblivion" in the culture today everywhere, it seems. They awaken a sleeping nation, here, and elsewhere, to choose another path, as they
have so well demonstrated by example beyond mere words.
Reflections on, "The Faith of Abraham: Bond or Barrier, Resolving common Issues A Deacade After 9/11, is set for Thursday, Sept. 1 at 6 pm in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, at 18430 Utica
Road at Gratiot Avenue in Roseville, MI. Among the speakers will be CEO William Jones, and, Elaenor Josaitis of Focus:HOPE, Steve Spreitzer of the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, and Fox 2 reporter, Bill Gallagher, master of ceremonies, among others. Amazing Grace, the emblematic hymn of the All Faiths Festival (AFF) will be sung. ]
All are welcome to this event, and to the AFF annual picnic at Belle Isle's children's play area at Jefferson and East Grand Boulevard in Detroit, Sunday, Aug. 7 from 10 am. Aim is to build bridges among all faith traditions, foster dialog, and help strengthen marriage and family today together. Children's games, and more are planned by committee members, including Pastor Jacque McDaniel of Worship International Church at St. Paul Lutheran Church in East Lansing, MI., and Marge Hallman, among others. Call 586 777 9116 or write m3abbass@yahoo.com, or, online at www.interfaithwork.com.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
May Is A Special Month
When John Paul II is beatified today on his way to being canonized as saint of the Catholic Church, May is a month that is full of important memories, including Mother's Day, and,
Memorial Day.
In my previous blog, I noted how the Late Pope John Paul II electrified Pontiac and Detroit young people when he arrived in Motown September 18, 1987.
Mother's Day is marked. First Communion for many young second-grade students is celebrated along with their first observance of the sacrament of Penance or confession. And, Memorial Day concludes the month as Americans recall our living and deceased soldiers, including my brother, Lucas, who was killed in Vietnam in 1968.
Mary, who is revered by Catholics, and, Muslims alike, is given this entire month for fans to
honor and recall her virtue with events such as May crowning, the rosary, and more.
Mary is mentioned often in the Koran, and, Jesus is noted in the Muslim scriptures more times
than their own prophet.
On Monday, May 9th starting at 10:30 am in the Fraser Public Library, Mother's Day and Memorial Day will be the theme of some talks about the history of these two great days, and, on the nonviolent Jesus of the sacred scriptures that I will deliver.
The fresh aroma of flowers everywhere fills the air now.
Flowers will be placed in the hands of mom this month, at the altar of Mary, the Mother of God, and, on graves at Mt. Olivet Cemetary in Detroit, MI., where my brother is buried.
Memorial Day.
In my previous blog, I noted how the Late Pope John Paul II electrified Pontiac and Detroit young people when he arrived in Motown September 18, 1987.
Mother's Day is marked. First Communion for many young second-grade students is celebrated along with their first observance of the sacrament of Penance or confession. And, Memorial Day concludes the month as Americans recall our living and deceased soldiers, including my brother, Lucas, who was killed in Vietnam in 1968.
Mary, who is revered by Catholics, and, Muslims alike, is given this entire month for fans to
honor and recall her virtue with events such as May crowning, the rosary, and more.
Mary is mentioned often in the Koran, and, Jesus is noted in the Muslim scriptures more times
than their own prophet.
On Monday, May 9th starting at 10:30 am in the Fraser Public Library, Mother's Day and Memorial Day will be the theme of some talks about the history of these two great days, and, on the nonviolent Jesus of the sacred scriptures that I will deliver.
The fresh aroma of flowers everywhere fills the air now.
Flowers will be placed in the hands of mom this month, at the altar of Mary, the Mother of God, and, on graves at Mt. Olivet Cemetary in Detroit, MI., where my brother is buried.
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