Dear Principal, Children, Other Victims of Violence in Newtown, Connecticut:
Saying I'm sorry seems so little to say in the death you experienced earlier today.
It seems that your lives were so full and lively with an eagerness to excell and study well.
When Americans are attached to nearly 300 million guns, some conclude that it's useless to try to turn the tide with gun control.
In fact, this month's, The Atlantic, published a piece by Jefrey Goldberg, "The Case for More Guns (And More Gun Control)."
See what I mean?
As you were silenced, I prayed for your peace, and, that of your families and friends who grieve your deaths.
I am sorry that I have not stood up more assertively to try to help close the loop with the assault-weapons ban that expired in 2004 and was not renewed.
There are some who think that more guns will help us thwart off gun carriers who explode with rage, for example, as the 20-year-old, seems to have done on the taking of your precious lives.
Each week in the Thumb of Michigan's heart, there is a city that hosts a market on Mondays. My brother, Bob, said that many guns are sold there without any ordinances for registration or clearance to check with buyers are not mentally ill.
Even some police chiefs I know in the Detroit area told me that some countries that allow citizens to carry guns have less crime.
So, if I had a gun and was a teacher in your schoool, and, I used the gun on the killer, that would help solve our solution to gun violence in America?
I don't know.
What I do know, however, is that when people are asked to enter a local and national conversation about limiting assault weapons, few attend meetings.
In your memory, however, dear sisters and brothers, (not that it will change the horror and bring you back to life), citizens, clergy, and others will be meeting Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 12:45 pm for about an hour or more in the Saint Clair Shores Public Library at 22500 Eleven Mile Road at Jefferson, to re-ignite the conversation.
I know it's too late.
Yet, I hold out hope to help, to not let your lifes go in vain.
Even a poet, chimed in centuries ago, saying, "So late, ever so late. . .
It is late. Is it too late?
Is there turning back the tide of the escalating numbers of guns, and, especially assault weapons?
Like others, I doubt it.
We will have to learn to live with guns in this nation. How strange that we cannot learn to live with each other without violence. People will need to be trained to respect guns. Similar to young people, among others, being taught to respect sexuality.
I am so sorry about what has happened to you today.
I am even more sorry that I doubt that anything will change. We just way for the next rampage, and, move on days later without a conversation about imagining ways out of this dilema.
The next outrage of gun violence will bring about the usual repsonses.
Turning the newspaper's page, yawning, commenting, or . . .
Even dubbing it as "normal" will be the battle cry of some.
Normal as blowing one's nose. That's how deeply embedded is violence in this land that I love.
Eternal rest grant unto you, and, let perpetual light shine upon you all.
What Jesus was to have said seems so fitting in our culture whre guns are so present.
Those who live by the sword will die by the sword. I don't mean you personally, but a nation that lives by violence.
Will we?
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Unresolved Disagreements
Recently, an unresolved issue, emerged again, as it has repeatedly.
There's little else that grows dangerously harmful for unity in the workplace, or, other systems, for that matter. Disunity spills over, as, this case I refer to, does.
In fact, as the problem was faced, they were no follow-up. Frustration finds its way into one's self, one's roots and relationships.
Consequently, bitterness explodes. Feelings are hurt. Communications are unclear, an axe to grind stays current, even cynical, so to speak, and, failure in intent abounds. Gossip follows for sure.
When a team works together, it shows.
And, marketing morality makes the system, the team, the synagogue, the family, the school, the church, the neighborhood, the business, or, the mosque, flourish and thrive.
People are pleased with clarity and crispness of thought. Aims and goals are front and center. Team spirit soars also.
Unity, oneness, not sameness, singlemindedness beyond double-minds, is contagious. Witnessing unity attracts others to want to join, be part of the team, the system, even a family.
To be one is a mark of the church.
One, holy, Catholic, and apostolic are the four marks of teh Catholic Church.
They're aims. They're goals like stepping on the rungs, or, objectives, to get to the top of the ladder.
Trust enters. It takes time, however, among individuals, and groups. When a new members comes in, others have to move over, and, be open to the novice.
Otherwise morale limps.
How blessed are the single-minded. . . the Good Book notes.
Things get done in singleness of mind. Double-mindedness defeats the spirit of the team.
Sin is like that. The "harmatia," missing the mark, is when the Israelites, for example, were in exile.
They were not at home.
No union and unity.
They were homeless, then.
Not being at home, causes distress with the team, or, the family.
A culture of unity is the product of giants, of legends we become as managers, parents, bosses, or pastors and principals for others to emulate.
It is rare.
Yet, unity is possible.
"That they may be one," was the prayer of God in the Gospels.
One.
Unity.
How sweet it is when witnessed.
There's little else that grows dangerously harmful for unity in the workplace, or, other systems, for that matter. Disunity spills over, as, this case I refer to, does.
In fact, as the problem was faced, they were no follow-up. Frustration finds its way into one's self, one's roots and relationships.
Consequently, bitterness explodes. Feelings are hurt. Communications are unclear, an axe to grind stays current, even cynical, so to speak, and, failure in intent abounds. Gossip follows for sure.
When a team works together, it shows.
And, marketing morality makes the system, the team, the synagogue, the family, the school, the church, the neighborhood, the business, or, the mosque, flourish and thrive.
People are pleased with clarity and crispness of thought. Aims and goals are front and center. Team spirit soars also.
Unity, oneness, not sameness, singlemindedness beyond double-minds, is contagious. Witnessing unity attracts others to want to join, be part of the team, the system, even a family.
To be one is a mark of the church.
One, holy, Catholic, and apostolic are the four marks of teh Catholic Church.
They're aims. They're goals like stepping on the rungs, or, objectives, to get to the top of the ladder.
Trust enters. It takes time, however, among individuals, and groups. When a new members comes in, others have to move over, and, be open to the novice.
Otherwise morale limps.
How blessed are the single-minded. . . the Good Book notes.
Things get done in singleness of mind. Double-mindedness defeats the spirit of the team.
Sin is like that. The "harmatia," missing the mark, is when the Israelites, for example, were in exile.
They were not at home.
No union and unity.
They were homeless, then.
Not being at home, causes distress with the team, or, the family.
A culture of unity is the product of giants, of legends we become as managers, parents, bosses, or pastors and principals for others to emulate.
It is rare.
Yet, unity is possible.
"That they may be one," was the prayer of God in the Gospels.
One.
Unity.
How sweet it is when witnessed.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
National Conversation
Clergy personnel are protesting the proposed gun legislation that is headed for Michigan Governor Rick Snyder's desk.
The gun conversation and the fifth commandment merits serious debate.
Detroit area Police chiefs have told me that they prefer pemitting people to have guns and assault weapons as some countries allow. Local chiefs seem to conclude guns by all deter criminals.
Go figure.
Solving conflict by other less deadly means is what I'd market by way of ethics and morality of the great commandments to love God and neighbor. Imagination is short here it seems on this issue. Weapons of mass destruction seem to be the easy way out.
I am confounded by the lack of leadership to seriously sit down to resolve this gun battle before the next outrageous slaughter at a mall, or, other places people gather.
If I sat in the back of the theatre in Colorado, for example, with my own assault weapons and shot back at the armed criminal shooting at people watching the movie, would I be arrested? Would I be considered an accomplice?
Serious heads and hearts need to gather to talk as human lives continue to be snuffed out by the minute in this nation that knows better.
The gun conversation and the fifth commandment merits serious debate.
Detroit area Police chiefs have told me that they prefer pemitting people to have guns and assault weapons as some countries allow. Local chiefs seem to conclude guns by all deter criminals.
Go figure.
Solving conflict by other less deadly means is what I'd market by way of ethics and morality of the great commandments to love God and neighbor. Imagination is short here it seems on this issue. Weapons of mass destruction seem to be the easy way out.
I am confounded by the lack of leadership to seriously sit down to resolve this gun battle before the next outrageous slaughter at a mall, or, other places people gather.
If I sat in the back of the theatre in Colorado, for example, with my own assault weapons and shot back at the armed criminal shooting at people watching the movie, would I be arrested? Would I be considered an accomplice?
Serious heads and hearts need to gather to talk as human lives continue to be snuffed out by the minute in this nation that knows better.
Friday, December 7, 2012
A Christmas Tale
The young lad wrote down his 'to-do' list.
That is, the gifts he expected from God, or, St. Nick. Whoever responded fast and first was OK with him.
A bicycle.
That was at the top of the list.
As was his praying daily to God.
Why the bike wasn't coming, he wasn't sure.
So. . .
After everyone left church one Sunday afternoon.
And, after another prayer for that shiny Scwinn bicycle, he stepped up to the sanctuary.
There, he has a word or two with Mary, the tall, blue statue depicting the Mother of God.
And, the icon for Catholics.
The one they go to when all else fails.
Well. . .
He carried her home, and, put her under his bed.
An hour later, he prayed for that bike again.
"God," he shouted.
"It's me again. I want that bike for Christmas. I got your mother!"
That is, the gifts he expected from God, or, St. Nick. Whoever responded fast and first was OK with him.
A bicycle.
That was at the top of the list.
As was his praying daily to God.
Why the bike wasn't coming, he wasn't sure.
So. . .
After everyone left church one Sunday afternoon.
And, after another prayer for that shiny Scwinn bicycle, he stepped up to the sanctuary.
There, he has a word or two with Mary, the tall, blue statue depicting the Mother of God.
And, the icon for Catholics.
The one they go to when all else fails.
Well. . .
He carried her home, and, put her under his bed.
An hour later, he prayed for that bike again.
"God," he shouted.
"It's me again. I want that bike for Christmas. I got your mother!"
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Saint Nicholas Checking Who Is Naughty or Nice
He is.
Really.
Saint Nicholas is the saint who would be Santa Claus.
He's a link with the gift of charity - love - that is Christmas.
A special St. Nicholas Day cookie, called speculaas, is eaten and shared by all in
Belgium and the Netherlands this day.
These customs, like so many, merit preservation and passing on to families everywhere.
Today is the day, December 6th, parents often put a gift into their children's shoes, recalling why all those presents are purchased these twenty-three days before Christmas, December 25, a time and season called Advent.
Advent is an adventure anticipating, preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ in Bethleham.
And, St. Nick's was brought to this land by German and Dutch immigrants, among others. He traded in his pointed hat - a miter a bishop wears - and a shepherd's staff - a crosier - for a cap and white, fur-trimmed dashing red suit.
The practice began in Germany and the Netherlands where youngsters hoped to be declared nice, not naughty by this churchly-dressed, "Sinterklaas."
Nicholas, santa's name, combines the Greek words for, "people" and "victory."
Legends loom large about good ole Saint Nick who makes many happy this day.
Really.
Saint Nicholas is the saint who would be Santa Claus.
He's a link with the gift of charity - love - that is Christmas.
A special St. Nicholas Day cookie, called speculaas, is eaten and shared by all in
Belgium and the Netherlands this day.
These customs, like so many, merit preservation and passing on to families everywhere.
Today is the day, December 6th, parents often put a gift into their children's shoes, recalling why all those presents are purchased these twenty-three days before Christmas, December 25, a time and season called Advent.
Advent is an adventure anticipating, preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ in Bethleham.
And, St. Nick's was brought to this land by German and Dutch immigrants, among others. He traded in his pointed hat - a miter a bishop wears - and a shepherd's staff - a crosier - for a cap and white, fur-trimmed dashing red suit.
The practice began in Germany and the Netherlands where youngsters hoped to be declared nice, not naughty by this churchly-dressed, "Sinterklaas."
Nicholas, santa's name, combines the Greek words for, "people" and "victory."
Legends loom large about good ole Saint Nick who makes many happy this day.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Holiness
What is it?
What does it look like?
Who is holy may be a better question.
Whole. Holy. Wholeness. Holiness.
Hmmmm...
Connecting daily seems to be a fruit of holiness.
Visiting multiple times a day with the Creator may well be holiness.
Such centering and focus gives way to fruits showing themselves in rapport with others, the stranger, the immigrant, the lost, the oppressed, the incarcerated, the pressed down, the home-bound elderly one, the jobless, the foreign faces we fear.
All of them.
Fear flees in connection with the Maker.
It does.
Spontaneity in engaging and reaching out, reaching down, and, lifting up the vulnerable everywhere.
Is that holiness?
Urgency and ardor amid a digital culture that engages media to mount an offensive for showing the face of God in the "Good News" always and evrywhere we are planted.
Powerful Pentecost and Presence will fuel the evangelizing with a fresh and lively approach.
This holiness begins within.
Where all love, and, the Kingdom of God lives, as Jesus said.
The Kingdom of God is within.
Holiness.
It starts here inside in one's soul - the spiritual heart of one's living temple, and Body of Christ.
Giving God's face away in one's own.
Is that holiness?
What does it look like?
Who is holy may be a better question.
Whole. Holy. Wholeness. Holiness.
Hmmmm...
Connecting daily seems to be a fruit of holiness.
Visiting multiple times a day with the Creator may well be holiness.
Such centering and focus gives way to fruits showing themselves in rapport with others, the stranger, the immigrant, the lost, the oppressed, the incarcerated, the pressed down, the home-bound elderly one, the jobless, the foreign faces we fear.
All of them.
Fear flees in connection with the Maker.
It does.
Spontaneity in engaging and reaching out, reaching down, and, lifting up the vulnerable everywhere.
Is that holiness?
Urgency and ardor amid a digital culture that engages media to mount an offensive for showing the face of God in the "Good News" always and evrywhere we are planted.
Powerful Pentecost and Presence will fuel the evangelizing with a fresh and lively approach.
This holiness begins within.
Where all love, and, the Kingdom of God lives, as Jesus said.
The Kingdom of God is within.
Holiness.
It starts here inside in one's soul - the spiritual heart of one's living temple, and Body of Christ.
Giving God's face away in one's own.
Is that holiness?
From Hostility to Hospitality
The courtliness of Francis of Assisi, Italy tells of queens and kings.
Each person is considered to be precious as royalty.
Courtesy comes from the word, courtliness, acting as in the courts of law.
Cultural shifts find this society moving from hospitality.
An air of hostility and contentiousness pervades, it seems to me.
Go figure.
A rabbi told me once of a quote from a learned scholar and biblical commentator who was also a rabbi. He was to have said that how we look at someone, or, something is how we perceive it.
How true.
Fresh looks matter beyond stereotypes made of people met.
From hostility to hospitality is a global shift, even enormous.
It takes presence, listening, and charity as strong as love for people.
To be really present, as a presence, like the Presence!
Imagine that.
The Advent days for believers are an adventure in hospitality.
Like that of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth in Palestine.
They were happy to visit.
With fullness of presence they were there for each other. Fully, consciously, actively enthused!
And, the baby in mother's womb leapt for joy, say the Scriptures.
With enthusiasm. A wild kind of joy, it seems.
The word, enthusiasm, means, God within! There's a vitality, an ardor, a fresh engagement.
Providing a space, even a womb, for others this season -- that could be a challenge if
the practice of hospitality is rare.
It gets easier each time one is welcomed, and paid full attention in visitations.
It's a movement from a hostile culture, at times, to hospitality, Presence, presence.
Truly a gift. Such dignity shinng forth in conversations with family, acquaintances, and more.
A Christmas greeting, a gift.
Visits like that of Mary and Elizabeth this Advent season loom large for people, witnesses, guests, and visitors.
Guess who's coming to dinner?
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