Our Merciful Hearts

The word for mercy in Latin is misericordia -- suggesting that one has his or her heart (cor) with those who are poor or who suffer (miseri).  Perhaps we should begin the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy with a "heart checkup." Fortunately, this type of checkup does not involve going to a medical provider. 

In the words of Pauline von Mallinckrodt, founder of the Sisters of Christian Charity, "We should have neither eyes to see the faults of others, nor ears to listen to evil reports about them, nor tongue to accuse them, nor reason to judge them, nor will to condemn them, nor memory to recall evil of them, but a merciful heart to compassionate all, a charitable tongue to excuse all, a meek and patient disposition to bear with all" (from the SCC Constitutions). 

As you enter into this Year of Mercy, how's your heart?

Hunger Hits Home

As we travel through Advent and prepare for our Christmas and other holiday celebrations, could we take a moment (or 40 minutes) to consider childhood hunger in the United States?  This 2012 video from the Food Network, "Hunger Hits Home," might motivate us to consider actions toward ending hunger -- especially childhood hunger -- in this country.  It is worth your time to watch.

35 Years

December 2 marks 35 years since the murders of the "Churchwomen of El Salvador" -- Sister Dorothy Kazel, OSU; Sister Ita Ford, MM; Sister Maura Clarke, MM; and Jean Donovan.  Click here to view the blurb from Ignatian Solidarity Network that helps us to remember these remarkable women.

Prayer for World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is commemorated annually on December 1.  Click here for resources on the USCCB website.  The National African American Catholic HIV/AIDS Task Force has provided this prayer:

God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
 O Good and gracious God,
You are the God of health and wholeness.
In the plan of Your creation,
You call us to struggle in our sickness
and to cling always to the cross of Your Son.
Father, we are Your servants.
Many of us are now suffering with HIV or AIDS.
We come before You and ask You, if it is Your holy will,
to take this suffering away from us, restore us to health
and lead us to know You and Your powerful healing love of body and spirit.
We ask you also, to be with those of us who nurse Your sick ones.
We are the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children and friends
of Your suffering people.
It is so hard for us to see those whom we love suffer.
You know what it is to suffer.
Help us to minister in loving care, support, and patience
for your people who suffer with HIV and AIDS.
Lead us to do whatever it will take to eradicate this illness
from the lives of those who are touched by it,
both directly and indirectly.
Trusting in You and the strength of Your Spirit,
we pray these things in the Name of Jesus.
Amen

Give Thanks

For what are you thankful this year?

 (Email subscribers:  If a video is not embedded in your email, click here to view it.)

The World's Most Powerful Woman

Click here to read Maureen Orth's cover story in the December 2015 issue of National Geographic, entitled "How the Virgin Mary Became the World's Most Powerful Woman."

Stained-Glass People

In her essay, "Stained-Glass People," in the November 2 issue of America, Mariele Courtouis writes:  "Stained glass is impractical.  It doesn't help the stone wall stand.  In fact, it is the most vulnerable to breaking.  It is made from broken pieces.  It is a potential weak point in the wall.  But it is through stained glass that light can bring color to the darkened nave.  Its intricate array bears a secret in the night and a message in the day.  It makes the sunbeam striking.  By allowing something else to work through its stillness, it creates beauty."   She concludes:  "Even broken pieces have found their purpose in creation: to come together. . . . [Sometimes] we can make a gift of ourselves to others simply as signs of the light to come.  Sometimes, even if it is just for one person, a glance through the window to the view beyond the wall makes the most transformative impact of all."

This week, may we realize the transformative power of our brokenness -- that is, may we realize our power to become "stained-glass people."

Click here to read the essay in its entirety.