The destruction of the temple in Jerusalem is much more than the ruination of a holy place, a place of worship. It was THE temple, the only temple of Jerusalem. The people knew this temple as their place of meeting God. The pile of rubble forced one question: Where is our God?
The prophet Haggai brought some peace to hearts and souls with words that were intended to build up within their very being an awareness of God's unique care for them. "My spirit continues in your midst; do not fear." The temple stones were in ruin but the spirit of God had not been destroyed.
Those who came to know and follow Jesus Christ learned that the spirit Haggai spoke of was the "Holy Spirit." In Paul's letter to the Romans that gift from God is made quite clear: "Hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us."
What does this speak to us today? All of us at one time or another endure pain --- be it physical or emotional. Are there not times when God seems to be so distant from our lives. During the dark moments we should not forget Haggai's words that give hope. We should trust that those moments of pain, those moments of disappointment, of loneliness ... do not have crumble of existence. The Holy Spirit, the consoler, dwells with each of us. This is what we have to bring to those empty moments. We have to trust God that the Holy Spirit will heal our pain with the aloe of hope.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Thursday Reflection: September 27, 2007
A not-unknown Frenchman in the Catholic listing of saints is the 16th century Vincent de Paul. As soon as one hears his name, the thoughts of service to those in need come to mind ... or they should.
For all the men and women he aided, this Vincent saw as an image of God. This was a driving force in all the works of charity that he did or initiated.
The President of Creighton University wrote his thoughts that came about in reflecting on dePaul. He used the responsorial psalm of today's readings as a way of reflecting on this saints perception of God's love for people: "The Lord takes delight in his people." What a wonderful way to begin thinking about why we would take time from our lives to help others, especially the needy and the poor.
Consider these thoughts that Fr. Schlagel, SJ offers in considering those words.
1) From Genesis we learn that God made people in His image;
2) St Irenaeus wrote "That the glory of God is a man/woman fully alive;
3) Jesuit poet Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote "... for Christ plays in ten thousand places, lovely in limbs and lovely in eyes not His to the Father through the features of men's faces;
4) In the Psalms we read "God, you made me in my mother's womb";
5) Again in the Psalms we read "I have called you by name, you are mine";
6) "The Lord takes delight in his people."
Have you lately stopped you busy life to ask "Why does God take delight in me?" What is there about you that would make God want to love you? Can you recall actions you have done that would make God laugh? What are the reasons God would be pleased and proud that he has created you?
If you can find such goodness in yourself, turn that same kind of investigation toward others, as St Vincent dePaul did. What realities in your life would bring you to a stronger love of God and others?
What are the circumstances or situations that make God most present to you?
These thoughts prompted by St. Vincent might help you to share God's graces that bring you to a more reaffirming experience of God's love for yourself and then taking genuine delight in that reality. I often wonder how many times in a day there are opportunities for us to "take delight" in the fact that God loves us so very much. Do you, honestly now, do you take any time each day to take delight in God's love for you?
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Wednesday Reflection: September 26, 2007
In today's gospel reading St. Luke's words describe some serious missioning work for the disciples. Did you ever wonder why Jesus told the apostles who were about to set begin a challenging work that they should take nothing for the journey? I surely did. Could you imagine a Bishop ordaining priests today telling them, "Okay, men, your work is to go to the parish I assign you. There you will assist a pastor in his work to be a shepherd to the people of God there. But I also tell you, you should not take anything with you. Just take your black suit, underclothes, your rabbi or clerical shirt, a pair of shoes, your breviary and a heart for of hope and prayer." Imagine what would be going through the minds of those newly ordained.
But back to the why of the challenge. So many things that we have become distractions in our lives because we come to rely on them ... perhaps more than we should. Likewise all those things that we deem to be so important ... my computer, my iPod, my stereo, my tv etc. etc. etc. ... become noise in our lives. It is the noise that prevents our allowing the Lord to work quietly within our hearts and minds. We simply will not hear him.
All that God gives us is good ... how we use those gifts will determine how open our hearts are to graces God gives us.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Tuesday Reflection: September 26, 2007
Today's gospel reading may appear to be an insult to Jesus' mother. He didn't have people clear a pathway for Mom to be a part of the activity around her son.
Not the case. The driving message behind the story is simple: hear the word of God, put it into your life plan, act on it and membership into Jesus' family follows.
Jesus became a part of our family by taking on our human flesh and bones. This was how God would come among us. He could have done this in an unimaginable number of ways. Not our loving God. For him he would have to have his son become one of us.
We can be called in to be with Jesus. We can be called into his Church, into the faith he preached. Simply listen in quiet for God's word for you. He will speak to you.
Not the case. The driving message behind the story is simple: hear the word of God, put it into your life plan, act on it and membership into Jesus' family follows.
Jesus became a part of our family by taking on our human flesh and bones. This was how God would come among us. He could have done this in an unimaginable number of ways. Not our loving God. For him he would have to have his son become one of us.
We can be called in to be with Jesus. We can be called into his Church, into the faith he preached. Simply listen in quiet for God's word for you. He will speak to you.
On a Roll with the Dough!!!
The following reports came out today in the Vatican Information Service. They are from the Holy Father's parish visitation and the Angelus reflection at Castel Gandolfo yesterday, Sunday, September 23, 2007.
LOGIC OF SHARING AND NOT OF PROFIT IS THE ULTIMATE GOOD
VATICAN CITY, SEP 23, 2007 (VIS) - This morning, the Holy Father made a pastoral visit to Velletri, south of Rome, where he presided at a Eucharistic celebration in the cathedral square. Benedict XVI held the title of the suburbicarian diocese of Velletri-Segni from the year 1993 until his election to the pontificate in April 2005. His successor as the titular holder of the diocese is Cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, while the incumbent is Bishop Vincenzo Apicella.
In his homily the Pope commented on today's Gospel reading of the dishonest manager, and reflected on the danger of excessive attachment to money and material wealth.
"In truth," he told the several thousand faithful who had gathered to hear him, "life is always a choice: between faithfulness and unfaithfulness, between selfishness and altruism, between good and evil. The end of this particular Gospel passage is incisive and peremptory: no servant can serve two masters," which in the final analysis means "you cannot serve God and wealth."
"A fundamental decision is, then, necessary," Pope Benedict proceeded, "the choice between the logic of profit as the ultimate criteria for our actions and the logic of sharing and solidarity. If the logic of profit prevails, the imbalance between poor and rich increases, as does the ruinous exploitation of the planet. When, on the other hand, the logic of sharing and solidarity prevails it is possible to alter and redirect our course towards equal development and the common good of everyone. Ultimately it is a decision between selfishness and love, between justice and dishonesty, ... between God and Satan.
"If loving Christ and our fellow man is not considered as a superficial accessory," he added, "but rather as the real and ultimate aim of our entire life, we must know how to take fundamental decisions, to be ready to make radical sacrifices, if necessary even unto martyrdom. Today, as yesterday, the life of Christians calls for the courage to swim against the tide, to love like Jesus Who went so far as to sacrifice Himself upon the cross."
After the Mass, the Pope blessed a bronze column given to him a year ago as a gift by 100 Bavarian cities to mark his apostolic trip to Germany and his 80th birthday. Two columns were made, one is in the Pope's home town of Marktl am Inn, the other has been donated by him to the diocese of Velletri-Segni.
After bidding farewell to the civil and religious authorities of Velletri, the Holy Father returned to the Apostolic Palace at Castelgandolfo where he prayed the Angelus.
PV-ITALY/WEALTH/VELLETRI VIS 070924 (460)
MONEY CAN LEAD MAN INTO BLIND SELFISHNESS
VATICAN CITY, SEP 23, 2007 (VIS) - At midday today, Benedict XVI appeared at the balcony overlooking the internal courtyard of the Apostolic Palace of Castelgandolfo to pray the Angelus with the faithful gathered there.
Before the Marian prayer, the Pope recalled his visit that morning to the diocese of Velletri where he had dedicated his homily to "the correct use of worldly goods." Through the parable from the Gospel of St. Luke concerning a dishonest but shrewd manager, he said, Christ taught His disciples the best way to employ material wealth.
"Money is not of itself 'dishonest'," affirmed the Holy Father, "but more than anything else it has the power to lead man into blind selfishness. What is needed, then, is to achieve a kind of 'conversion' of economic resources: instead of using them for our own interests, we must think of the needs of the poor, imitating Christ Himself Who ... 'though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich'."
"At this point," he went on, "we could open a vast and complex field of reflection on the question of wealth and poverty, also on a world scale, in which two forms of economic logic come face to face: the logic of profit and that of the equal distribution of wealth. These do not contradict one another so long as their relationship is well regulated.
"Catholic social doctrine," the Pope added, "has always supported the idea that the equal distribution of wealth is a priority," although "profit is, of course, legitimate and, in appropriate measure, necessary for economic development." In this context, Benedict XVI recalled how, in his Encyclical "Centesimus annus," John Paul II had written: "The modern business economy has positive aspects. Its basis is human freedom exercised in the economic field, just as it is exercised in many other fields." Yet, Pope Benedict added, "capitalism must not be considered as the only valid model of economic organization."
"The urgent problems of hunger and the environment provide mounting evidence, that the logic of profit, if it prevails, increases the imbalance between rich and poor in a ruinous exploitation of the planet. When, on the other hand, the logic of sharing and solidarity prevails it is possible to alter and redirect our course towards equal and sustainable development."
ANG/WEALTH/... VIS 070924 (400)
VATICAN CITY, SEP 23, 2007 (VIS) - This morning, the Holy Father made a pastoral visit to Velletri, south of Rome, where he presided at a Eucharistic celebration in the cathedral square. Benedict XVI held the title of the suburbicarian diocese of Velletri-Segni from the year 1993 until his election to the pontificate in April 2005. His successor as the titular holder of the diocese is Cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, while the incumbent is Bishop Vincenzo Apicella.
In his homily the Pope commented on today's Gospel reading of the dishonest manager, and reflected on the danger of excessive attachment to money and material wealth.
"In truth," he told the several thousand faithful who had gathered to hear him, "life is always a choice: between faithfulness and unfaithfulness, between selfishness and altruism, between good and evil. The end of this particular Gospel passage is incisive and peremptory: no servant can serve two masters," which in the final analysis means "you cannot serve God and wealth."
"A fundamental decision is, then, necessary," Pope Benedict proceeded, "the choice between the logic of profit as the ultimate criteria for our actions and the logic of sharing and solidarity. If the logic of profit prevails, the imbalance between poor and rich increases, as does the ruinous exploitation of the planet. When, on the other hand, the logic of sharing and solidarity prevails it is possible to alter and redirect our course towards equal development and the common good of everyone. Ultimately it is a decision between selfishness and love, between justice and dishonesty, ... between God and Satan.
"If loving Christ and our fellow man is not considered as a superficial accessory," he added, "but rather as the real and ultimate aim of our entire life, we must know how to take fundamental decisions, to be ready to make radical sacrifices, if necessary even unto martyrdom. Today, as yesterday, the life of Christians calls for the courage to swim against the tide, to love like Jesus Who went so far as to sacrifice Himself upon the cross."
After the Mass, the Pope blessed a bronze column given to him a year ago as a gift by 100 Bavarian cities to mark his apostolic trip to Germany and his 80th birthday. Two columns were made, one is in the Pope's home town of Marktl am Inn, the other has been donated by him to the diocese of Velletri-Segni.
After bidding farewell to the civil and religious authorities of Velletri, the Holy Father returned to the Apostolic Palace at Castelgandolfo where he prayed the Angelus.
PV-ITALY/WEALTH/VELLETRI VIS 070924 (460)
MONEY CAN LEAD MAN INTO BLIND SELFISHNESS
VATICAN CITY, SEP 23, 2007 (VIS) - At midday today, Benedict XVI appeared at the balcony overlooking the internal courtyard of the Apostolic Palace of Castelgandolfo to pray the Angelus with the faithful gathered there.
Before the Marian prayer, the Pope recalled his visit that morning to the diocese of Velletri where he had dedicated his homily to "the correct use of worldly goods." Through the parable from the Gospel of St. Luke concerning a dishonest but shrewd manager, he said, Christ taught His disciples the best way to employ material wealth.
"Money is not of itself 'dishonest'," affirmed the Holy Father, "but more than anything else it has the power to lead man into blind selfishness. What is needed, then, is to achieve a kind of 'conversion' of economic resources: instead of using them for our own interests, we must think of the needs of the poor, imitating Christ Himself Who ... 'though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich'."
"At this point," he went on, "we could open a vast and complex field of reflection on the question of wealth and poverty, also on a world scale, in which two forms of economic logic come face to face: the logic of profit and that of the equal distribution of wealth. These do not contradict one another so long as their relationship is well regulated.
"Catholic social doctrine," the Pope added, "has always supported the idea that the equal distribution of wealth is a priority," although "profit is, of course, legitimate and, in appropriate measure, necessary for economic development." In this context, Benedict XVI recalled how, in his Encyclical "Centesimus annus," John Paul II had written: "The modern business economy has positive aspects. Its basis is human freedom exercised in the economic field, just as it is exercised in many other fields." Yet, Pope Benedict added, "capitalism must not be considered as the only valid model of economic organization."
"The urgent problems of hunger and the environment provide mounting evidence, that the logic of profit, if it prevails, increases the imbalance between rich and poor in a ruinous exploitation of the planet. When, on the other hand, the logic of sharing and solidarity prevails it is possible to alter and redirect our course towards equal and sustainable development."
ANG/WEALTH/... VIS 070924 (400)
In Our Backyard!
From the Carroll County Times of this morning, Monday, Septmerb 24, 2007
God's calling, Maryland women feel compelled to join priesthood, despite opposition from Roman Catholic officials
By Diane Reynolds, Times Staff Writer
Monday, September 24, 2007
[xmlslideshow:300:240:4:0]
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For Gloria Carpeneto, being faithful to God's call meant being ordained as a deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. The ordination took place July 14 in New York City, where Carpeneto, a Catonsville resident, joined three other women who were ordained by Bishop Patricia Fresen - despite the fact the church officially forbids female ordination.The women belong to a growing movement that no longer simply argues for women's rights but is creating an alternative Catholic church, whether the official church likes it or not."Women, thank God, are coming to value themselves as full human beings, fully in the image of God like men," said Andrea Johnson of Annapolis, one of the four to be ordained. "You can't put that back in the bottle."The women bishops performing the ordinations were themselves ordained by an Argentinean Catholic priest who has broken ranks with the Vatican, and by European priests whose names are not public, Johnson said.It is the custom and long tradition of the Catholic church that it takes three bishops to ordain a new bishop, Johnson said.But according to Helen Osman, spokeswoman for the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops, only the pope can appoint a bishop.The women ordained accept that their ordinations are illicit under canon law 1024, which forbids female ordination.However, they argue that, while illicit, the ordinations are valid because they can be traced back to the apostles of Jesus and because it has only been in recent years that only the pope could appoint bishops.
By Diane Reynolds, Times Staff Writer
Monday, September 24, 2007
[xmlslideshow:300:240:4:0]
-->
For Gloria Carpeneto, being faithful to God's call meant being ordained as a deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. The ordination took place July 14 in New York City, where Carpeneto, a Catonsville resident, joined three other women who were ordained by Bishop Patricia Fresen - despite the fact the church officially forbids female ordination.The women belong to a growing movement that no longer simply argues for women's rights but is creating an alternative Catholic church, whether the official church likes it or not."Women, thank God, are coming to value themselves as full human beings, fully in the image of God like men," said Andrea Johnson of Annapolis, one of the four to be ordained. "You can't put that back in the bottle."The women bishops performing the ordinations were themselves ordained by an Argentinean Catholic priest who has broken ranks with the Vatican, and by European priests whose names are not public, Johnson said.It is the custom and long tradition of the Catholic church that it takes three bishops to ordain a new bishop, Johnson said.But according to Helen Osman, spokeswoman for the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops, only the pope can appoint a bishop.The women ordained accept that their ordinations are illicit under canon law 1024, which forbids female ordination.However, they argue that, while illicit, the ordinations are valid because they can be traced back to the apostles of Jesus and because it has only been in recent years that only the pope could appoint bishops.
Monday Reflection: September 24, 2007
Today's gospel reading raises this question in my mind: "Does the average Roman Catholic (whatever 'average' might mean!!!) ever consider a singular danger that exists in the world simply because he/she is a Christian, let along a Roman Catholic? That danger? Some call it embarrassment, others shame, still others fear --- at being pointed out as "Christian" or "Catholic." So intense might those feelings be that the believer weakens. There is the temptation to hide one's faith beneath the bed.
The Catholic today is not challenged to from door-to-door proclaiming that Jesus Christ has captured our lives, our hearts. But we are challenged to stand up for our faith, for our love of Jesus and our Church by our actions. Few, if any readers of this blog, will confront martyrdom for the faith. Nevertheless, each day Catholics are challenged to profess what we say we believe. We are challenged to live the consequences of our "credo" by the way we live our lives, by our defense of the morals that derive from the commandments. Who finds it easy to make religion a part of one's daily life whether at work, at home or with friends?
Jesus teaches us that much will be expected from those to whom much has been given. Consider that "much" in your life. The concept refers to much more than things, money or power. Who remembers the many other blessings given us each day? Here is a partial list: (hopefully) good parents, siblings, the favorite grandparent or uncle or aunt; or the job that provides the means for some desires and needs; or one's vocation to priesthood, diaconate, married life; one's husband or wife, the children God has given you; the friends that fill your life; the education you were given? But don't forget this: our Christian and specifically Roman Catholic faith. With so many treasured gifts given to us each day, much will be expected.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Sunday Reflection: September 23, 2007
The Lord be with you. Recently a report of a study Pew Foundation) conducted last Fall among Generation Next members offered a picture of where much of our younger population stands today. GenNexters those between the ages of 18 and 25 years. When asked what goals they had set for themselves, 80% said that becoming rich was either their most important or second goal for the years ahead. Some 50% reported that becoming famous was a highly valued goal.
This report fits well with the gospel story today. Perhaps the patron saint of the Gen Nexters should be the steward Jesus described. That steward was clearly seeking a comfortable way of life by limiting his master’s income and by easing the burden of his master’s debtors. The master was shrewd enough to recognize the steward’s worldliness even if what he did was fueled by dishonesty. The steward is a model of concern first and foremost for oneself — which seems to be the primary way of thinking among the Gen Nexters.
Jesus knew well the many people who are trying to live a spiritual life often fail to be enterprising, energetic and resourceful when it comes to caring for the spiritual well-being of our communities – our families, our work community, our neighbors and our parish community. Too often we slip up when there is a genuine opportunity to offer a suggestion of encouragement or correction when it would help another person. In our times we default to a so-called respect for privacy rather than becoming involved with others who seem headed for what is not good. We forget that being a follower of Jesus Christ also expects of us to care for one another. Jesus taught us that time and again in his homilies, his teachings.
We might ask ourselves if we are lukewarm when it comes to developing a genuine and strong spiritual life that is directed both toward God and our neighbor. 20% of the Gen Nexters reported that they have no religious affiliation or that they are agnostic or atheist. This 20% is double was was reported in a similar study in the late 1980s. This should give all of us a cause to wonder what has happen ed. Why are the Gen Nexters so distant from God? I think we might ask ourselves: how strongly have we tried to make religion in our lives, our community lives? Could we be allying ourselves with the view of the Gen Nexters who believe that only 40% of their generation sees becoming more spiritual as an important goal for living?
"Becoming spiritual" is what St. Paul encouraged those who listened to him. He encouraged them to develop a living relationship with God that would extend to love for others. A living relationship with God: let’s look at this for a moment. If a couple are dating or are married, could you call it a living relationship if there is only weekly or monthly contact between the couple? A living relationship with God is no different. It requires more than a weekend Mass. It is a bold statement to make but I often have wondered if the new kind of life put on the priest’s desk today has greatly diminished the living relationship with God which consequently has diminished his own spiritual life which then has weakened his ability to be a man of prayer and reflection. St. Paul’s letter contains a telling remark about priestly holiness. He wants for them a "quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity."
The same for parents: has the increased activities that have been put upon parents’ plates also brought about a diminished spirituality, a diminished ability to make religion important in the day-to-day life of their children. Just a question, not an accusation!
I believe most priests today would say that our society is materially rich, but it is spiritually poor in so many ways. Yet, God continues through the Church and writings of the gospels to present his desire for all of us to have that same time for a "quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity" so that we can strengthen our own spirituality. Without we will never accomplish it. Ask yourself: how much time do I spend in personal prayer and communal worship? How much time do I spend in caring for the physical and spiritual needs of others ... especially teaching our children about God and our Church?
As St. Paul says in the letter to Timothy, God "wills everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." Can God bring this about without my help, without your help? This is a serious question for each of us today.
This report fits well with the gospel story today. Perhaps the patron saint of the Gen Nexters should be the steward Jesus described. That steward was clearly seeking a comfortable way of life by limiting his master’s income and by easing the burden of his master’s debtors. The master was shrewd enough to recognize the steward’s worldliness even if what he did was fueled by dishonesty. The steward is a model of concern first and foremost for oneself — which seems to be the primary way of thinking among the Gen Nexters.
Jesus knew well the many people who are trying to live a spiritual life often fail to be enterprising, energetic and resourceful when it comes to caring for the spiritual well-being of our communities – our families, our work community, our neighbors and our parish community. Too often we slip up when there is a genuine opportunity to offer a suggestion of encouragement or correction when it would help another person. In our times we default to a so-called respect for privacy rather than becoming involved with others who seem headed for what is not good. We forget that being a follower of Jesus Christ also expects of us to care for one another. Jesus taught us that time and again in his homilies, his teachings.
We might ask ourselves if we are lukewarm when it comes to developing a genuine and strong spiritual life that is directed both toward God and our neighbor. 20% of the Gen Nexters reported that they have no religious affiliation or that they are agnostic or atheist. This 20% is double was was reported in a similar study in the late 1980s. This should give all of us a cause to wonder what has happen ed. Why are the Gen Nexters so distant from God? I think we might ask ourselves: how strongly have we tried to make religion in our lives, our community lives? Could we be allying ourselves with the view of the Gen Nexters who believe that only 40% of their generation sees becoming more spiritual as an important goal for living?
"Becoming spiritual" is what St. Paul encouraged those who listened to him. He encouraged them to develop a living relationship with God that would extend to love for others. A living relationship with God: let’s look at this for a moment. If a couple are dating or are married, could you call it a living relationship if there is only weekly or monthly contact between the couple? A living relationship with God is no different. It requires more than a weekend Mass. It is a bold statement to make but I often have wondered if the new kind of life put on the priest’s desk today has greatly diminished the living relationship with God which consequently has diminished his own spiritual life which then has weakened his ability to be a man of prayer and reflection. St. Paul’s letter contains a telling remark about priestly holiness. He wants for them a "quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity."
The same for parents: has the increased activities that have been put upon parents’ plates also brought about a diminished spirituality, a diminished ability to make religion important in the day-to-day life of their children. Just a question, not an accusation!
I believe most priests today would say that our society is materially rich, but it is spiritually poor in so many ways. Yet, God continues through the Church and writings of the gospels to present his desire for all of us to have that same time for a "quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity" so that we can strengthen our own spirituality. Without we will never accomplish it. Ask yourself: how much time do I spend in personal prayer and communal worship? How much time do I spend in caring for the physical and spiritual needs of others ... especially teaching our children about God and our Church?
As St. Paul says in the letter to Timothy, God "wills everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." Can God bring this about without my help, without your help? This is a serious question for each of us today.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Local Sister Fighting for Unisured Children
Sister Carol Keehan, a Daughter of Charity, and formerly the President of Providence Hospital in Washington, DC, has taken her newest position to confront President Bush's announced plans to veto a health bill that would greatly impact millions of uninsured children. Go get 'em Sister!
Catholic Health Association to President Bush: Nine Million Uninsured Children Need Your Help, Not Your Veto
(HealthNewsDigest.com) - WASHINGTON --
Sister Carol Keehan, DC, president and chief executive officer of the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA), issued the following statement.The Catholic Health Association is offended by President Bush's statement today that he will veto bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). It is still not too late for the President to change his mind and do what is right for children in this country.When any child is allowed to go without health care, we as a nation do not meet our moral obligations or show our compassion. Congress has passed responsible, bipartisan legislation that the public widely supports. It is time for President Bush to stop building barriers to children's coverage and instead do what the nation wants him to do-provide children with a healthier, brighter future.The Administration is trying to confuse the American people by saying that reauthorizing SCHIP would create government-run health care. That is simply not true. Now that we have ten years of successful experience with SCHIP, we know for certain that it provides coverage for uninsured children.
Catholic Health Association to President Bush: Nine Million Uninsured Children Need Your Help, Not Your Veto
(HealthNewsDigest.com) - WASHINGTON --
Sister Carol Keehan, DC, president and chief executive officer of the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA), issued the following statement.The Catholic Health Association is offended by President Bush's statement today that he will veto bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). It is still not too late for the President to change his mind and do what is right for children in this country.When any child is allowed to go without health care, we as a nation do not meet our moral obligations or show our compassion. Congress has passed responsible, bipartisan legislation that the public widely supports. It is time for President Bush to stop building barriers to children's coverage and instead do what the nation wants him to do-provide children with a healthier, brighter future.The Administration is trying to confuse the American people by saying that reauthorizing SCHIP would create government-run health care. That is simply not true. Now that we have ten years of successful experience with SCHIP, we know for certain that it provides coverage for uninsured children.
Saturday Reflection: September 22, 2007
Painting: The Sower by VanGoghLike an excellent preacher, Jesus uses examples that are familiar to his hearers. A part of the life of his contemporaries was, of course, agriculture. Most of the people knew the ups and downs of planting and harvesting. They knew all too well of the times when the plantings did not result in a good harvest.
The story of the sower was one way Jesus tried to teach his followers and us that God is always planting seeds in our lives, the seeds of his graces. However, as bountiful as God might be as the divine sower, some people never allow those blessings to come into their lives. Others engage the blessings for a time but eventually allow them to die for lack of nourishment. Some are caught up with great excitement but soon find those blessings strangled by the felt needs for things, for power, for pleasures that kill any growth of the blessings. Some, however, accept the gift and continue throughout their lives to make the blessing shine like a treasured piece of silver or gold.
Like the farmers, God continues planting the seeds of his blessings for all of us. Some may walk away from God, but his love for us is without reservation. He continues to follow after us, giving us the means to become one day a part of his kingdom.
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