Reflection E Pluribus Unum is the traditional motto of the United States and proclaims in Latin “out of many, one”. We might take the time to reflect on what it says and what we want to believe about this nation: that a diverse people can achieve unity. Unity is about affirming commonalities. It promotes living in harmony with others. Unity is…
Reflection Your kindness should be known to all. Philippians4:4-7 If we wrap ourselves in religious arrogance we are poor witnesses to the gospel. We are called to have regard for the feelings, rights, and traditions of others. Courtesy and consideration are marks of this respect whether we agree with them or not. To dishonor someone publically, to scorn and condemn…
Reflection If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all. Mark 9:30-37 We have entered the period in this country when the news is focused on those aspiring to political power. Seldom do we see the words of Jesus reflected in a sincere political discourse. If we are paying attention, we…
Reflection When we look at all the pain, sorrow, poverty, tragedy, and divisions in the world today, our courage is tested. How many of us truly believe that our faith can uproot trees or move mountains? Yet, this is the analogy Jesus made. Faith grows as we mature in our spiritual life. It gives us the impetus through the Spirit…
Autumn Equinox Reflection There is poignancy to autumn. This is the time of harvest. The plants have achieved their fullness and now they offer their fruits and drop their seeds. The trees, whose new green announced springtime, will lose their green and reveal the brilliant oranges, reds and yellows that were hidden beneath. The early dawn of mornings and the…
Reflection We are living at a time when there is urgency for us to reawaken our spiritual connection with the natural world. The damaged Earth is calling humanity into a new relationship with it based not on technology and the economic advancement of some, but on a view that honors and respects the interconnection of all life and the earth…
Reflection We can reject everything else: religion, ideology, all received wisdom. But we cannot escape the necessity of love and compassion. This, then, is my true religion, my simple faith. In this sense, there is no need for temple or church, for mosque or synagogue, no need for complicated philosophy, doctrine or dogma. Our own heart, our own mind, is…
In an effort to move beyond promises and pledges, leaders from around the world joined the faith community and others last week in San Francisco to put on display actions under way to address the global threat of climate change, and to mobilize even more. The Sisters of St. Joseph were represented by Sister Karen Burke who was invited as…
Yom Kippur Reflection Tonight begins Yom Kippur also known as the Day of Atonement, the most solemn of the Jewish holidays. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. It is a day set aside to “afflict the soul,” to atone for the sins of the past year, a day for amendment of behavior and seeking of forgiveness for wrongs done…
Feast of Hildegarde of Bingen Reflection According to both biblical and extra-biblical sources, during the first several centuries of the early church, the involvement of women was strong. Historically we know that they did all types of apostolic work and had apostolic influence. The letters of Paul reveal the names of many women who were active disciples. This changed as…