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Daily Reflections Earth Healing

Daily Reflections
by Al Fritsch, S.J.

A series of written meditations and reflections

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Table of Contents: Daily Reflections

February 2010
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Copyright © 2010 by Al Fritsch

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Snow in cups of the wild carrot, Daucus carota.
(photo: Janet Powell)

February Reflections, 2010

We are at February again; it comes more frequently than when we were younger -- but that is because we are older, and life hurries up as we advance in age. Actually, while February comes ever so often, it seems to tarry ever so long. "Nothing is slower than molasses in January than molasses in February." Time seems to quicken when we don't want it to, but it tarries in February for most of us, especially those who find wintery roads difficult. Granted some like the snow for skiing and the ice for skating, but all that comes to mind for elders is the challenge to maneuver an icy stretch of highway or sidewalk.

Really we need to arise in February, for nature invites us to turn over the soil for a new garden year. Likewise the Lenten season invites us to improve our observational skills. We cannot help but notice that the daylight span is increasing as darkness recedes; the wild garlic becomes greener; the mourning dove call is more distinct this month; the sap in the maples is starting to rise; Kentuckians are moved to sow their peas and initiate the planting season. In February, we attempt to practice patience, for spring warmth will come all too soon in this the warmest decade in modern weather record-keeping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Quaking aspen, Populus tremuloides. Rowan Co., KY.
(
*photo credit)

February 1, 2010 Proclaim Salvation For All

     Two months ago in Copenhagen the challenge was placed by the poor nations; if we are to save this world we must all be willing to share in a radical manner. Response was mixed but the one hundred billion dollars per year in 2020 was a good beginning. What we are all coming to through kicking and screaming is that "Salvation is for all, not just the privileged." However to understand and champion this universal outlook is itself a privilege of grace.

     They say "hindsight" is an exact science. We do look to history of both longer- and shorter term, for possibilities as how to act now. The Lord has given us a glimpse as to what lies just beyond the horizon, but to reach that goal up ahead involves taking risks. In Luke 4:21-30, Jesus' message turns an astonished hometown audience into an enraged one. We might wonder why people so suddenly wanted to kill him. Jesus does not cater to the hometown audience as though they are privileged to dictate how to act or what to say.

     Jesus goes out to people everywhere, for all enter his arena of love. For selfish people, thinking globally is to diminish local privilege. Jesus speaks directly to the heart of the matter; he never minces words; his heart goes out to people in distant places well beyond the area his immediate ministry -- which is beyond his hometown. Does saving all mean sharing limited resources with people throughout the world? Yes, all are to be saved, not just our own folks. Increasingly, in recent world conferences, differences in rich/poor viewpoints have become more pronounced. Do we preserve high consumption rates among a few, or do we share health, food and other benefits with the great masses?

     Just as it was risky for Jesus to deliver his message two thousand years ago, so a prophetic voice calling for the saving of all is a risky message today. Silence is not golden under such circumstances. One must share, and that means turning luxuries into essentials for others in Africa. We are anointed by the oils of Baptism to be a prophetic people, and that means we should not remain silent. To be true is to speak, even when what is spoken is not well received or even provokes violent responses.

     People in local communities and parishes are asked to share radically with others. One parish in Tennessee changed its building program and assisted a poor parish in Haiti. Some individuals curb their food budgets in order to share with people in India. In speaking of a prophetic outward vision, one must challenge those who hear or read these words. Where is the need the greatest? Are people hungry for Christ in our local county or community? How do we go out to all the world except through this radical sharing with them from our surpluses?

     Prayer: Lord teach us to proclaim the need to share radically with our neighbor and to encourage others to do the same.

 

 

 

 

 


A candle to set the dark night aglow.
(*photo credit)

February 2, 2010 Candles and Other Energy Sources

     Each year on Candlemas Day we are carried back to the rich tradition of using candles for special events and seasons: birthday candles, altar candles, candles at Baptism, Advent candles, blessed candles lit during storms, dinner candles, candelabras, Christmas wreath candles, and on and on. We realize that the light of a candle (candle power) is quite small, and yet this flame has been satisfactory as a source of light for generations of our ancestors. Along with the various types of candles are a host of associated emotions: commitment, anticipation, protection, conviviality, solemnity, and intimacy to name but a few. Candles when lit symbolize enlightenment in a special way. "Light a candle; don't curse the darkness." Enlightenment gives us direction on our way and light by which to read. Although candles are a weak source of illumination, they are strong symbols of how we ought to act. However, candles have some inherent weaknesses that we ought to recall:

     Candles are expensive. Conservative candle users limit the time in which they allow them to burn. In former times, the differences in the ordinary monetary offering for a "low" Mass (two candles) and that of a "high" Mass (six candles) were partly based on candle costs. Remember blessed candles used in such services were made from beeswax -- and that can be expensive. So are modern sources of energy costly, especially if we are to choose nuclear power operations at price tags of six billion dollars and rising per powerplant, along with uncalculated additional environmental costs. "Clean" coal demands more and more taxpayer money as well.

     Candles are dangerous. One cringes to think that the Swedish girls would wear rings of lit candles on St. Lucy's Day, or Germanic folks may light candles at the Christmas tree (heavens forbid). All too often candles have been left burning after a meal or services, with some drastic results. Thus certain energy sources are dangerous, even when forgetting the dangers to the environment associated with fossil or nuclear fuel sources.

     Candles are temperamental. I recall the process of the unsteady hand (my own) attempting to light or extinguish candles at the high altar using a taper-holding device. Candles can easily topple or drip or fail to catch, or their wick can get buried in the molten wax; sometimes they cease burning or fail to start. In much the same way, many renewable sources of energy seem perfect from a distance, and then the clouds block the sun and the winds cease blowing when energy is needed. Energy production can be challenging even from renewable energy sources.

     Candles are finite. They can give only so much light. All energy sources are finite whether in the materials and finances needed to install or in the resulting useful energy produced.

     Prayer: Lord, as the light of day extends, help us to bless the light You give us to help find our way in the world.

 

 

 

 

 


Earth's magnificence. Corbin sandstone boulder as substrate
for life. Carter Co., KY.
(*photo credit)

February 3, 2010 Take and Receive Abundant Blessings

     Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Blessing on St. Blaise's Day)

     Once a year we ask a special protection for our continued good health, realizing that we are always subject to mishaps and illnesses that afflict human life in general. Seeking protection through the intercession of the saints is an age-old communal exercise, but more; we place ourselves within God's familial embrace and realize that many blessings are always forthcoming.

     Today we use a blessing of St. Blaise who was a fourth century Armenian bishop, but little is known about his life. Legend has it that Blaise saved the life of a boy with a fish bone stuck in his throat, the son of a woman who brought food and candles to him while he was imprisoned for his faith. That gesture of good will extends to us today.

     Why is this the most popular blessing in this country and in many Christian communities worldwide? Part of this is due to the deep-seated practice that goes back to the eighth century. People have always had a fear of sudden diseases and life-threatening accidents that can occur either to themselves or others when they least expect them. Choking from food is always a great fear, for we know of cases in restaurants and hear how people save others from death through quick action. We desire protection from such accidents -- and from such diseases as H1N1 flu that could strike with dramatic suddenness. Calling on the saints can be a public sign of the constant need for divine providence and heavenly assistance. St. Blaise's Day is celebrated by the Russian Orthodox on February 11th.

     Rather than hoping that this blessing goes by the wayside of "progress," it may be better that blessings be extended to others. One person, a Baptist, observed that a female Catholic soldier always blesses the Humvees in Iraq. Someone asked him why he awaited her blessing. He said that he noted that all the blessed vehicles returned, and he knew a good thing when he saw it. Certainly, that answer borders on the superstitious, but it also includes the acknowledgment that blessings help us all find the divine Providence so necessary for ordinary daily living. The world would be a better place if more blessings were asked and more given. We are part of a needy family that could use the spiritual and moral support of others, especially those who have accomplished the journey of life and are crowned with victory.

     Prayer: Lord, we seek your special protection, especially in times of epidemics and troubles. Guard us and help us to do your will. Give us good companions to help us on our journey of life, and open our eyes to look out for blessings given and opportunities to give blessings in return.

 

 

 

 

 

February 4, 2010 Obtain "Tobacco Days: A Personal Journey"

     Most books take a long time in formation. In 2002, when completing my directorship of public interest groups after thirty- two years, I considered a project to examine how my family was engaged in wars of the past two centuries, and thus I conceived of a trilogy that would involve war memories of the Civil War and Second World War, the Franco-Prussian War (1870) and the "Tobacco Wars" of the early twentieth century in our part of Kentucky. Through research during my sabbatical I prepared two essays on the first events. However, I became increasingly puzzled by my family's participation in the Tobacco Wars in and near our home county. In fact, the failure to surface specifics about the domestic squabbles (everyone remained silent) caused me to turn my attention to the concept of tobacco itself. How did this beautiful and yet mesmerizing plant enthrall and overwhelm our family and neighbors in a mere lifetime? And this story included all for better (economic) and worse (health deterioration and death to certain individuals) aspects of the tobacco culture.

     As the facts began to reveal themselves, it was painfully apparent that my gradual change of attitude took place over eight decades and that each of these spans of time triggered a difference in outlook. I moved from seeing tobacco as an unqualified good, through realizing the damage misuse can do, to a more neutral view that the substance can be a good as teacher and, if alternative uses occur soon, as a healer. In addition, tobacco use as a lesson on deliberate corporate misuse is something much needed by a consumption-ridden culture like ours; furthermore our tobacco story needs to be shared with other people who are going through their uncritical love affair with tobacco use. Millions die each year and the numbers are rising at an alarming rate.

     Tobacco Days is a gentle story of someone spared by the unhealthy effects long enough to lay a case out to others. This applies to those who are in health policy, administration and care, and to those who want a loved one to break an addiction, which can harm both the smoker and nearby relatives and associates. The purpose of the book is often more serious than the rather humorous manner in which the story unfolds, but sometimes when we chuckle we are striving to prove a point: Stop current tobacco use. All the while, my admiration for the tobacco plant is undiminished. Beyond my lifetime, tobacco could be a source of protein for a hungry world. Tobacco can be redeemed -- and that makes this work theological as well as scientific, political, economic and social.

     The book is being published by Brassica Books. Details on how to obtain a copy are given in the Publications section of this website.

     Prayer: Lord, help us to get this book into the hands of a few who are smoking themselves to death. If only a few can be encouraged to change from this practice we will have achieved something.

 

 

 

 

 



Ice of a small stream.  Franklin Co., KY.
(*photo credit)

February 5, 2010 Realize That Weather is Important

     On Weatherman's Day, let's consider that each of us is to be a "weatherperson," not just certain gifted or tv-friendly and presentable individuals. On venturing outside we want to know exactly what is happening today weatherwise. Will winter let up today? Are there any new signs of spring? We may return and check the weather maps on the Internet, television or newspaper; we listen to weather reports when planning trips. If a storm front is coming, we prepare for it, or postpone the travel for safety's sake. With each passing year, weather maps are more accurate, as meteorological science becomes more sophisticated. The maps can tell us the patterns of the next few days with reasonable accuracy -- and we tend to pay attention before confronting the "elements."

     Some of us experience mood changes when the barometer takes a sudden dip -- and with time learn that our important life decisions must take weather into account. We weather-sensitive people should not decide matters when the barometer is low or changing --- and maybe some ought to refrain from decisions when temperatures are too low or high (this century has already had record high summers). Know exactly what the environmental conditions are when we choose certain life-altering actions. Most of the time I must go out of doors each morning just to get a "feel" as to what the day is to be like (yes, my outdoors inspection says it will snow today as this is being written), Farmers make daily decisions for planting and harvesting based on the immediate weather conditions.

     I doubt whether the home-bound or those working from their place of residence are as interested in weather as those who must go outdoors to work or travel or play. Even the home-bound must go to the doctor or other places and want to know about road conditions. The weather enters into our scheduling of events. What if that rare trip is slated for next weekend but a major storm is expected -- and cancellations and delays could be reasonably expected? Think ahead; we can't change the weather, but we can change our weather-dependent activities. In the past, the word "journey" had involved a hardship component, and this has never completely disappeared, even though travel is more comfortable than in times of stagecoaches and sailing ships.

     Longer term weather predictions as to how cold the rest of winter will be or how hot we may anticipate this coming summer being are somewhat problematic -- even for the professional forecaster. Those who guess by wooly worm color or the thickness of animal coats or groundhog shadows are right about half the time -- as are the rest of us. We need not know that much about the future even though climate change seems here to stay and affects us deeply. Tomorrow will bring weather that we must prepare for.

     Prayer: Lord, teach us to be observant to the signs of the heavens as Jesus tells us; help us to know what is coming and to realize that this influences the way we act here and now.

 

 

 

 

 


Tree gall against winter landscape.
Clyde E. Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary.
(*photo credit)

February 6, 2010 Consider Lenten Diet Changes

     Lent is a perfect time to change our ways. Each of us should consider our current eating habits, some of which could be moderated according to the threefold legs of good diet: nutritious, low-cost, and locally-grown foods:

     1. Grow your own fresh salad vegetables this year. During this non-growing part of the year I have enjoyed homegrown kale, mustard, collards, radish tops, turnips, carrots, garlic and spinach. These veggies replace costly store-purchases, are local and are highly nutritious. Consider growing them throughout the year using protective cover and add others that grow well in your micro-climate.

     2. Omit soft drinks and go to water, fruit or vegetable juice, herbal drinks or even coffee and tea. Soft drinks are expensive, contain excessive levels of refined sugar, and generally are supplied from distant bottling plants with no responsibility attached for picking up and reusing the containers.

     3. Use locally-grown herbs for spicing. This is low cost and saves on the purchase of salad dressing and various seasonings;

     4. Prepare steamed veggies (cabbage, carrots or turnips) for breakfast using Quick Eggs (fat and cholesterol free and low calorie) along with a sprinkling of oatmeal. Local free-ranging chickens are a fine source of eggs, but eat eggs sparingly.

     5. Choose snack foods wisely. These are part of the diet of people who prefer to eat at irregular and frequent times. Fruit, carrots and celery are good snacks along with nuts of various types. Salty and fatty chips are to be avoided. Unsalted popcorn flavored with garlic and chili powder is a special treat.

     6. Prepare a different soup each day and use leftovers as part of the creative mix. See "Special Issues" on this website.

     7. Eat belly fillers; one example is to eat a quarter of a strong onion along with cottage cheese at one of the meals.

     8. Limit intake of bread, crackers and other carbos to a reasonable degree -- one or two slices per day. Limit pasta dishes and pancakes to weekly or a few times a month.

     9. If you are not vegetarian, at least watch and reduce the meat intake. Locally-obtained venison is highly nutritious and comes at lower cost than expensive, distantly-grown beef or chicken.

     10. Rearrange daily food intake. Make breakfast ample and the supper sparing, and eat increasingly smaller meals in between.

     Prayer: Lord, teach us to be watchful not only in prayer but in the things we eat as well.

 

 

 

 

 


 Color amidst winter forest floor. Pipsissewa, Chimaphila maculata.
(*photo credit)

February 7, 2010 Be Willing to Do the Lord's Work

     Here I am! Send me. (Isaiah 6:1-8)

     God sends us as messengers of Good News and yet some do not listen through the noise all about them; some excuse themselves for lack of hearing or a false humility; and still some seek to escape the responsibilities directed at them and direct their attention to other business, allurements and distractions. However, the Lord calls and perceiving this becomes our critical moment. Granted, we are unworthy, we recognize our escape mechanisms, and we realize that the time is short.

     In the stillness of winter when the snow falls, dampens outside noises and forces us to stay put, we have a precious moment to stand before God as Isaiah's moment of grace appears. If we are people who thank God in a spirit of ongoing gratitude, we find the gifts given deserve a recognition that goes beyond mere words; the call is to specific responsible deeds whether these be caregiving to others, fulfilling our current ministry, moving to other fields of service, or allotting free time for the benefit of our fellow human beings in need. God is powerful and willing to share power with us; we must be willing to see the deeds we can perform as powerful God-given instruments of change.

     God calls, gives us the grace to respond, and helps launch us into the deep of those in great need. Even amid difficulties and risks we are willing to say with Isaiah, "Here I am." Unless this is a very special call, I cannot abandon my present locality and move to distant places. However, the call is to be totally dedicated. Jesus calls disciples at the Lake of Galilee; his apostolic call is for them to leave everything and follow him, even to go to distant places. We also receive God's call. "Here" includes Calvary-made-present in our world, an entry into the sacred divine moment, NOW, and space, HERE.

     The task ahead is daunting. Jesus says, "Put into the deep water and lower your nets for the catch" (Luke 5:4b). The risk of failure is always present. However, God, who has given us all good gifts, will shower us with the tools to undertake the tasks ahead -- if we but truly trust in divine assistance. By saying "present" to God's unique calling, we launch into the deep and open ourselves to make Christ present to others. But launching involves risk and vulnerability on the turbulent sea of life. Our forebears decided to move out of their home security to a new life. In following the Lord, we see the fruits of our labor as being from God and that success depends on working with the Lord at this time.

     Prayer: Lord, teach us to leave the comfort and safety of our supposed securities, our couch, our nest, our inner room, and move out into the harsher and more uncertain depths. Help each of us to say "Here I am! Take me as I am," and to do so eagerly and with enthusiasm.

 

 

 

 

 


Thimbleweed, Anemone virginiana.
(*photo credit)

February 8, 2010 Are We Willing to Accept Regulations?

    The Economist puts more faith in business than most. Yet even the stolidest defenders of capitalism would, by and large, agree that its tendency to form cartels, shuffle off the cost of pollution and collapse under the weight of its own financial inventiveness, needs to be constrained by laws designed to channel its energy to the general good. Business needs governing just as science does. (The Economist 12/19/09 p. 38)

    Healing involves knowing the cause and seriousness of an illness, remaining in isolation to avoid harming others, and taking measures needed for healing. We cannot expect miracles to cure what we have caused through deliberate neglect or thoughtlessness. We are not to pollute air through some sort of "right to pollute" and then expect God to right the wrong we have done or are continuing to do. Knowledge of wrongdoing includes realizing the harm, begging forgiveness, and taking corrections.

    Wrongdoing towards our wounded Earth includes: pollution of air and water, excessive emission of carbon dioxide, salination and erosion of fertile land, and toxic contamination of land through use of pesticides and industrial chemicals. Glaciers are melting; oceans are expected to rise and storms to increase. We assure ourselves that technical remedial measures exist and that we (the affluent) can evacuate to higher grounds and build higher sea walls (all costing billions of dollars).

    Some may suggest paying for added climate change expenses through a tax on the savings that shipping companies make by using the shortcut of an ice-free Northwest Passage. Far-fetched? However, climate change realistically could be reduced through some practical measures suggested at the recent Copenhagen Conference: renewable energy and efficiency measures; transparency in programs to cut pollution; and giving a value to forests, thereby compensating poorer nations for reducing and eliminating deforestation (currently causing 20% of climate change emissions). However, few openly question a consumption-based economy that is the root cause of these environmental problems.

    Do citizens (especially affluent ones) have the will to change? Certainly some people want to simplify their lives, and want to spread the message of energy efficiency and to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. However, the critical question is: what about the vast majority? What about Chinese, Indians and others who want cars, spacious homes, electrical appliances, and more meat and processed foods? What if two billion more want to be like Americans? Yes, measures by individuals are beneficial, but not enough. Doesn't a free society demand a radical sharing of responsibilities?. Are we willing to join with others and do this? Will we accept increased regulations?

    Prayer: Lord teach us to act as a community and curb the excesses that harm our Earth, and take the needed remedial steps.

 

 

 

 



A red-bellied woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinus.
(*photo by Sally Ramsdell)

February 9, 2010 Demand Proper Financial Regulations

    Our economy is connected with our environment; to expect those of us engaged in seeking to heal our wounded Earth to refrain from being critical of the economic system that encourages wasteful consumption is erroneous. Citizens can and must regulate and reconstruct the economic system in which they must live and thrive. The question is not one of patchwork regulations for a corrupt system involving banks and financial institutions outside the law; regulations ought to be directed to confronting economic illness with authentic healing. Some desired regulations include:

    Break up the banks: The old economic ways are simply not good enough: "Too big to fail" is failure; the truth is "Failed when too big." Small is more than beautiful; it is far more practical in economic terms. Big banks are unhealthy and damage our democracy. Limit the size to which banks can grow.

    Limit financial activities: No federally insured banks or institutions should be allowed to engage in reckless speculation.  In reply to the argument that there will always be speculation (and other forms of gambling), the answer is that speculation can be strictly regulated if not abolished so that all will be unharmed.

    Limit pay levels: Why should some in this world have a "right to wealth" when others do not have enough to live on? Every effort should be made on the part of government to avoid bonuses for ALL, for there are other more healthy incentives for doing one's work. People should be able to make higher salaries; they simply should not be allowed to keep them.

    Prohibit derivatives and exotic financial instruments that are not related to the common good and defy normal regulation. Why can such economic game play even be allowed in a rational society where many are not properly fed, sheltered, educated and provided with access to health care?

    Tax the Rich: Why should the tax burden be on lower income citizens? In Kentucky (and elsewhere) the highest income one percent pay the smallest proportion of taxes. Certainly a speculation tax called for by some is only a start. Most can live well on $100,000; the remainder should be taxed for the needy.

    Jail the tax cheats and those who slip immense sums of money to overseas tax havens. Apply sanctions to the nations that are tax havens and encourage such illegal transactions.

    The first few ideas are provided in an editorial by Robert Weissman in Public Citizen News, November/December, 2009, p. 3.

    Prayer: Lord, we are overcome by a holy anger over what has occurred in our land during the last two years. Help us not to be blinded but through proper legislative action to change a system that has threatened to destroy our democracy.

 

 

 

 

 


Starling, Sturnus vulgaris.
(*photo by Sally Ramsdell)

February 10, 2010 May We Hear the Cry of the Poor

           Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right;
                 they shall be satisfied.
(Matthew 5:6)

    Is it safer to be silent about our discontent, or ought we to begin to spell out our feelings in a special way? Our discontent involves both the current "free market" economy and the gurus who promote it and intimidate us to be silent about the system's weaknesses (joblessness, undervalued resources, greed, unjust tax patterns). Since we can change the world faster and more profoundly through blessings than through curses, let us attempt a positive spin on what lies ahead -- not cursing the possible darkness that could envelop this world. Here are positive elements that are emerging:

    The poor will rise. The less-wealthy nations are realizing power in uniting and in rejecting the colonial "divide and conquer" approach of past ages. In union is strength. Demanding financial support in times of global climate change is simply asking those who sinned through wastefulness to pay for what went wrong -- the temporary effects of sin and wrongdoing. The demand that they are not to continue in their sin but to make recompense for the after- effects of wrongdoing in the past is a Christian and just demand.

    Affluence is exposed as impoverishing. This impoverishment works in several ways. Excessive wealth used for consumer goods impoverishes our Earth by excessive draining of resources that are needed for meeting the essential demands of the poor; affluence impoverishes the spiritual aspects of individuals by turning them into materialists; and affluence makes practitioners selfish and insensitive to the needs of others; lastly, affluence is an inherently bad example for those aspiring to be wealthy.

    Changes will come quickly. A world of rapid communication has a way of hastening the demand for justice; the Internet is catalytic. What is lacking among so many cannot go unnoticed with television cameras and microphones. People cry and we are to hear the cry of the poor for we are Christ's ears. We must challenge social acquiescence or a consent without protest. Injustice in all its forms needs to come to light so that, with a pure heart, justice can be distributed to all who are in need.

    Just taxes are required. In Kentucky, the top wealthy one percent has the lowest tax rates in our commonwealth; many of our taxes are quite regressive and affect the poor in the hardest way -- and our state is not alone. Not only are current tax systems unjust, they impoverish all by cutting educational, health and public service benefits. "No new taxes" is a propaganda slogan generated by those who ought to pay their fair share.

    Prayer: Oh God, Source of all justice, inflame our hearts so that they may not rest until they rest in You. Help us never to be satisfied until justice comes upon our world.

 

 

 

 


Finches enjoying the blessings of a winter birdfeeder.
(*photo by Sally Ramsdell)

February 11, 2010 Give Thanks for February's Blessings

    If finding a dozen things to be thankful for in January seemed to be a challenge, what about in February? However, here are a few that may tap your own creative wellsprings:

    * A Lenten time to reflect and meditate with fewer distractions;

    * Lengthening daylight, becoming ever more noticeable with each passing day;

    * The dawn's color with its sweeps of gray and blue. Sometimes the red streaks enter and tell us of the weather changes ahead;

    * Poetic inspiration that seems to be better suited for this month, maybe because its shortness makes us aware how passing our own mortal lives are -- and how much we more we must do today;

    * The birthdays of great people born in this month, all of which could deserve some special remembering;

    * The aroma of wood smoke from the neighboring residences that still burn a renewable resource for heating and cooking;

    * The sound of the mourning dove that gives a sense of reunion with the great outdoors and the need for new life;

    * The sight of the first robins as they move about the lawn and seem to be shivering from the cold;

    * The warm indoors that makes us comfortable and sheltered form the sharp external breezes.

    * The first outdoor work opportunity on a sunny day. Things come to mind such as initial spading of the garden plot, planting of the first peas, gathering of fallen tree branches, and grounds' clean-up that was not completed in the autumn;

    * The vigor of basketball games of all sorts being played or observed, or the other indoor sports such as racquetball and squash; and

    * The early flowers -- snowdrops, crocuses, and forsythia bushes (add, in addition, the brave dandelions that give needed color to the raw landscape).

    Prayer: Lord help us during this holy season of Lent to always rejoice and give thanks, even when this seems to be a challenge. It is far easier to beg than to thank You for gifts already given, but help us do both.

 

 

 

 

 

 


A nest in February, freshly-filled with snow.
(*photo credit)

February 12, 2010

   ODE TO THE FEBRUARY-BORN

When winter extends itself in frosty clime,
    and spring won't come, nor poems rhyme.
Such is the shortest month sublime,
    but longest, by far, in psychic time.

Sing out winter's final dirge,
    Fault the neighbor's mall-led splurge..
Exercising urge, fasting purge,
    Greenhouse starts, when spirits surge.

A birthday rite, a feast of light,
    When days get longer, an hour less night.
Hear the mourning dove, bird-starved delight.
    Listen! the tree sap's finding height.

Pouring molasses in January's a chore,
    but molasses in February is still slower.
Winter, winter, may it ebb away?
    Modest delay, oh fibbing February!

And deep down when I think this month's a crime
    I find the finest born came at this time.
There's George, Tom Edison and Honest Abe,
    and many years ago, Paul Rothkrug, a babe.*

God made the February-born doubly great,
    for these learned early to smile and wait,
To defer to those who come by late,
    to stand for justice in place of hate.

    * Dedicated to the late Paul Rothkrug on his birthday, though it could just as easily apply to other February-born.

    Prayer: Let us find every month an ideal time for something, and make the best of what we have with each opportunity. There is a time to be born and a time to die, and let us be comfortable with the times that avail themselves for important happenings.










Tree swing covered in snow.
(*photo credit)

February 13, 2010 Protest Acquiescence

    You are the ones who destroy the vineyard and conceal what you have stolen from the poor. By what right do you crush my people and grind the faces of the poor?? (Isaiah 14b-15a)

    Injustice abounds in our world. What do we do? If injustice is against me as a person, the Spirit may direct me to silence; if against another, we must protest in every way we can. Even Mary, the other women and John protested by standing beneath the cross; the other apostles in all their bravado and posturing ran and hid; the women were the protestors; the apostles the fearful ones.

    Permit me to repeat a previously told story (February 10, 2007) of once attending a global consciousness-raising game play: ninety percent of the audience were given a simple rice meal and ten percent a steak-and-gravy feast. We ninety percenters were to reflect as though we were the poor. So what did I do? Why the only Christian thing: I organized part of the majority and went over and seized the steak dishes and divided them equally; thus none would have too much and "pig out," and none were to go home somewhat hungry. Some other players (the privileged ones) complained that we spoiled the event. I protested that we made it a success. Why should we tolerate such differences and remain politely silent while others hurt themselves by overindulging?

    Protesting injustice is needed if we are to rid this world of the many obvious injustices: lack of food and essential human needs; overly wasteful affluence; the privileged going undertaxed; and a rampant militarism. Yes, all too often we persist in acting out the part of passive observers of events as though they are inevitable. We are silent with a deafening silence, for if we say something we might be declared out of order. Looking at Isaiah's words we ask whether it is we who destroy world resources and conceal this from the poor? If we allow such conditions without protest we are the ones who are party to the injustice.

    A misdirected scriptural passage relates to Jesus' saying the poor will always be with us. Taken out of context this is made to justify ongoing poverty. However, our failure to address this persistent poverty means that we will be challenged over and over -- and this means the problem will stay with us until solved. The possibility that all injustice will not be eliminated does not stop us from taking the positive steps needed at a given time. Even with all the work ahead, we must protest injustice with all our limited strength. In and through protest, we affirm the need for improvement in time -- and are willing to work for it, not to be complacent about the status quo.

    Prayer: Lord, teach us not to fear standing beneath the cross of injustice, and to show by our public stance that we are with those who suffer with Christ. When we can help remove that cross, give us the energy and courage to do so.

 

 

 

 


Remnants of summer against a wintery sky.
(*photo credit)

February 14, 2010 Blessed Are the Poor

    Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.
Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied.
(Luke 6:20-21)

    In this Year of St. Luke's Gospel, note how often the poor are mentioned: the infancy narratives, temptation of Jesus, Good Samaritan, Lazarus and the rich man, hard saying to pharisees and others, and even Jesus' initial proclamation of his mission to his home town audience; the refrain continues throughout and even through Luke's companion volume the Acts of the Apostles.

    Homily-givers, especially on Valentine's Day, are tempted to say what is pleasing and soothing. "Why bite the hand that feeds you?" Is the homily meant to increase our popularity, or does spiritual leadership demand more? We can deny our privileges, excuse ourselves as doing some things with the poor, or simply escape to other issues. But face it: we are privileged with special gifts: national security, good roads, health care systems, educational facilities, a secure food system, adequate potable water, instant communications systems, and on and on. As privileged with many gifts, we must see gifts as serious responsibilities, opportunities to share, and as resources to respect and use properly. But this is not enough for a homily.

    How can those who suffer so much be blessed? First, sufferers often have a sense of gratitude for the simple gifts given; the poor are often more receptive to seeing that they could have been overlooked and yet are somehow remembered. Some sufferers do not have such a grace of insight, and yet intuitively they know that comfort awaits them in a blessed future. . Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord (Jeremiah 17:5-8). While the poor often include imperfect people who are conniving, subservient, deceitful and even greedy, still a sizeable number are trusting in God, for how else can they survive? They can understand a spiritual blessing, while others more or less fortunate rely on seeking comfort in real or imagined material goods. And the more materials possessed, the tighter the grip the average possessor holds on his or her material things.

    Do we seek to encourage the wealthy to give up what they regard as theirs and allow this to become a double blessing? On the level of "should" one must say that when a person becomes convinced that the resources do not belong to him or her alone but to the commons, the moral imperative to liberate the rich of possessions is present. Give it up freely and generously. Such a recognition of improper ownership by the wealthy is a spiritual grace so often overlooked by those seeking to hold tightly to the status quo of wealth and poverty. Liberation is needed.

    Prayer: Lord, we are torn by our own unrecognized riches and a persistent poverty that is often beyond our limited horizons.  Make us a blessing to the poor and to become one with the poor.


Copyright © 2010 Earth Healing, Inc. All rights reserved.

Albert J. Fritsch, Director
Janet Powell, Developer
Mary Davis, Editor

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