This is a Big Mistake

I know that I have edged more towards the conservative and traditionalist over the years, but in my best reflection this has seemed to be a responsible discernment driven by my own theological education and experience of religious life. But may it never be said that I was unwilling to say something against the Holy See:

Adjusting the transcript of the Holy Father's recent remarks--as legitimate as it might be to help us to understand his meaning--is to me a serious mistake that will further distract the world (in its misunderstanding of our Catholic belief) from the real presenting question of how we are to begin to assist in the healing of the African continent and repent of our structural and historical sins against her people.

Check out the trouble here.

Memory and Compassion

Before I was a friar I was in the direct care business with the mentally retarded/developmentally disabled community. One of the most physically and emotionally strenuous aspects of my job was doing "outings." They were necessary though. Everyone deserves to get out of the house, to try to shop for themselves as well as they can, to go out for recreation or a treat from time to time.

You got to learn first hand how inaccessible to wheelchairs many places still remain, and you had to deal emotionally with the folks who stared at the clients or who looked at you the way people look at you when you have a cute dog.

Sometimes I see similar folks on an "outing" with their staff and helpers. And I'm reminded to pray for all of them, in thanksgiving for those having a good time, and for the patience of those who are working.

And then I think about the infinity of life and work situations of which I am ignorant and thus am not led immediately to an automatic compassion, and I pray to be patient and compassionate even when the struggles and sufferings of others are hidden from me.

St. Margaret Mary

The parish I work in is dedicated to the Sacred Heart, so it's a joy to celebrate the feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, who gave us this devotion. Her image is it at the very top of our sanctuary, above the marble baldochino that reads Cor Iesu Sacratissimum, Miserere Nobis.

It's really something to imagine God as a Heart. It might save us from images of God that are more like a boss or landlord. To me the Sacred Heart suggests that God is a loving drive, a desire, a passion, sometimes broken, but always a com-passion.