All Faiths United

  “No justice, no peace” we hear from demonstrators in street marches.   They are voicing a fundamental truth.   Without justice, there may appear to be a form of peace, but it is fake, superficial.   Underneath the smiles, there is a simmering anger fed by smashed dreams and barriers to equality. Somewhat like the times when Jesus was born into a Palestine under the heel of Roman oppression.   Some historians have called that a time of peace, but this fake “Pax Romano” was giving birth to freedom fighters such as Barabbas, whose path would cross that of Jesus 33 years later. In his latest encyclical, Pope Francis sheds light on similar current situations by reminding us that we are all brothers and sisters. He challenges us to ponder how we will behave when we finally emerge from COVID-governed restrictions. Will some countries continue to grab instead of sharing? Will we continue to destroy our natural world? Will some people continue to put “I” before “we?”...

Reflection on Choices and Transitions Sr. Ann Hayden, MM April 19, 2020 “Let us help one another move forward.” In this time of COVID-19, as we see images of a shared human struggle for life, we have begun to feel particularly close to peoples near and far of all faiths, diverse cultures, and different political leanings.   We have adjusted, in spite of our fear, and anxiety for   loved ones in family and among friends, to our efforts to invent new ways to spend time to enrich our relationships with fun, art, music, reflection, poetry, and prayer. In recent holy days of mutual human need, we have witnessed an immense outpouring of love and care for our neighbors; and for the heroes that are saving lives, providing food, safety, needed services, and essential travel.   We are filled with gratefulness and creativity in simple service to family, students, and strangers alike.   Even in this time of extreme vulnerability, we have certainly experienced...