Apr 12
Br Michael Sternhagen, LC
Santiago de Chile, 6:30 pm. Sitting and reading on the green grass atop a hill, as the last rays of the setting sun bathed the wide sweep of Santiago far below in gold… Little was I prepared for scene two: the curtain was coming down on my evening of tranquility and quiet reading – perhaps forever. Although I didn´t hear the muffled footsteps behind me, I was not alone. Read more
Br Michael Sternhagen, LC
The summer´s heat had sucked Santiago dry enough that I was not sorry to head south with a group of some twenty high schoolers for ten days of missions (heal the sick, raise the dead, and proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand…). The coastal zone where we went normally receives heavy rain about 80% of the time during this season, which is what happened to us, of course. Read more
Br Eric Gilhooly, LC
For Catholics wanting to convert others to the faith, evangelization often boils down to apologetics. What arguments can I pull out of my sleeve to convince this person? Apologetics has done much good for the Church during these last several centuries, spearheading the evangelization effort. But if you think it will continue to do so, I have news for you. Things have changed. Read more
Br Robert Wills, LC
(The previous post in this series is available here.)
The relationship between memory and identity was popularized by the Scottish philosopher David Hume, but the discussion has resurfaced with a more Christian understanding thanks to the reflections of “The Philosopher Pope,” Blessed John Paul II. In Memory and Identity, he notes the necessity of memory for the development of identity, not only of individuals, but of nations.
Rudyard Kipling also dealt with this topic in the Jungle Book, a children’s classic worth remembering. We all recall the scene in the Disney cartoon (1967) in which the Orangutan King Louie sings the famous “I wanna be like you!” He does this in order to obtain the secret to making fire from Mowgli, in hopes that it will make him a man. Quite simply, he’s “tired of monkeying around.” Kipling sheds even deeper insight by attributing the immature Orangutan’s lack of progress to their lack of “remembrance… They were always just going to have a leader, and laws and customs of their own, but they never did, because their memories would not hold over from day to day.” Easily succumbing to superficiality, a “falling of a nut turn[ed] their minds to laughter and all [was] forgotten.” (pp. 29-30)
Br Jared Loehr, LC
In the midst of a booming Roman Empire, the situation seemed “Okay.” Sure, there were wars on the outskirts. Sure, they gave up hope on having true love because their hearts had deep scars. Sure, they were living though they had nothing really worth living for. The majority felt “okay” about life. Suddenly but subtly, new families and new communities sprung up with a newfound light. These Christians, as they identified themselves, lived among the rest, but they lived with a sparkle in their eyes and hearts. Christians walked tall, had a new sense of life, and discovered something glorious. Sure, they carried out the same work, but they did so with serenity. Sure, they had problems but they bounced back up. Sure, some gave an example of hypocrisy but the core message was unaffected.
Br Robert Wills, LC
Our times are sadly marked by a crisis of identity, both on a personal and societal level. A proper understanding of identity is crucial as who we think we are significantly determines our self-esteem and guides our action. Taking The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling as our backdrop, we may explore an essential component in shaping our identity: relationships.
The story begins with the infant Mowgli who is reared by a pack of wolves. As he begins to develop, his differences as a human are more pronounced. The animals hate him because they cannot look in his eyes and because he is wise, able to take the thorns from their feet, but also able to cry. It is no longer safe for him to remain in the jungle, but must seek civilization in haste. He is accompanied by two Christ-like figures, a bear named Baloo and a panther named Bagheera. In route, they teach him what it means to be a man. We find a parallel with Christianity as the Christian also senses the dangers of this present life and realizes that he must choose between the animal kingdom and the Kingdom of Christ. Nevertheless, he does not need to make this journey alone.
Br Eric Gilhooly, LC
Everyone on this earth has a path to walk. Everyone has a journey. Some have no idea where they’re headed, while others carefully chart out how to avoid life’s toll booths or where to find the best rest stops. But Catholics gear their lives towards the journey’s goal, towards heaven. Nothing else really matters.
Unlike most kids her age, Claire can’t walk. She can’t sit up by herself. She can’t even write her name or say hello. But I can’t even begin to guess how many people her life has changed.
Br Daniel Carter, LC
The community of humanists from the Legionary seminary of Cheshire dropped in on the Big Apple recently. Part of the curriculum is a monthly visit to a museum, usually in New York City or Boston. These visits are always highlights for the brothers in addition to being moments of Catholic witness. When people see sixty young men dressed in black throng past them on the sidewalk, they usually stop for a second look. The braver ones even pull one or more brothers aside for a little Q&A. They’re curious.
Br Jared Loehr, LC
In today’s energy crisis we have seen wars, technology surges and crippled economies and environments. This is a serious issue that needs addressing, but it is only a secondary reflection of the deeper energy crisis going on inside each of us. All of society and our entire existence hinges on where our energy comes from.
When you wake up in the morning, dazed and half-conscious, do you ask yourself why you are getting up? It’s a valid question that would solve many of our problems if we answered it honestly. A monkey doesn’t need to know why he wakes up, but we do. Read more
Br Christopher O’Brien, LC
Wearing a Roman collar in New York City is perhaps comparable to suddenly growing horns at a formal wedding reception. You won’t go unnoticed. In fact, if you’re one to look for attention, I might suggest trying it –the Roman collar thing, I mean.
It’s true. A Catholic seminarian strolling through Central Park will get a glance, a double-take, and then an outright stare. With some people I’ve tried gazing right back into their eyes with as pleasant a smile as a grouch like myself can pull off. Invariably the onlooker doesn’t flinch, much less look away. And he sure doesn’t smile back.
I bet if I stepped onto the NYC subway in swim trunks and scuba gear I wouldn’t get as many stares. Read more
