tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21520596643756776082024-02-19T06:49:19.368-08:00Going Forth: One Jesuit ScholasticReflections and Resources by Newly Vowed Jesuit, John Roselle, S.J.John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-52775380466832966482012-05-25T14:02:00.004-07:002012-05-25T22:13:00.168-07:00Imagine Sisters MovementDear Friends,<br />
<br />
Peace of Christ! Happy Feast of Pentecost weekend (the Birthday of the
Catholic Christian Church)!! I am writing to you today to ask for a
favor. I would ask right now that you check out following 6 minute
YouTube video:<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_926976418"><br /></a><br />
<a href="http://imaginesisters.org/comingsoon/">http://imaginesisters.org/comingsoon/</a><br />
<br />
<b>And if you like it (which I'm sure you will), send it right away to
as many of your email contacts as you
can, post it on Facebook, and all other social media. It is a video
that is intended to introduce the world to young religious sisters.
More to
follow on this. Please, don't delay, email, Tweet, and Facebook, now! Also,
please "Like" Imagine Sisters Movement on Facebook right away and Follow it on Twitter. It will
daily give you updates and inspirational quotes. Thank
you for your help!</b><br />
<br />
I am back in Broken Arrow for a little family visit. I will be going to
St. Louis this summer to do hospital chaplaincy (CPE). I have
had a TREMENDOUS first year as a vowed Jesuit. I wouldn't take it back
for anything (and you can remind me I said that someday during the
"tough times"--not that there haven't been bumps in the road thus far :). <br />
<br />
As mentioned, the Catholic Christian Church is celebrating her
birthday this weekend, the Feast of Pentecost when the Church received
the Holy Spirit in grace and power. It is worth noting that Mary (Mother of the Apostles) was present in the room when they all received the Holy Spirit. Then the first Pope, St. Peter, went out into the streets of Jerusalem and preached Jesus Christ Risen from the dead. 3,000 joined the Church that day alone! However, there were detractors, some even saying that the Apostles seemed drunk on new wine. <br />
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There are still detractors, and unfortunately, the Church's members sometimes do give scandal. The great theologian Hans Urs Von Balthasar (a mentor of Pope Benedict) borrowed from the early Christian thinkers in calling the Church a "casta meretrix," a "chaste whore." No matter what the media says (and
no matter how many sins her members commit), the Catholic Church trusts
that SHE is Christ's Bride, the universal sacrament of God's salvation
for the world. The Catholic Church, like anyone of us, is not called
because she is worthy, she is worthy because she is called. The world
NEEDS to see, to hear, to imagine how EXTRAVAGANT is the GRACE of God
given in the Catholic Church, born on Pentecost. <br />
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So, how might we celebrate this Pentecost? <br />
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As you know, I am passionate about the ongoing renaissance of women's
religious life (nuns and sisters). Just this weekend in one convent in
Ann Arbor, 170 young women are going on a discernment retreat (they have these 3 times a year). Close to 20 actually enter this convent every year.
Average ago? 21!!!! Oprah has featured them on two episodes and LOVES
them. Young sisters are one of the greatest evidence of God in the
modern world. They inspire everyone who sees and meets them. <br />
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Let us pray this Pentecost that the Holy Spirit come down on the whole
Church, on the whole world, and especially on women called to this
breathtaking vocation to be Jesus' consecrated Bride and the spiritual
mother to countless souls. The world NEEDS sisters NOW--they are pretty
much the most joyful and influential people I have ever met or know
exist. Nobody knows the name of the Archbishop of Calcutta (important
as he is, in his role as teacher and administrator of his diocese), but the whole world will never forget just one sister who
picked up and loved 30,000 dying "untouchable" people off the streets. A reporter once watched as Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta tended to a man being eaten away alive by various parasites, "Mother, I
wouldn't do that for a million dollars" You know what she told him?
"I wouldn't either. But I'll do it for Christ!" Amen. <br />
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But beware, the evil spirit hates the Church (because he hates God and
His Son, to whom the Church belongs), so he hates and tries to destroy
all priests, sisters, ministers, believers, and people of goodwill. We can see the
wreckage is all around us. We ought not be surprised that such good
things: peace, justice, marriage, family, life, freedom, the
priesthood, etc. are under serious attack by certain forces who
consistently spread deceit and do evil. Jesus himself warned us about
the one He called "the father of lies from the beginning" but promised
us the Spirit. Jesus made the bold claim about Himself: "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,
and no one comes to the Father except through Him." And He told us, as
Blessed John Paul always echoed: "Be not afraid!" because the battle
has ALREADY been won by Christ. <br />
<br />
Not to sound too much like a
televangelist, but we just have to live that victory as beloved sons and
daughters of God, ransomed, healed, restored, and forgiven by the Blood
of Christ. So, I will close with St. Paul's words to the Church at Ephesus, that it
may help us pray and remain strong in faith, hope, love, and the
commitment to justice. <br />
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Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist
on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2152059664375677608" name="v14"> </a>So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2152059664375677608" name="v15"> </a>and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2152059664375677608" name="v16"> </a>In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all (the) flaming arrows of the evil one.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2152059664375677608" name="v17"> </a>And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2152059664375677608" name="v18"> </a>With all prayer and
supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be
watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2152059664375677608" name="v19"></a>and also for me, that speech may be given me to open my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2152059664375677608" name="v20"> </a>for which I am an ambassador in chains, so that I may have the courage to speak as I must.<br />
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Pray for me, and I will pray for you. Please do share this video with
EVERYONE this weekend. It is my dream and hope that thousands of
Christians this Pentecost will see through these sisters, these icons of
Mary, that the Catholic Church is "ever ancient, ever new." She may be
2,000 years old, but no matter what her enemies say or do, she is
looking pretty good :) <br />
<br />
God bless!<br />
<br />
In Jesus, through Mary,<br />
<br />
John, SJ<br />
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<br />John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-63600230677669028902012-04-02T09:45:00.002-07:002012-04-02T09:45:42.694-07:00Young Sisters Visit LoyolaHere is an article written by a student about a visit of young sisters to Loyola's campus.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://loyolastudentdispatch.com/2012/03/19/young-religious-sisters-meet-with-students-at-loyola/">http://loyolastudentdispatch.com/2012/03/19/young-religious-sisters-meet-with-students-at-loyola/</a>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-25204788753064630222012-03-28T18:30:00.000-07:002012-03-28T18:30:13.964-07:00A Necessary, but Temporary, Hiatus<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtEBBEHMsaul-ZBcgPozsQDgHteBLUHzaTI4pIv7HHRKN6D7riWImTue298OwU5-UqjT0pCYEHzXD0vHqJ_bBw3eTRarh_XG9IxDvsPPsZHI91kBAsYCri60HsDJDDrvE0WatSz6UtD2o/s1600/Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtEBBEHMsaul-ZBcgPozsQDgHteBLUHzaTI4pIv7HHRKN6D7riWImTue298OwU5-UqjT0pCYEHzXD0vHqJ_bBw3eTRarh_XG9IxDvsPPsZHI91kBAsYCri60HsDJDDrvE0WatSz6UtD2o/s320/Cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Moment's Hesitation at a Party</td></tr>
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Should have said this about 2 months ago, but in the course of a hectic semester, I took a break from blogging. A lot has been going on, mostly good stuff, but blogging got lost in the shuffle. Sorry for the inconsistency and thanks for bearing with me! In short, I am doing well, and I am glad to be where I'm at. There is a lot to say; I'll try to catch you up a bit soon. Stay in touch and keep me posted with what's going on with you.John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-51788738188738302292012-01-22T20:09:00.000-08:002012-01-22T20:12:10.097-08:00"The Classroom as Holy Ground"This is for all those teachers out there!<br />
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<a href="http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=3009">http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=3009</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTn4gRis1lMEuoifrfy56UjSbxolwpOa4ZGkazXJwZ9e1OkNqtlGv_lclqeBB8CKfcYLLSS03K1ae_IPi1bAaDIyxg1NUHsvuAp18N6MzuU5i2HpzmVa6pwYwvH_8-AVzNpO0b3YouehUW/s1600/christ-the-teacher-278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTn4gRis1lMEuoifrfy56UjSbxolwpOa4ZGkazXJwZ9e1OkNqtlGv_lclqeBB8CKfcYLLSS03K1ae_IPi1bAaDIyxg1NUHsvuAp18N6MzuU5i2HpzmVa6pwYwvH_8-AVzNpO0b3YouehUW/s400/christ-the-teacher-278.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Christ the Teacher" Icon, as found on <a href="http://www.holytrinitystore.com/">http://www.holytrinitystore.com</a></td></tr>
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</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-19756679540310811592012-01-22T19:12:00.000-08:002012-01-22T19:53:30.190-08:00Schindler's List, the Star Thrower, and the Two StandardsThis Friday night, a friend brought over the acclaimed film <u>Schindler's List</u>. I had seen it in high school, but now with different eyes. It is a breathtaking cinematic masterpiece, for sure. It is even more a true story of conversion, of grace, and of merciful love. Before I say anything else, I acknowledge that the Holocaust is a tremendous and terrible historical reality that no amount of inspiration can undo. <br />
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Oscar Schindler, as portrayed in the film, was far from a moral role model, due to his penchant for adultery, greed, etc. Schindler only sees the persecuted Jews of Germany as potential workers for his profit-scheme to open a factory during wartime. Over three hours, we watch the soul-searing encounter of Schindler with Nazi evil and the goodness of the people whom they hate. </div>
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The strategy of the Nazis is not unlike the death-march of Satan which St. Ignatius encourages us to contemplate in the "Two Standards Meditation." Satan moves us toward riches, honors, and pride--such irresponsible narcissism is at the heart of all evil. Christ the Lord, the Great Commander, moves us to seek poverty and humility; from these spring the virtues and the Kingdom of God. You can read the short meditation here, and remember that Ignatius really wants to us IMAGINE what this looks and feels like. </div>
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<a href="http://www.ccel.org/ccel/ignatius/exercises.xiii.v.html">http://www.ccel.org/ccel/ignatius/exercises.xiii.v.html</a></div>
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Here are a couple other perspectives on the Two Standards:</div>
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<a href="http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-spiritual-exercises/the-two-standards/">http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-spiritual-exercises/the-two-standards/</a></div>
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<a href="http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-spiritual-exercises/how-the-two-standards-meditation-can-help-outside-of-a-retreat/">http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-spiritual-exercises/how-the-two-standards-meditation-can-help-outside-of-a-retreat/</a></div>
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Schindler slowly melts from his indifference toward the Polish Jews' plight. He eventually is willing to put his fortune and his very self on the line in order to save those whom he can. I suggest that in this holy endeavor, he is increasingly but unknowingly conformed to Christ's standard. By the end of the film, Schindler weeps out of a pained, frustrated desire to have been able to save more people. </div>
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Yet he has done what he was called to do. But what are we called to do? Are we aware that although we are not in Nazi Germany, there is a "list" of many people need us? As Blessed Mother Teresa told someone who admired her work, we can do things that she could never do!<br />
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It reminds me of a story I heard as a freshman at Creighton called "The Star Thrower." You can read it here. </div>
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<a href="http://www.starthrower.com/star_thrower_story_script.htm">http://www.starthrower.com/star_thrower_story_script.htm</a></div>
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The tale may seem corny, but it points to a rock-solid, yet overlooked truth. For example, I know a Jesuit medical doctor who when we discussed the tragedy of the epidemic of abortion said that his whole life would be worth it if he could save one child from that (and I know he has saved many more in his profession). </div>
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So, let's go and help others, one-by-one, to live the standard and mission of Christ!</div>
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</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-14763948955158495632012-01-22T18:33:00.000-08:002012-01-22T18:33:38.021-08:00The Freedom of the Vows<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #ffe599; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Funny personal story: just tonight I received a heartfelt email from a female medical student that I met at a wedding this summer; I was in the wedding party of a good friend. At the reception, we had a great, God-centered conversation. She was seeking more in her life, and I felt called to give her my email, with the understanding that I was about to take vows and that we could only be friends (which she understood). Tonight after a long time of not corresponding, she contacted me and opened up, telling me about some struggles and asking if I could help her learn to pray. Now, if I were married, I really should be attending to my wife and kids, not helping random people I met at weddings to pray! :) I can tell you that it is a great joy to be a spiritual father/brother to others in ways that these vows enable. By the same token, a religious sister is a spiritual mother/sister to those with whom she ministers. It is a rich life, and I thought I would share this vignette to help bring it home. Please keep inviting more women (and men) to consider religious life and/or priesthood. The world and the Church need us (as well as committed, faith-filled laypeople) for the sake of the Gospel and to help souls. </span><br />
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</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-65084461202766797792012-01-19T13:31:00.000-08:002012-01-19T13:31:08.035-08:00It's Freezing!"They weren't kidding about these Chicago winters," I realized today in the bone-chilling cold after what had been a mild one until now. It IS brutal, and we are only getting "warmed up" this season, since we have yet to experience the wind whipping off the lake at high speeds, further compounding the problem :)<br />
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</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-14395971727200511422012-01-19T13:22:00.000-08:002012-01-19T13:22:12.098-08:00Jesuits Who Work on the Indian Reservation Featured on EWTNJesuits who do incredible work on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, Fr. John Hatcher and scholastic Tom Olson, were featured last night on EWTN Live, the show that Mother Angelica entrusted to Jesuit Fr. Mitch Pacwa. You can watch the episode here:<br />
<a href="http://www.ewtn.com/tv/live/ewtnlive.asp">http://www.ewtn.com/tv/live/ewtnlive.asp</a><br />
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This is the St. Francis Mission website:<br />
<a href="http://www.sfmission.org/">http://www.sfmission.org/</a><br />
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As someone who worked on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, which is 2 hours away from the Rosebud Reservation, I have seen the beauty and the struggle of the Lakota people and their church. God bless!<br />
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</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-65891115582245332322012-01-03T09:29:00.000-08:002012-01-03T09:30:08.765-08:00"The Humor and Humanity of Blessed Miguel Pro"Here is the inside story on one of the most popular Jesuits up for canonization. <br />
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<a href="http://www.jesuit.org/blog/index.php/2011/12/face-to-face-with-a-martyr-the-humor-and-humanity-of-blessed-miguel-pro/">http://www.jesuit.org/blog/index.php/2011/12/face-to-face-with-a-martyr-the-humor-and-humanity-of-blessed-miguel-pro/</a><br />
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</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-83916825918934280142011-12-27T21:33:00.000-08:002011-12-27T21:33:57.250-08:00Recent Twitter StoriesGoing through recent "tweets," I came across the following stories that I thought I'd share:<br />
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Pope Speaks to Prisoners and Tells Them God Loves Them:<br />
<a href="http://www.americancatholic.org/news/report.aspx?id=3723&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">http://www.americancatholic.org/news/report.aspx?id=3723&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter</a><br />
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Saint "Action Figures"<br />
<a href="http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/denver-school-creates-action-figures-of-saints-for-kids/">http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/denver-school-creates-action-figures-of-saints-for-kids/</a><br />
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St. Francis of Assisi's Vision of the Incarnation:<br />
<a href="http://www.americancatholic.org/news/report.aspx?id=3724&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">http://www.americancatholic.org/news/report.aspx?id=3724&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter</a><br />
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"The State of the Church" Speech<br />
<a href="http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/renewed-faith-needed-for-reform-pope-says-in-state-of-the-church-speech/">http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/renewed-faith-needed-for-reform-pope-says-in-state-of-the-church-speech/</a><br />
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Pope's Christmas Message: "God Extends Hand to Hurting Humanity"<br />
<a href="http://cnsblog.wordpress.com/2011/12/25/pope-to-the-city-and-the-world-god-extends-his-hand-to-hurting-humanity/">http://cnsblog.wordpress.com/2011/12/25/pope-to-the-city-and-the-world-god-extends-his-hand-to-hurting-humanity/</a><br />
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Pro-Active Christian Manhood<br />
<a href="http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/column.php?n=1966">http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/column.php?n=1966</a><br />
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</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-69013160009898807062011-12-27T09:09:00.000-08:002011-12-27T09:10:50.951-08:00Intro. to Ignatian Imaginative Prayer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CQvGAsqpkk-S86j53ago6kYbHKZrSa6UozClXA0wJWFwYSQbrdXje0coBt9970MJWQW8_vorUlCElUwn1vY99CZZwCTX2b9IfRfu7udMdhoFkSJAPm-4kmDDeDAkgtaGJI8vZbSlRWmA/s1600/Ignatius+Sacred+Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CQvGAsqpkk-S86j53ago6kYbHKZrSa6UozClXA0wJWFwYSQbrdXje0coBt9970MJWQW8_vorUlCElUwn1vY99CZZwCTX2b9IfRfu7udMdhoFkSJAPm-4kmDDeDAkgtaGJI8vZbSlRWmA/s320/Ignatius+Sacred+Heart.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Ignatius and St. Aloysius Gonzaga, gazing upon the Sacred Heart of Jesus</td></tr>
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St. Ignatius of Loyola personally experienced the power of the imagination to be guided by the Holy Spirit in prayer, bringing him closer to God. This trust in the imagination as a gift from God (as influenced/inspired by Sacred Scripture) is a cornerstone of Ignatian spirituality. Here are some links to follow, including videos, etc. to teach you more about this way of prayer. Have fun!<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnv8Nb9fZ78&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnv8Nb9fZ78&feature=related</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN4Q6g8AFVU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN4Q6g8AFVU</a><br />
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<a href="http://ignatianspirituality.com/3428/ignatian-contemplation/">http://ignatianspirituality.com/3428/ignatian-contemplation/</a><br />
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<a href="http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-spiritual-exercises/pray-with-your-imagination/">http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-spiritual-exercises/pray-with-your-imagination/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.jesuitscalifornia.org/page.aspx?pid=890">http://www.jesuitscalifornia.org/page.aspx?pid=890</a><br />
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<a href="http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Imagination/">http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Imagination/</a><br />
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</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-81019590726787132852011-12-25T16:41:00.001-08:002011-12-25T16:41:55.527-08:00Merry Christmas!Merry Christmas everyone! I am having a great time with my family. Here is a 2 minute video that someone sent me that I got a real kick out of. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flixxy.com/best-christmas-lights-display.htm">http://www.flixxy.com/best-christmas-lights-display.htm</a>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-85361639606173664302011-12-21T18:19:00.001-08:002011-12-21T18:19:51.284-08:00NEW Female Doctor of the Church!!!I was quite pleased to read today that Pope Benedict XVI will name the fourth female Doctor of the Church soon. To read more about this amazing woman, here is an article (I won't say more, so that you read the article :) This is a pretty big deal, considering Blessed John Paul II only named one Doctor total during his illustrious career. That doctor happened to be a twenty-something woman when she died--St. Therese the Little Flower. Doctors of the Church are those that have made huge, definitive contributions to the Church's understanding of the Faith. <br />
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<a href="http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2011/12/benedict-xvi-to-name-fourth-female-doctor-of-the-church-in-2012.html">http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2011/12/benedict-xvi-to-name-fourth-female-doctor-of-the-church-in-2012.html</a><br />
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There was also a movie made about this new Church Doctor last year. You can rent it right now on iTunes. Here is the awesome trailer. <br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEI1QrZINeg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEI1QrZINeg</a>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-58377628944165392792011-12-20T13:58:00.000-08:002011-12-20T14:23:42.673-08:00Intro to "The Examen"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The "Consciousness Examen" is a cornerstone of Ignatian spirituality. I assembled the following guide for learning more about it:</span><br />
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Note that the Examen is NOT simply an examination of "conscience" (which might only deal with sin), but it is focused not on sin but on consciousness of GRACE. Granted, sometimes we don't respond to grace (and that could be sin), but the point is to find God in all things, throughout our lives. As St. Paul wrote, "where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more." So, here are a ton of good resources to mull over. Take your time reading these, watching the video, praying with the Examen. Try to pray it every evening over the next month. It will really be a blessing to your self-awareness and vocational awareness. It isn't a quick-fix, but a gradual learning to listen to where God has been in your life. </div>
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I encourage you especially print out and pray with the First Principle and Foundation below:</div>
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I hope this will be engaging and relevant to you, offering you a tool for greater spiritual growth. I am still growing into the Examen myself, but having practiced it for over 3 years, I can attest that it is a powerful resource. Check this out. Let me know if you have any questions or ideas for the presentation, things you want me to address, etc. </div>
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PS: word to the wise--don't get hung up on the "right" way to do this prayer; there are a few variations but one common theme: growing as a contemplative in action, able to see God at work through reflection on our daily lives</div>
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As you read this: how than this be helpful for spiritual growth?</div>
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<span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Examen videos:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/the-examen-video/" target="_blank">http://ignatianspirituality.<wbr></wbr>com/ignatian-prayer/the-<wbr></wbr>examen/the-examen-video/</a></div>
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<a href="http://ignatianspirituality.com/6782/a-guided-examen-2/" target="_blank">http://ignatianspirituality.<wbr></wbr>com/6782/a-guided-examen-2/</a></div>
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The Basics of the Consciousness Examen:<br />
<a href="http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/consciousness-examen/" target="_blank">http://ignatianspirituality.<wbr></wbr>com/ignatian-prayer/the-<wbr></wbr>examen/consciousness-examen/</a><br />
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Rummaging for God:</div>
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<a href="http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/rummaging-for-god-praying-backward-through-your-day/" target="_blank">http://ignatianspirituality.<wbr></wbr>com/ignatian-prayer/the-<wbr></wbr>examen/rummaging-for-god-<wbr></wbr>praying-backward-through-your-<wbr></wbr>day/</a></div>
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Good Examen schema:</div>
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<a href="http://www.rcdom.org.uk/documents/EXAMEN.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.rcdom.org.uk/<wbr></wbr>documents/EXAMEN.pdf</a></div>
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Finding God on the Metro:</div>
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<a href="http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2007/08/finding_god_on_the_metro.html" target="_blank">http://newsweek.<wbr></wbr>washingtonpost.com/onfaith/<wbr></wbr>guestvoices/2007/08/finding_<wbr></wbr>god_on_the_metro.html</a></div>
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In order to make the most of the Examen, it is best to understand the basics of St. Ignatius's discernment of spirits, since the Examen is basically a daily discernment of spirits. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Quick Video on Discernment of Spirits:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://ignatianspirituality.com/making-good-decisions/discernment-of-spirits/discernment-of-spirits-video/" target="_blank">http://ignatianspirituality.<wbr></wbr>com/making-good-decisions/<wbr></wbr>discernment-of-spirits/<wbr></wbr>discernment-of-spirits-video/</a></div>
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Basic article:</div>
<a href="http://ignatianspirituality.com/making-good-decisions/discernment-of-spirits/introduction-to-discernment-of-spirits/" target="_blank">http://ignatianspirituality.<wbr></wbr>com/making-good-decisions/<wbr></wbr>discernment-of-spirits/<wbr></wbr>introduction-to-discernment-<wbr></wbr>of-spirits/</a><div>
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More in-depth: how do I know I'm experience God?</div>
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<a href="http://ignatianspirituality.com/making-good-decisions/discernment-of-spirits/how-do-i-know-im-experiencing-god/" target="_blank">http://ignatianspirituality.<wbr></wbr>com/making-good-decisions/<wbr></wbr>discernment-of-spirits/how-do-<wbr></wbr>i-know-im-experiencing-god/</a><br />
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Lastly, definitely read over the short First Principle and Foundation of St. Ignatius. It is basically the meaning of life, according to him, and the basis of his spirituality. It is how the 30 day silent Spiritual Exercises begin. I recommend printing these out, praying with them, seeing how they strike you, etc. Again, the Examen will make a lot more sense and mean a lot more if these pieces are in place. It take time, but it's worth it. </div>
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Here is Ignatius' words (of course he wrote in Spanish):</div>
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The human person is created to praise, reverence, and serve God Our Lord, and by doing so, to save his or her soul.</div>
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All other things on the face of the earth are created for human beings in order to help them pursue the end for which they are created.</div>
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It follows from this that one must use other created things, in so far as they help towards one's end, and free oneself from them, in so far as they are obstacles to one's end.</div>
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To do this, we need to make ourselves indifferent to all created things, provided the matter is subject to our free choice and there is no other prohibition.</div>
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Thus, as far as we are concerned, we should not want health more than illness, wealth more than poverty, fame more than disgrace, a long life more than a short one, and similarly for all the rest, but we should desire and choose only what helps us more towards the end for which we are created.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Here is a more modern but still faithful reading of the spirit of the First Principle and Foundation, written by the late Fr. David Fleming, SJ:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">God, who loves us, gave us life.<br />Our own response of love allows God's life<br />to flow into us without limit.<br /><br />All the things in this world are gifts from God,<br />Presented to us so that we can know God more easily<br />and make a return of love more readily.<br />As a result, we appreciate and use all these gifts of God<br />Insofar as they help us to develop as loving persons.<br />But if any of these gifts become the center of our lives,<br />They displace God<br />And so hinder our growth toward our goal.<br /><br />In everyday life, then, we must hold ourselves in balance<br />Before all of these created gifts insofar as we have a choice<br />And are not bound by some obligation.<br />We should not fix our desires on health or sickness,<br />Wealth or poverty, success or failure, a long life or a short one.<br />For everything has the potential of calling forth in us<br />A deeper response to our life in God.<br /><br />Our only desire and our one choice should be this:<br />I want and I choose what better leads<br />To God's deepening his life in me.</span></span></div>
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</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-55913458797746930202011-12-19T09:29:00.000-08:002011-12-19T09:45:37.320-08:00"Love for Jesus and His Church must be the passion of our lives!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dear Friends,</div>
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Peace of Christ and Merry Christmas! A couple days ago, I finished my first semester of First Studies and vowed Jesuit life. Dang, it has been liking climbing the mountain pictured below (but then again, we rode in a car up that one!). Classes have been tough ("have I gotten stupider or has school gotten harder?"I've wondered, :) and Jesuit life (and, of course, Christian life) is always calling for greater maturity, growth, and fidelity. However, it has been worth it! There is so much good work to be done, and I dare not let the little things (or the big things) get me down. Not once have I wished I were anywhere but Chicago or in the Society of Jesus. This Jesuit vocation is God's great gift to me; I am confident I made the right choice this past August. </div>
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Below is a recent update and then a poem I have written about the Catholic Church, which I share with you. Truly, I am reminded of how beautiful and necessary she (Holy Mother Church) is in these times of much turmoil/confusion in the world and in the Church. But then again, when in the history of the world/Church hasn't there been turmoil? This Christmas, I invite you who are Catholic to help "bring home" any of those who may need some encouragement to return to the Church this season and into this New Year, which Pope Benedict XVI has declared will be an upcoming "Year of Faith" starting in October for the 50th Anniversary of the great Second Vatican Council. We are blessed right now to have a successful advertising campaign on television, called "Catholics Come Home" (maybe you've seen the TV ads) but friendly invitations and prayers (more so than commercials) are able to reach out and make the difference. At the bishop's conference recently, the President of the US Bishops, the joyful Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, echoed Blessed John Paul the Great's words: "Love for Jesus and His Church must be the passion of our lives!" I can't agree more, and I am indeed using this blog and this moment to spread this message also, as I urge you to do in your own ways. If you are interested in the Catholics Come Home campaign, here is their best commercial (2 minutes):</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs6qZd_xP1w">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs6qZd_xP1w</a></div>
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And their general website:</div>
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<a href="http://www.catholicscomehome.org/">http://www.catholicscomehome.org/</a></div>
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Here is the text of Archbishop Dolan's honest, powerful speech:</div>
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<a href="http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/usccb-general-assembly/2011-fall-meeting-presidential-address.cfm">http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/usccb-general-assembly/2011-fall-meeting-presidential-address.cfm</a></div>
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Truly, these can be sad and difficult days, as scandal and mistrust (caused by a small minority) threaten and loom over the Church we love. However, let us remember that all of Satan's plans backfire, and that we are witnessing what Vatican II called "a new springtime for the Church." We aren't giving up, and in fact, the Church is growing stronger each day as we re-build and re-claim Christ's Church so that is a safe, loving, inspiring, and courageous home for all people. Let us remain faithful to the Church and to her teachings. Let us consider Archbishop Dolan's reflection upon the late Jesuit theological Cardinal Henri de Lubac: <i>"That truth--that he, Christ, and she, his church, are one--moistens our eyes and puts a lump in our throat as we whisper with de Lubac 'For what would I ever know of him, without her?'"</i></div>
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I am inspired by all of you--people of good will and/or members of the Church--who choose hope over despair. Indeed, that (HOPE) is the essence of Christmas. </div>
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Give glory to God and have a Merry Christmas! I love you and pray for you all! Thanks for your prayers for me; they have carried me.</div>
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In Christ,</div>
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John, SJ</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNs7ybljo1Qd3ThalvgzznY_vVNGxDYZCudPJAcWWn9QUxYDMFG1K3cJ-VgpJgc_o2CPq_yOQuoZkps0y6O8Rx8UA3dkBWVhtQgGDuOyxBXNGxnypwgW687gF_BV2z8PQeibcxvDXGHybE/s1600/Bros+on+Mountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNs7ybljo1Qd3ThalvgzznY_vVNGxDYZCudPJAcWWn9QUxYDMFG1K3cJ-VgpJgc_o2CPq_yOQuoZkps0y6O8Rx8UA3dkBWVhtQgGDuOyxBXNGxnypwgW687gF_BV2z8PQeibcxvDXGHybE/s400/Bros+on+Mountain.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my Jesuit brothers and I on top of Mt. Evans in Colorado</td></tr>
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</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-43314017930131548682011-12-14T14:26:00.000-08:002011-12-14T14:26:14.406-08:00Done!Well, I just turned in my last paper. The first semester of First Studies has come and gone, and it was awesome, albeit occasionally stressful (but what isn't? :). <div>
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Now, I get to do some errands, relax, etc. before heading home for Christmas. Thanks for all of the prayers. </div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-37490072483222942512011-12-10T23:53:00.000-08:002011-12-10T23:53:29.686-08:00Quick UpdateFriends,<br />
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Sorry for being away from the blog for so long! I bet you all figured that I was super-busy with school, etc., and you'd be right! It's not over yet (one more test and paper), but I didn't want to go any longer without refreshing the blog. There is so much more that I could say about each of these, but here it is in rapid-fire fashion:<br />
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<li>Some of us were able to score some free Notre Dame tickets. For a few years now, it's been an aspiration of mine to attend an ND game. I never dreamed I'd get to go see the Irish face Boston College in South Bend. Although I am quite keen on Notre Dame, now that I'm a vowed Jesuit I would have rooted for BC. However, I couldn't bring myself to do that at "the House that Knute Rockne built" and at my first ND game. It was close at the end, but the Irish pulled this one off. I had a great time.</li>
<li>My beloved 16 year old pet frog Cal became ill after an earthquake hit Oklahoma. Thanks God the family and house were alright. That was almost a month ago, and although Cal is hanging on, he still hasn't recovered. Please do pray for him if you can, because I'd like to see him kicking for years to come. I am of course at peace, despite sadness, about his possible death. I've been blessed to have him this long.</li>
<li>The women's religious life discernment group at Loyola has grown to include 9 women. They are such inspirational people, and they have so much going for them. Please pray for them too!</li>
<li>I am really appreciating this philosophical education, and I can already feel my mind getting a little sharper. It is tough work, but I know it needs to be done, and it is worth doing.</li>
<li>I am very much enjoying community life and have made many new friends. I am glad that I took vows (although by no means is this life easy!), because it is an extremely rewarding way of life for me. I can't begin to say the graces that I have experienced and been a part of in just the 4 months of vowed Jesuit life. It is priceless. Still, there is a cost, and every day (like marriage or any other major lifelong commitment) those vows must be renewed. </li>
<li>On Dec. 3rd, the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, my Dad finished a flourishing career with the US Army Corps of Engineers as an attorney. He was the epitome of a virtuous, courageous lawyer, and his coworkers are really going to miss him. His family couldn't be prouder of him. Special note should be made of my Mom, without whom such a career could not have happened and would not have had the meaning. Clearly, they did it all for their children, and in that way I am continually reminded of Blessed John Paul II's call to the strengthening of families and the fundamental "cell" of society, on which its health is based. My parents are huge Fr. James Martin fans (a Jesuit author). I Facebooked Fr. Martin and asked him if he could send them an inscribed copy of his latest book about joy to them. He did, and my Mom and Dad were delighted to receive it. </li>
<li>Being in Chicago is a real experience. It's a huge city with a lot of riches, not the least of which is beautiful lake next to campus. However, I am continually reminded of the suffering of many people here and the need for all of us to help build "the culture of life" (as Blessed John Paul II envisioned it). That is a mighty and never-ending task, but an imperative. For my little part, my ministry will be working both with retreats for the homeless and with faculty faith formation at our Jesuit middle school that serves the African-American community. </li>
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That's enough from me! Make sure I hear from you! God bless!</div>
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</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-68844703683558036462011-12-10T23:24:00.000-08:002011-12-20T07:29:16.927-08:00A Poem About Catholicism<br />
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This is a poem I wrote this past summer for someone I know who loves reading/writing poetry, was raised Catholic, feels distant from the Church, and asked me to write a poem about what I see in the Church. It alludes at one point to both Blessed Pope John Paul II visiting the man who shot him in prison in order to counsel and forgive him, as well as Pope Benedict's pain and grief as he has visited with abuse victim's groups across the globe. At the end of one of these private meetings, one of the victims said to the media to the effect of, "the Pope wept with us who were weeping." The point of the poem is really to recognize our baptismal calling to be in Christ and like Christ (i.e., saints), and faithful sons and daughters of His bride, the Church. </div>
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<i>“Why be Catholic?” wonders an age<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Confused and daunted, in the wake of so much<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Of the past two thousand years<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>That our heads can reel and soon forget<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>The vast expanse of Truth revealed<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>By a humble man born of a peasant virgin<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>A man who walked seashores and called all people <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>To become one with Him.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>No mere mortal could ever hope<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>To wash the world clean with the grace He gave:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>A Church over which hell cannot prevail,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Offering victory over the grave.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Then we see lives made new in Christ,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Beginning with the least:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Tax collectors, lepers, prostitutes, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>And a poor fisherman<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Who was charged with leading His Church<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>And ensuring her faithful increase.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Inspiring countless persons to give their lives<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>To God and for souls,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>It is by the Holy Spirit<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>That our Mother Church protects, nourishes, and holds<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>All people to God’s own Son<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>And the shepherds He has chosen<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>To keep and guide the fold.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Yet when those brute beasts from the outer darkness <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Have attacked us from within,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>We must look to Christ and His Church<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>To see how Mercy and Goodness can triumph once again.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>And so we see the heirs of that poor man<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Jesus asked to be our Pope<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Stepping forward to forgive and console the man that shot
him<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Crying with those who have been abused<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Speaking truth to the forces of death,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>And in ten thousand other ways,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Replacing despair with hope.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Can we afford to not accept Jesus’ outstretched hand<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>In invitation to us?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>To follow Him where we did not dream to go,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Yet go with Him in trust,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Into Christ’s Body, the Church,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Into this one big boat<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>That carries us amidst all life’s doubts and fears?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>For with hope of salvation, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>An eternity with Jesus, our Perfect Love,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Our Church gives direction,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Calls us to sacrifice,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>And thus grants meaning to our years.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-77717584888109526692011-11-03T14:16:00.000-07:002011-11-03T14:16:30.975-07:00An Epic Series: CatholicismI was ecstatic (well, that might be overstating it a bit :) to find out today that Loyola's Hank Center for Catholic Intellectual Heritage has obtained Fr. Barron's epic new series <i>Catholicism</i>, which is being shown on PBS in some areas. You have to check this out! 10 DVD's of showing the broad sweep of Catholicism across the world. <br />
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This is undoubtedly the best media re-presentation of the Catholic Faith in history (and that's NOT an over-statement) by our generation's Archbishop Fulton Sheen. This is yet another example of how even during dark times, when the Church is assaulted from within and without, God is ever-renewing her so that she might be "the universal sacrament of salvation" to which she is called and for which she was formed by Christ. Praise God!<br />
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Extended Preview of Catholicism:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXz7CiIovJ8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXz7CiIovJ8</a><br />
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Main Website for Catholicism:<br />
<a href="http://www.catholicismseries.com/watch">http://www.catholicismseries.com/watch</a><br />
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</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-53416519329262163912011-11-03T13:56:00.000-07:002011-11-03T13:56:48.320-07:00Edgar Allen Poe and the JesuitsA little late for Halloween, here is an article about the connections between Edgar Allen Poe and the Jesuits whom he esteemed:<br />
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<a href="http://www.patheos.com/Resources/Additional-Resources/Edgar-Allan-Poe-and-the-Jesuits-Pat-McNamara-11-01-2011.html">http://www.patheos.com/Resources/Additional-Resources/Edgar-Allan-Poe-and-the-Jesuits-Pat-McNamara-11-01-2011.html</a><br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffbf; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; height: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: auto; z-index: 99995;">
</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-42316854255518299722011-11-03T13:54:00.000-07:002011-11-03T13:54:10.548-07:00Remembering a Heroic Jesuit Who Faced the Nazis<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqsXKK8zvAiB5r68WQUsokWjvGDli8a-Ag-UAqLrJZ9Xz0HS3noC_qubkP7boXWTmnlYoleODk0lwptO7oCJKBgf2zQHwgo8M702LzBzA4why2182uDViBzjmGpNDfodaE6ounVCiuwBF/s1600/rupert_mayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqsXKK8zvAiB5r68WQUsokWjvGDli8a-Ag-UAqLrJZ9Xz0HS3noC_qubkP7boXWTmnlYoleODk0lwptO7oCJKBgf2zQHwgo8M702LzBzA4why2182uDViBzjmGpNDfodaE6ounVCiuwBF/s320/rupert_mayer.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fr. Mayer from http://www.fordham.edu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here is the story of a Bl. Rupert Mayer, a Jesuit who heroically faced the Nazis, whom the Church celebrates today:<br />
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<a href="http://www.apostleship-prayer.org/stq4/stRupMay.htm">http://www.apostleship-prayer.org/stq4/stRupMay.htm</a><br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffbf; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; height: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: auto; z-index: 99995;">
</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-71423890309074186632011-11-01T15:34:00.000-07:002011-11-01T15:34:11.000-07:00Video on SaintlinessHere is a great short video for the Feast of All Saints, from Fr. Robert Barron:<br />
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<a href="http://www.wordonfire.org/WOF-TV/Commentaries-New/Fr-Barron-comments-on-All-Saints-Day.aspx">http://www.wordonfire.org/WOF-TV/Commentaries-New/Fr-Barron-comments-on-All-Saints-Day.aspx</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyvT8OAoOVKuL6Y9To1vczRbXFjkV-KeqPSdHKyKzeJFJr-CO34bu1gjv3W1-jzGxV_VH1kVEtzq4cq5lcDIHLVlInVme2GqWymFtjcgiWiaawJtuPwiLtloMkbHVBL0FKcwDZ7JgK1o5/s1600/caravaggio_st_paul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyvT8OAoOVKuL6Y9To1vczRbXFjkV-KeqPSdHKyKzeJFJr-CO34bu1gjv3W1-jzGxV_VH1kVEtzq4cq5lcDIHLVlInVme2GqWymFtjcgiWiaawJtuPwiLtloMkbHVBL0FKcwDZ7JgK1o5/s640/caravaggio_st_paul.jpg" width="483" /></a></div>
The Conversion of St. Paul, by Caravaggio<br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffbf; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; height: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: auto; z-index: 99995;">
</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-90176318949360622152011-11-01T11:50:00.000-07:002011-11-01T11:50:51.350-07:00A Remarkable New Saint<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Happy All Saints Day! It's a Holy Day of Obligation!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
St. Gianna Beretta Molla: a modern wife, doctor, mother, and the last saint to be canonized by Bl. John Paul II. Read about her truly remarkable story and see the beautiful icon of her:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://saltandlighttv.org/blog/saints-and-blesseds/the-call-to-holiness-excludes-no-one">http://saltandlighttv.org/blog/saints-and-blesseds/the-call-to-holiness-excludes-no-one</a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
For All Saints Day, here is an article on the Holy Father's words about the universal call to holiness:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/everyone-is-called-to-be-holy-pope-says-on-all-saints-day/">http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/everyone-is-called-to-be-holy-pope-says-on-all-saints-day/</a></div>
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffbf; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; height: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: auto; z-index: 99995;">
</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-53485760664201291202011-10-25T13:25:00.000-07:002011-10-25T13:25:52.573-07:00Birthday of my Beloved Pet FrogCharles Schultz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, said that "happiness is a warm puppy." Having allergies and thus dogs in my youth, I can imagine such a bliss but can't say I've had the experience. Instead, I grew up with frogs as pets.<br />
<br />
Today is a "feast day" of sorts, in honor of the day I received a mail-order tadpole from the Grow A Frog company. It was the first year of being home schooled in the sixth grade, so I convinced my parents to let me have an aquatic African clawed frog from a mail order educational supply company called Grow A Frog. I named the tadpole Cecil after a favorite baseball player, Cecil Fielder. It turned out later that Cecil was a woman! Later, I received a free froglet from Grow A Frog, which I named Cal for Cal Ripken Jr., another impressive baseball player at the time. If you are curious, check out the Grow A Frog website here, and you can see photos of the kit, etc. You can even order one for yourself! <a href="http://www.growafrog.com/"> http://www.growafrog.com/</a><br />
<br />
Random, right? So, why is this so special? Well, first of all, it was these little frogs that lifted my spirits during the middle school years, which are tough for everyone. At moments when I was pretty bummed out, I would go over and look at the frogs, and Cecil always seemed come over and look at me and have a smile on her face. Crazy, I know, but at the time (although I knew nothing of it) God was using this frog to speak to me of His grace. I truly loved these frogs. After 6 years, Cecil passed away. My family still jokes about the funeral "liturgy" I created for her, complete with music and a eulogy. I wish I had a video tape of that ceremony! It could be blackmail material :) <br />
<br />
I am happy to say that Cal is still kicking after 15 years. Sometimes this species lives past 25 years, so he may only be at mid-life! Since I am not able to have a pet at this time, I would like to thank my parents, sisters, and a family-friend Susan Mamary for collaborating for his care over the past many years. <br />
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This strange but perhaps humorous blog post, isn't it? After all, who celebrates a frog's birthday? But then again, Jesus said that His Father watches over the sparrow. I have heard it said that "God attends the funeral of every sparrow." I suppose the same holds true for frogs. Indeed, although animals are by no means equivalent to humans, they are privileged creations of God's providence, able to communicate God's grace in many ways, and are worthy of respect, mercy, and love. <br />
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So, I'll have to add to Schulz's statement: "happiness is a cold tadpole."<br />
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</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152059664375677608.post-18510737022796513712011-10-25T09:13:00.000-07:002011-10-25T09:13:40.322-07:00Overcoming Evil with Good<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;">Let's be honest: this world frequently looks like a mess. But, by faith, we can see that it is a "blessed mess." Below is one of the finest reflections that I have ever heard on the way that what seems evil can in fact be overcome by the grace of God. It comes to us from my friend Steve Calme, who is doing nonprofit work in Cincinnati. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKOnXk8Eowb3Oj2-_LQ04Ca4l7_nVbWleL9edJmkv0cwL3Hg5anFVTSnyN59R7CYthu2pYJwQmUp_O5xv8wnem26Frq0Tz_GWD2EWgEkn9tG8hLIc9wMQYk1A4vsS4pMqYyf1rSG1tArr/s1600/Steve+and+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKOnXk8Eowb3Oj2-_LQ04Ca4l7_nVbWleL9edJmkv0cwL3Hg5anFVTSnyN59R7CYthu2pYJwQmUp_O5xv8wnem26Frq0Tz_GWD2EWgEkn9tG8hLIc9wMQYk1A4vsS4pMqYyf1rSG1tArr/s320/Steve+and+I.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve and I (wearing similar shirts) on a bus trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You have heard that it was
said ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I say to you, offer no resistance to one
who is evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When someone strikes you on
your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anyone wants to go to law with you over
your tunic, hand him your cloak as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two
miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give to the one who asks of you,
and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
I prayed with this Gospel, an image from the long retreat came back to me, from
a contemplation of the Crucifixion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
setting was the top of the hill at Golgotha, at the climax of the frenzy of the
event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three men writhed with pain,
suspended above the crowd on wooden crosses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The crowd was thick with people, and at that hour they all seemed to be
against Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soldiers taunted him and
looked at him with disgust as a criminal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Parents brought their children and pointed to the gruesome sight,
telling their sons and daughters “never to be like that bad man.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Members of his own worship community gazed at
him with anger and hatred, hurling angry insults—and, when the soldiers weren’t
looking, stones—at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Curious Roman
citizens came to be entertained by his pain, to laugh at and mock this
contemptible animal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as the desire
to punish this man, the evil glee at the punishment that was occurring, the
desire to see him suffer reached a fever pitch, suddenly the air was pierced by
the criminal hanging at Christ’s left, perhaps the person at that moment who
best understood what Jesus was going through and so who best understood the
unfair consequence of Christ’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the middle of this loud frenzy of mocking and suffering and hatred, which had
become like a big party rejoicing at Christ’s suffering, the criminal, out of
despair not for himself but for this inexplicable end for Jesus, pierced the
air with a heartfelt scream: “All he’s done is loved!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those words rang out over the entire hill,
and for a moment—and only a moment before returning to shouts of hatred—the
crowd stopped silent in the face of that truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“All he’s done is loved!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In
the face of everything He encountered in His life, Jesus knew only one
response: generosity of love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When with
his friends, his family, when with strangers, and finally when with enemies:
not violent resistance or retaliation but love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s the message we hear Jesus preach in today’s reading from the
Sermon on the Mount: respond to one who is evil not with violent resistance but
with generosity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">From
the world’s perspective, this is one of the most impractical pieces of advice
ever given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Overcoming evil with good”
sounds like a nice idea—until you see its results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every once in a while you’ll see a clear case
of success, like Gandhi’s nonviolent movement, but way more often in the face
of evil, generous love will lead to vulnerability and hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we respond to evil with love, evil seems
to win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beauty of the Paschal
Mystery, however, is that every such victory for evil is a Pyrrhic
victory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Jesus died on the cross, I
imagine Satan’s response: “Yes!” only to be followed a second later, when the
meaning and consequence of Christ’s sacrifice becomes clear to him, with a
“No!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that happens every time we
participate in Jesus’s continuing victory by showing generosity of love in the
face of evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
Maximilian Kolbe offered himself to die at the hands of Nazis, evil had its
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And lost some of its power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
Fr. Lucid, a Jesuit I met in Portland, refused to stay back with other
chaplains during the Vietnam War and instead—though unarmed--demanded to be
with his men as they were dying on the battlefield, and his own name was added
to the list of the injured (making it one more than would have otherwise been),
evil had its way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And lost some of its
power.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
a classmate of mine at St. X, one year after our graduation, offered a
late-night ride to two young men in need, and was car-jacked and murdered
execution-style as a result of his generosity, evil had its way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And lost some of its power.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
a teacher spends an extra hour preparing for after-school tutoring for a
student who doesn’t show up; when giving someone a second chance results in
being taken advantage of, whenever our generosity makes us vulnerable in the
face of evil, evil often still has its way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But it always, always loses some of its power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Because
of the redeeming power of the cross, despite everything our senses tell us,
there is no victory for evil that strengthens it; likewise there is no such
thing as a generosity that yields no results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Inspired
by the example of the One we receive today, let’s pray for the strength to live
in such a way that others will say of us, “All he did was love!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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</div>John Roselle, S.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09478963649228651969noreply@blogger.com0