Yesterday, the United States Senate passed a measure designed to increase mileage standards for automobiles produced in the United States to an average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020. By then gasoline will be $10.00/gallon and 35 mpg will be just as anemic as our current standards. Yesterday, the Vice-President announced that his office is not subject to oversight for classified information. Continue reading “Fill the cup please…!”
Separating truth from half-truth
In the mail today from the Merton Institute. Timely writing here.
“Though there are certainly more ways than one of preserving the freedom of the sons of God, the way to which I was called and which I have chosen is that of the monastic life. Continue reading “Separating truth from half-truth”
What Dad’s really want…
I got a poster mailed to me this week from the Peace Alliance. I used to think that our generation was going to be the one to end war. We had a lot of idealism in the 1960’s and 1970’s. We’d lived through Vietnam with its lies and subterfuge and we were seasoned. Continue reading “What Dad’s really want…”
Crap
In today’s news there is word from General Petraeus, the latest pawn in Game Iraq that we’re succeeding in a new surge against Al-Qaida strongholds. I say that is essentially meaningless crap. A friend of mine used to say, “crap is crap and the square root of crap is still crap.” Continue reading “Crap”
Then and now..
The Concert for Bangladesh occurred in August 1971. It’s been nearly thirty-six years since then and we’re at another watershed of emotion in world affairs. Will we turn our back on the suffering in Darfur? Will we turn our back on the suffering in Iraq and throughout the middle east. Continue reading “Then and now..”
Business for Human Beings
Ubuntu is the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity. It’s a unique and timely concept. Ubuntu’s slogan, “Linux for human beings,” is an extension of the concept. Imagine such a radical concept as an active concern for all humanity and even the world itself. It almost sounds like a concept advanced by St. Francis of Assisi. Continue reading “Business for Human Beings”
We are all one
St. Francis of Assisi saw all creation as brother and sister and bearing the imprint of the Most High. That’s an abstract concept and not easily seen or even practiced. Tonight I heard a fellow speak of DNA and how we’re all comprised of the same elements. Not long ago while reading a book by Thich Nhat Hanh he spoke of looking deeply and seeing ancestors in each of us and all of us. Continue reading “We are all one”
Fallow
For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield; but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, so that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the wild animals may eat.
– Exodus 23:10-11
There’s a novel concept or is it. I think there is a great deal of wisdom there and it’s an axiom that isn’t practiced much in our production-consumption oriented culture. We’re so busy being busy that we don’t take time to let it lie fallow for a year. What part of your field would you allow to lie fallow this year?
Evenings of Re-creation
Summer is a special time at Mt. Irenaeus. This year the theme “live with gratitude” will be celebrated by each of the presenters. Each Wednesday evening beginning June 27, 2007 and continuing for six Wednesdays until August 1, 2007 those times of special reflection will begin with Mass at 4:45 pm Continue reading “Evenings of Re-creation”
Living by the sword has its risks
George Bush’s favorite reason for the Iraq War is “fighting them there so we don’t have to fight them here.” I knew that was simplistic and misleading but had nothing to refute that until now. In today’s New York Times there is an article that is quite informative and alarming. Continue reading “Living by the sword has its risks”