“I had a good time”
In loving memory of Charles Henry Zatsick
Brother and friend
August 17, 1937-October 2, 2011
Charles (Chuck) was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 17, 1937. He was the eldest of the seven children of Catherine and Joseph Zatsick of Southfield, Michigan.
Chuck graduated from Southfield High School in 1955 and received a Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan.
A keen student, Chuck was a member of the McNair Honor Roll Society while at Michigan Tech. Chuck loved hockey and traveled with Tech’s hockey team to report on their accomplishments. After graduation, Chuck moved to Marietta, Georgia, to begin what would be a 30 year career with Lockheed Aircraft as a technical writer.
Chuck enjoyed the warm weather of the south and took quickly to life there. A stamp lover like his dad, Chuck was a member of the Cobb County Stamp Club, and a charter member of the Cobb Photographic Society. Chuck was fascinated with space exploration and made numerous trips with family members to Cape Canaveral to view launches. His enthusiasm and his laugh were contagious. He loved sports, cooking, and telling stories.
Chuck was a devout Catholic, actively involved in the community of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Cartersville, Georgia. At St. Francis Chuck became ‘Charlie’ and served as a lector at the Sunday Liturgies. The last few years he came each Monday morning to help count the collection. He was very well liked.
Charlie is survived by his siblings: Katy Zatsick, Connie Zatsick, John Zatsick, Judy Zatsick and Tina Dunn, plus a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The burial service will take place at Sunset Memory Gardens at on Friday, October 14, at 2 p.m. The cemetery is located at 790 Indian Mound Road, S.E., Cartersville, GA 30120, 770-382-2735. A memorial mass will be held for family and friends at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Cartersville on Friday, October 14 at 6 p.m. Friends and family will begin gathering at 5:15 p.m. The parish will host a dinner for guests afterwards in the church hall.
Donations in remembrance of Charlie are welcome to support the St. Francis of Assisi Church Building Fund: St. Francis of Assisi Church, 850 Douthit Ferry Rd., Cartersville, GA, 30120.
(Written by Judy Zatsick, thanks Judy.)
"I had a good time" is what Chuckie requested be placed on his tombstone. So that was ordered. Because Chuck was found about a week after his heart attack, his body had to be cremated. So the burial took place on a beautiful fall day-blue sky, sunny and about 70 degrees.
The service included songs by the parish choir of lovely voices. Songs included "Here I am Lord" and "On Eagle's Wings" A dinner was served after-a wide selection of food buffet from the parishioners with more shared memories. Many of the men and women called Chuck a "kind character" and more than a few had tears in their eyes when they shared their stories and relationships with him. A friend Tom and Chuckie talked every day over the phone for the last ten years. Who else can say that? I can't.
Even though Chuck moved to GA in the 1960's and we only saw him at the holidays thereafter, my oldest brother has a special place in my heart. I am so sorry that his lifestyle did not permit him to live longer and enjoy life as he did when younger with travel and membership in his stamp and photography clubs. Rest in Peace Chuckie.
Monday, October 24, 2011
God's Grace or "Chuckie are you helping out your younger sister?"
This is a remarkable Monday for two reasons:
1. I woke up thinking, "How am I going to get the "pile of stamps" left by Chuck to our nephew Dan?" I did not have a box large enough for the albums, shoe box full, the odd envelopes of stamps that we found in our "tour de treasure hunt" at Chuck's home the Sat after his funeral. Well, ring, ring goes the door bell and the mail lady is delivering a package that contains my healthy pillow I used and left in Cartersville after the memorial service. By God's grace, the box was a perfect fit with not a square inch left over to mail the stamp collection to Dan. Mission Accomplished!
2. I had cut out a Walgreen coupon to "buy one get one free" for up to 3 free rolls of packing tape for my potential move in January. Yesterday I could not find the tape. Today I went back, no tape. I thought I should ask as the snow birds are arriving and I was wondering if the store would get more tape this week or should I get a rain check.
The cashier asked another to "check the stock in the back" She came back, sorry no stock but a much larger role of tape in her hand. "I don't think that counts for the coupon," I replied. "I will go check with the supervisor" as there is no other tape in the back, and no shipment till next Monday (when the coupon would be expired). She comes back with the tape "It is a much larger role so if you buy one, you can only get 1 free, not like the coupon that said 3/3"
I was a very happy camper as this role really is much larger and I hope between the two of them, I will get all the boxes taped and ready to make their move 1/2 block down the street to #8 in January!
So my conclusion this week before All Saints "Chuck is working overtime to pay me back for all I am doing in closing out his estate!" I really do believe our saints are active in our lives if we choose to ask them for help.
I remember all the stories Chuck would tell Joe and I as we slept in the same room. He would tell them before we went to sleep. Both my brothers would make some bet with me that I would loose so I would be the one to have to get out of bed to turn out the light. We slept in the same room until I was about 12 years of age. My dad added an addition then because my three youngest siblings were being born, one a year.
Rest in Peace Chuckie but keep working on my behalf!
1. I woke up thinking, "How am I going to get the "pile of stamps" left by Chuck to our nephew Dan?" I did not have a box large enough for the albums, shoe box full, the odd envelopes of stamps that we found in our "tour de treasure hunt" at Chuck's home the Sat after his funeral. Well, ring, ring goes the door bell and the mail lady is delivering a package that contains my healthy pillow I used and left in Cartersville after the memorial service. By God's grace, the box was a perfect fit with not a square inch left over to mail the stamp collection to Dan. Mission Accomplished!
2. I had cut out a Walgreen coupon to "buy one get one free" for up to 3 free rolls of packing tape for my potential move in January. Yesterday I could not find the tape. Today I went back, no tape. I thought I should ask as the snow birds are arriving and I was wondering if the store would get more tape this week or should I get a rain check.
The cashier asked another to "check the stock in the back" She came back, sorry no stock but a much larger role of tape in her hand. "I don't think that counts for the coupon," I replied. "I will go check with the supervisor" as there is no other tape in the back, and no shipment till next Monday (when the coupon would be expired). She comes back with the tape "It is a much larger role so if you buy one, you can only get 1 free, not like the coupon that said 3/3"
I was a very happy camper as this role really is much larger and I hope between the two of them, I will get all the boxes taped and ready to make their move 1/2 block down the street to #8 in January!
So my conclusion this week before All Saints "Chuck is working overtime to pay me back for all I am doing in closing out his estate!" I really do believe our saints are active in our lives if we choose to ask them for help.
I remember all the stories Chuck would tell Joe and I as we slept in the same room. He would tell them before we went to sleep. Both my brothers would make some bet with me that I would loose so I would be the one to have to get out of bed to turn out the light. We slept in the same room until I was about 12 years of age. My dad added an addition then because my three youngest siblings were being born, one a year.
Rest in Peace Chuckie but keep working on my behalf!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
A liturgy to remember 9/11/2001 and "Can we make the Quantum Leap for "eace"
I presided at the liturgy for Mary Mother Of Jesus Inclusive Catholic community, last evening. We had about 20 persons present, sat in a circle with our music minister Mindy playing on guitar and piano.
I had to cut the sharing after 1/2 hour they would have discussed peacemaking all evening. Please feel free to use any of the liturgy for your own celebration. Please give me credit for the poem. It includes my thought questions and I asked the readers not to read the many cites for the scriptures. The oral reading became very powerful because of "either destruction or peace" out loud and repeated.
Blessings everyone and may we draw these horrible wars to a close, bring our troops home and take care of them when they come home.
Mary Mother of Jesus Catholic Community
Remembering the 10th Anniversary
Can We Make a Quantum Leap from War to Peace?
September 3, 2011
Today we remember September 11, 2001- death, injury and destruction and the resultant wars that continue in Iraq and Afghanistan. This month is the 10th anniversary of the beginning of war with the destruction of the Twin towers in NYC, the plane crash in PA, the attack on the Pentagon in DC. The 10th anniversary is a time to reflect on where we are personally and where we are as a nation.
Records say that humanity has lost the population of the USA 300 + million people through war and genocide over the last 2 centuries. The cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan alone is 1.3 trillion dollars for the USA. The State of FL lost $58 billion in support from the Fed government since 2001.
Today’s reflection is not about personal or national political decisions but focuses on trying to discern the will of God for each of us as individuals, for our communities and for humanity. The question for us as a community on this 10th anniversary of our wars is “Do we obey the will of God for humanity when as a nation we decide to go to war?”
This is the question before us for we are in the longest period the USA has ever been at war. Our liturgy provides a sacred time and space when we as community stand before God and reflect on our moral decisions. We offer our faith struggles and decision making to God. We have the Christian scriptures, the RC tradition, and we have the signs of our times to guide our reflection 10 years after our country committed to war.
For a different perspective I have begun to look at what a new theory of physics is teaching about our existence and relationships to each other and to our planet. Human knowledge gained through science is a sign of our times.
I want to share with you from what I understand from Quantum Theory developed in the early 20th century. Quantum physics has to do with the energy of atoms which make up matter-ourselves and the earth and with our relationships to the universe we live in. The reality of quantum theory changes the way we think about who we are and our connectedness to all that exists. I am not a physicist; what I am sharing is from two books Quantum Theology: Spiritual Implications of the New Physics and Paradoxology: A Spirituality in a Quantum Universe. . Fred A Wolf, author on Quantum Physics writes, “Quantum theory is correct, and it is as weird as ever.” (pg 38 MTW). It is weird because it challenges the old paradigm of how the relationship of matter and energy works throughout the universe and time.
Quantum Theory presents us with challenges to how we view and experience the reality. This first challenge is paradox-what is, is what is not.
When I look at a wave of light and focus my attention, I see a particle. What I see is both wave and particle. This phenomenon is complementary that is mutually exclusive, yet jointly essential for a complete description of quantum events. A paradox culturally for example “We say we are a peaceful people yet we have been at war for 10 years.” What is the wave of alternative human possibilities from which we chose war?
I can focus on movement of an electron within an atom but not its location at the same time, a paradox. An electron can be at point A then appear at point B with no mappable trajectory. There seems to be no causal relation between the electrons two positions. Winter writes, “Try to imagine warp speed and faster,... in capricious motion, an avalanche of particles engaged in discontinuous leaps to positions resulting in an implicate order not necessarily preordained according to a primordial plan.” We would call this chaos.
The Quantum Leap at the atomic level is now understood at the cultural level. Winter writes the QL is “More than a metaphor. It is integral to us, where a universe of activity occurs in every cell of our body every moment of the day.” This also occurs throughout the universe from the micro to the macro of existence. As Einstein said, “Logic can get you from A to B. Imagination will take you any where”
A quantum leap took us to the moon and beyond, took us from slavery to outlawing slavery; from denying the right of women to vote to permitting it, and from the RCC denying the right of women to be called to its priesthood to living it. A quantum leap brought the fall of the Iron Curtain; it brought us Vatican II and we are in the midst of the Arab Spring. A quantum leap in our perception and experience can take us to peace.
When I observe the workings of an atom I will find what I look for. The observer influences what it seen. This is new for physics and for us as Christians and our story. The observer is not neutral or external, but through the act of measurement becomes part of the observed reality. Winter “Quantum physics tells us that we actively participate in creating what we see.”
O’Murchu writes: this suggests that observation gives way to relationship, a complex mode of interacting, fluctuating between giving and receiving, until a sense of resonance emerges. The individual parts-giver and receiver, observer and observed, lose their dualistic, independent identities, but rediscover a sense of the “quantum self” in the interdependent relationship of the new whole, which might be anything from the marriage of two people to a newly felt bond with (people of other lands to) the universe itself. (pg 37)
What does this imply for our faith journey and our seeking and seeing God? We live in a culture that supports going to war no matter the costs to our citizens and others. How can I see peace not war amongst human possibilities? What keeps me from seeing peace? What keeps me from bonding with people of other nations?
Today’s readings focus on our Hebrew religious history of wars and violence to a quantum leap of a new vision of the future coming into being through the words and teachings of Jesus living peace. Two other reflections are offered Kathy Southard’s song “The language of the heart” and my poem of reflection. Can we individually, as a nation, and as the human species make the Quantum Leap to being Peacemakers?
After the readings we will have time to individually and together reflect-Is this a new moment in time, a time for peacemaking and the setting aside the weapons of war?
Mary Mother of Jesus Catholic Community
Remembering the 10th Anniversary
Can We Make a Quantum Leap from War to Peace?
September 3, 2011
Let us begin our liturgy:
All
In the name of God
Creator, Sustainer, and Receiver,
Jesus our Way,
And Sophia quantum leap for peace,
Amen
Sorrow for Our Sinfulness
For the times we have not accepted that our God is the Creator of life and death,
All: Godde may we know Your wholeness
For the times we have not forgiven “70 X 7” times,
All: Jesus may we experience Your forgiveness
For the times we have not lived the Peace of Christ,
All: Sophia create in us new hearts of Your Peace
Opening Prayer: All
God of the nations, look upon the lands devastated by war and show us the way to peace. Turn our guns into plows and our bombs into bread. Remove hatred from our hearts and vengeance from our memories. Give us the wisdom and the will to end terrorism and war whether in lands far or near, or in the confines of our families and communities. Help us to know and understand that we are one world and one family. Grant this through the intercession of all the peacemakers of all times and all places, especially those who suffered persecution and death for the sake of justice and peace. Amen. (People’s Companion to the Breviary, pg 179)
Readings
I had the reader read without cites
First Reading: Hebrew Testament: the God of Destruction
Genesis 18:20
So YHWH said to Abraham, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is terrible and their sin is so grave…If they have done what her cry against them accuse them of, I will destroy them.
Genesis 22:2
Take you son, God Said, “Your only child Isaac, whom you love and go to the land of Moriah, “Seeing.” Offer him there as a burnt offering, on a mountain I will point out to you.
Leviticus 26: 22, 30
If you continue to defy me and refuse to listen, I will plague you sevenfold more for your sins… I will destroy your sacred high places and your pagan shrines. I will pile up your corpses on top of your lifeless idols, and I will hate you…
Deuteronomy 7:2, 16
When YHWH your God brings you into the land that your are to enter…and drives out multitudes before you—The Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Cannaanites, The Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you----and when YHWH, your God delivers them to you and you defeat them, you must destroy them entirely…You must destroy all the peoples that God, YHWH is now giving over to you.
2 Kings 18:25
Have I come to attack and destroy this place without word from your God? Your God told me to march against this country and destroy it.
Response: A Language of the Heart (can be found on a CD)
Song by Kathy Sherman CSJ
I do not speak your native tongue, I do not know your ways, your customs, your creed, the things that you believe, I never learned.
Your skin’s a different color. Your God has a different name, it’s easy to see how someone could believe, that you and I, we’re not the same.
But then I saw you smiling as the sun rose in the sky, and I saw the tears you wept as you watched your loved one die. And when I heard your children singing, they sounded much like mine, somehow I knew we weren’t that different after all.
There is a language of the heart we all can understand. That reaches cross the boundaries, of all peoples and all lands. The deepest things we know by heart when all is said and done. It’s a language of the heart can make us friends, can make us one.
I dream of peace and harmony, I imagine days to come, when war disappears and friendship draws near, to bind up age-old wounds. I’ve heard that love changes everything, I believe that it’s true, don’t you? If I reach out my hand will you take it, then let’s stand, for all that’s right and just and true.
Because I saw you smiling as the sun rose in the sky, and I saw the tears you wept as you watched your loved one die. And when I heard your children singing, they sounded much like mine, somehow I knew we weren’t that different after all.
There is a language of the heart we all can understand. That reaches cross the boundaries, of all peoples and all lands. The deepest things we know by heart when all is said and done. It’s a language of the heart can make us friends, can make us one.
Second Reading: Poem of Sorrow June 2005
I was in denial that Jason would participate fully in this war. The San Francisco Chronicle embedded a reporter with his platoon and on June 5, reported that Jason’s men had fired on and destroyed a pick-up and the persons inside. I wrote the following:
A poem of sorrow
A mother waits
A messenger comes to her door
The sun stops in its course across the sky
And plunges her world into night.
Sorrow so deep
Her wail so strong
It broke my heart
Here in Chicago this day.
Joined together forever are we
One son gave an order
One son died
We are one in our tears.
“I am sorry our cultures say, “War is the answer.”
“I am sorry my son says, “Fire”
I hold your son in my arms
And pray for your healing
And may the world be reconciled
To know that we are one.
June 6, 2005
On October 15, 2005 while on patrol, Jason lost his eye and arm to a road side bomb. He was flown to WRAMC where he spent a year healing from his injuries. I spent 8 months living at Walter Reed holding my son and praying for his healing.
Gospel: Teaching of Peace by Jesus and Paul
(I had the reader read without cites-became more powerful)
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are those who work for peace: they will be called children of God.
5:44 You have heard it said, “Love your neighbor---but hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for your persecutors. This will prove you are children of God.
19:17-19 Jesus replied “ …keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” the youth asked. “No Killing…Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Mark 4:39 Jesus awoke, rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Quiet, be calm!” And the wind dropped and everything was perfectly calm.
5:34 “My daughter,” Jesus said, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace and be free of your affliction.”
Luke 1:78-79 Zachariah, John’s father, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied…Such is the tender mercy of God, who from on high will bring the Rising Sun to visit us, to give light to those who live in darkness and the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
8:48 Jesus said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
10:5-6 And whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace be upon this house!” If the people live peaceably there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will come back to you.
24:36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus actually stood in their midst and said to them “Peace be with you.”
John 14:27 (Jesus said,) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; but the kind of peace I give you is not like the world’s peace. Don’t let your hearts be distressed. Don’t be fearful.”
Romans 2:10-11 …there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who has done good… With God there is no favoritism.
12:14, 17,19, 21 Bless your persecutors---bless and don’t curse them…Don’t repay evil with evil…If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them drink…Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil by doing good.
14:19…let us conduct ourselves in ways that lead to peace and mutual growth.
15:33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Petitions
Dear God we are your beloved community of Mary Mother of Jesus. Coming together we offer our petitions for the needs of the People of God:
Prayer for End of Petitions
Dear God, We know that you hear our prayers, those spoken aloud and those we hold in our hearts. We know that when we ask you gift us with your wisdom and your peace for our neighbors, our communities, and ourselves. All: Amen
Offering of Our Bread
Blessed are you, God of all creation, through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. This bread is our faith community your daughters and sons, seeking peace and being Your reconciliation with our lives. It will become for us the bread of life.
All: Blessed be God forever.
Offering of Our Juice
Blessed are you, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this juice to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. Believing you reign supreme over life and death, we seek healing and peace for our hearts in this time and place. This juice will become for us our spiritual drink.
All: Blessed be God forever.
Pray sisters and brothers; that we will listen to Sophia God of new beginnings and speak truth with lives of peace, reconciliation and forgiveness; that our faith community will do the same; and that all our feelings and thoughts, our spiritual life may be acceptable to you, almighty God, Mother and Father.
All: May God accept the sacrifice of our hands
For the praise and glory of God’s name,
For the forgiveness of all the People of God,
And our lives for your peace and justice in the world.
The Canon from the pink sheet
Our Father and Mother
To live lives of forgiveness and work for peace is a challenge too great for us alone; so Jesus taught us to pray: Our mother and father…
Reception of Eucharist
Dear Jesus may receiving your body and blood recall your forgiveness for those who tortured and killed you teach us lives of forgiveness and compassion for each other, our church, our nation, the world and earth itself. We are
The Body and Blood of Christ called to be God’s healing peace for the world. We are happy to be called to live lives of hope and to come to your supper.
Closing Prayer
Many people will come and say:
“Come let us climb YHWH’s mountain
To the Temple of the God of Jacob and Rachel,
That we may be instructed in God’s ways
And walk in God’s paths.”
Instruction will be given from Zion
And the word of YHWH from Jerusalem.
God will judge between the nations
and render decisions for many countries.
They will beat their swords into pruning hooks
And nation will not raise the sword against another,
And never again will they train for war. Amen (Isaiah 2:3-4)
Final Blessing
Presider: May God be with us
All: and also with you.
Presider: Let us go in peace to serve God and one another.
Our liturgy today is completed our service has begun.
All:
In the name of God
Creator, Sustainer, and Receiver,
Jesus our Way,
And Sophia quantum leap for peace,
Amen
Books Cited:
O’Murchu, Diarmuid. Quantum Theology: Spiritual Implications of the New Physics. Revised and Updated; New York, Crossroad Publishing Company, 2004.
Winter, Miriam Therese. Paradoxology: Spirituality in a Quantum Universe.
New York, Orbis Books, 2009.
September 3, 2011
Reflection
1. What has our culture and RCC taught you about war making?
2. What were you doing when you first heard the news
of the tragedy of 9/11?
3. What were your feelings that day?
And in the immediate weeks that followed?
4. How has your personal/spiritual life changed since 9/11?
5. What is your sign of hope for tomorrow?
6. Have you made the Quantum Leap to peacemaker?
7. How might our faith community help you with your life of peacemaker?
I had to cut the sharing after 1/2 hour they would have discussed peacemaking all evening. Please feel free to use any of the liturgy for your own celebration. Please give me credit for the poem. It includes my thought questions and I asked the readers not to read the many cites for the scriptures. The oral reading became very powerful because of "either destruction or peace" out loud and repeated.
Blessings everyone and may we draw these horrible wars to a close, bring our troops home and take care of them when they come home.
Mary Mother of Jesus Catholic Community
Remembering the 10th Anniversary
Can We Make a Quantum Leap from War to Peace?
September 3, 2011
Today we remember September 11, 2001- death, injury and destruction and the resultant wars that continue in Iraq and Afghanistan. This month is the 10th anniversary of the beginning of war with the destruction of the Twin towers in NYC, the plane crash in PA, the attack on the Pentagon in DC. The 10th anniversary is a time to reflect on where we are personally and where we are as a nation.
Records say that humanity has lost the population of the USA 300 + million people through war and genocide over the last 2 centuries. The cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan alone is 1.3 trillion dollars for the USA. The State of FL lost $58 billion in support from the Fed government since 2001.
Today’s reflection is not about personal or national political decisions but focuses on trying to discern the will of God for each of us as individuals, for our communities and for humanity. The question for us as a community on this 10th anniversary of our wars is “Do we obey the will of God for humanity when as a nation we decide to go to war?”
This is the question before us for we are in the longest period the USA has ever been at war. Our liturgy provides a sacred time and space when we as community stand before God and reflect on our moral decisions. We offer our faith struggles and decision making to God. We have the Christian scriptures, the RC tradition, and we have the signs of our times to guide our reflection 10 years after our country committed to war.
For a different perspective I have begun to look at what a new theory of physics is teaching about our existence and relationships to each other and to our planet. Human knowledge gained through science is a sign of our times.
I want to share with you from what I understand from Quantum Theory developed in the early 20th century. Quantum physics has to do with the energy of atoms which make up matter-ourselves and the earth and with our relationships to the universe we live in. The reality of quantum theory changes the way we think about who we are and our connectedness to all that exists. I am not a physicist; what I am sharing is from two books Quantum Theology: Spiritual Implications of the New Physics and Paradoxology: A Spirituality in a Quantum Universe. . Fred A Wolf, author on Quantum Physics writes, “Quantum theory is correct, and it is as weird as ever.” (pg 38 MTW). It is weird because it challenges the old paradigm of how the relationship of matter and energy works throughout the universe and time.
Quantum Theory presents us with challenges to how we view and experience the reality. This first challenge is paradox-what is, is what is not.
When I look at a wave of light and focus my attention, I see a particle. What I see is both wave and particle. This phenomenon is complementary that is mutually exclusive, yet jointly essential for a complete description of quantum events. A paradox culturally for example “We say we are a peaceful people yet we have been at war for 10 years.” What is the wave of alternative human possibilities from which we chose war?
I can focus on movement of an electron within an atom but not its location at the same time, a paradox. An electron can be at point A then appear at point B with no mappable trajectory. There seems to be no causal relation between the electrons two positions. Winter writes, “Try to imagine warp speed and faster,... in capricious motion, an avalanche of particles engaged in discontinuous leaps to positions resulting in an implicate order not necessarily preordained according to a primordial plan.” We would call this chaos.
The Quantum Leap at the atomic level is now understood at the cultural level. Winter writes the QL is “More than a metaphor. It is integral to us, where a universe of activity occurs in every cell of our body every moment of the day.” This also occurs throughout the universe from the micro to the macro of existence. As Einstein said, “Logic can get you from A to B. Imagination will take you any where”
A quantum leap took us to the moon and beyond, took us from slavery to outlawing slavery; from denying the right of women to vote to permitting it, and from the RCC denying the right of women to be called to its priesthood to living it. A quantum leap brought the fall of the Iron Curtain; it brought us Vatican II and we are in the midst of the Arab Spring. A quantum leap in our perception and experience can take us to peace.
When I observe the workings of an atom I will find what I look for. The observer influences what it seen. This is new for physics and for us as Christians and our story. The observer is not neutral or external, but through the act of measurement becomes part of the observed reality. Winter “Quantum physics tells us that we actively participate in creating what we see.”
O’Murchu writes: this suggests that observation gives way to relationship, a complex mode of interacting, fluctuating between giving and receiving, until a sense of resonance emerges. The individual parts-giver and receiver, observer and observed, lose their dualistic, independent identities, but rediscover a sense of the “quantum self” in the interdependent relationship of the new whole, which might be anything from the marriage of two people to a newly felt bond with (people of other lands to) the universe itself. (pg 37)
What does this imply for our faith journey and our seeking and seeing God? We live in a culture that supports going to war no matter the costs to our citizens and others. How can I see peace not war amongst human possibilities? What keeps me from seeing peace? What keeps me from bonding with people of other nations?
Today’s readings focus on our Hebrew religious history of wars and violence to a quantum leap of a new vision of the future coming into being through the words and teachings of Jesus living peace. Two other reflections are offered Kathy Southard’s song “The language of the heart” and my poem of reflection. Can we individually, as a nation, and as the human species make the Quantum Leap to being Peacemakers?
After the readings we will have time to individually and together reflect-Is this a new moment in time, a time for peacemaking and the setting aside the weapons of war?
Mary Mother of Jesus Catholic Community
Remembering the 10th Anniversary
Can We Make a Quantum Leap from War to Peace?
September 3, 2011
Let us begin our liturgy:
All
In the name of God
Creator, Sustainer, and Receiver,
Jesus our Way,
And Sophia quantum leap for peace,
Amen
Sorrow for Our Sinfulness
For the times we have not accepted that our God is the Creator of life and death,
All: Godde may we know Your wholeness
For the times we have not forgiven “70 X 7” times,
All: Jesus may we experience Your forgiveness
For the times we have not lived the Peace of Christ,
All: Sophia create in us new hearts of Your Peace
Opening Prayer: All
God of the nations, look upon the lands devastated by war and show us the way to peace. Turn our guns into plows and our bombs into bread. Remove hatred from our hearts and vengeance from our memories. Give us the wisdom and the will to end terrorism and war whether in lands far or near, or in the confines of our families and communities. Help us to know and understand that we are one world and one family. Grant this through the intercession of all the peacemakers of all times and all places, especially those who suffered persecution and death for the sake of justice and peace. Amen. (People’s Companion to the Breviary, pg 179)
Readings
I had the reader read without cites
First Reading: Hebrew Testament: the God of Destruction
Genesis 18:20
So YHWH said to Abraham, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is terrible and their sin is so grave…If they have done what her cry against them accuse them of, I will destroy them.
Genesis 22:2
Take you son, God Said, “Your only child Isaac, whom you love and go to the land of Moriah, “Seeing.” Offer him there as a burnt offering, on a mountain I will point out to you.
Leviticus 26: 22, 30
If you continue to defy me and refuse to listen, I will plague you sevenfold more for your sins… I will destroy your sacred high places and your pagan shrines. I will pile up your corpses on top of your lifeless idols, and I will hate you…
Deuteronomy 7:2, 16
When YHWH your God brings you into the land that your are to enter…and drives out multitudes before you—The Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Cannaanites, The Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you----and when YHWH, your God delivers them to you and you defeat them, you must destroy them entirely…You must destroy all the peoples that God, YHWH is now giving over to you.
2 Kings 18:25
Have I come to attack and destroy this place without word from your God? Your God told me to march against this country and destroy it.
Response: A Language of the Heart (can be found on a CD)
Song by Kathy Sherman CSJ
I do not speak your native tongue, I do not know your ways, your customs, your creed, the things that you believe, I never learned.
Your skin’s a different color. Your God has a different name, it’s easy to see how someone could believe, that you and I, we’re not the same.
But then I saw you smiling as the sun rose in the sky, and I saw the tears you wept as you watched your loved one die. And when I heard your children singing, they sounded much like mine, somehow I knew we weren’t that different after all.
There is a language of the heart we all can understand. That reaches cross the boundaries, of all peoples and all lands. The deepest things we know by heart when all is said and done. It’s a language of the heart can make us friends, can make us one.
I dream of peace and harmony, I imagine days to come, when war disappears and friendship draws near, to bind up age-old wounds. I’ve heard that love changes everything, I believe that it’s true, don’t you? If I reach out my hand will you take it, then let’s stand, for all that’s right and just and true.
Because I saw you smiling as the sun rose in the sky, and I saw the tears you wept as you watched your loved one die. And when I heard your children singing, they sounded much like mine, somehow I knew we weren’t that different after all.
There is a language of the heart we all can understand. That reaches cross the boundaries, of all peoples and all lands. The deepest things we know by heart when all is said and done. It’s a language of the heart can make us friends, can make us one.
Second Reading: Poem of Sorrow June 2005
I was in denial that Jason would participate fully in this war. The San Francisco Chronicle embedded a reporter with his platoon and on June 5, reported that Jason’s men had fired on and destroyed a pick-up and the persons inside. I wrote the following:
A poem of sorrow
A mother waits
A messenger comes to her door
The sun stops in its course across the sky
And plunges her world into night.
Sorrow so deep
Her wail so strong
It broke my heart
Here in Chicago this day.
Joined together forever are we
One son gave an order
One son died
We are one in our tears.
“I am sorry our cultures say, “War is the answer.”
“I am sorry my son says, “Fire”
I hold your son in my arms
And pray for your healing
And may the world be reconciled
To know that we are one.
June 6, 2005
On October 15, 2005 while on patrol, Jason lost his eye and arm to a road side bomb. He was flown to WRAMC where he spent a year healing from his injuries. I spent 8 months living at Walter Reed holding my son and praying for his healing.
Gospel: Teaching of Peace by Jesus and Paul
(I had the reader read without cites-became more powerful)
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are those who work for peace: they will be called children of God.
5:44 You have heard it said, “Love your neighbor---but hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for your persecutors. This will prove you are children of God.
19:17-19 Jesus replied “ …keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” the youth asked. “No Killing…Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Mark 4:39 Jesus awoke, rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Quiet, be calm!” And the wind dropped and everything was perfectly calm.
5:34 “My daughter,” Jesus said, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace and be free of your affliction.”
Luke 1:78-79 Zachariah, John’s father, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied…Such is the tender mercy of God, who from on high will bring the Rising Sun to visit us, to give light to those who live in darkness and the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
8:48 Jesus said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
10:5-6 And whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace be upon this house!” If the people live peaceably there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will come back to you.
24:36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus actually stood in their midst and said to them “Peace be with you.”
John 14:27 (Jesus said,) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; but the kind of peace I give you is not like the world’s peace. Don’t let your hearts be distressed. Don’t be fearful.”
Romans 2:10-11 …there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who has done good… With God there is no favoritism.
12:14, 17,19, 21 Bless your persecutors---bless and don’t curse them…Don’t repay evil with evil…If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them drink…Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil by doing good.
14:19…let us conduct ourselves in ways that lead to peace and mutual growth.
15:33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Petitions
Dear God we are your beloved community of Mary Mother of Jesus. Coming together we offer our petitions for the needs of the People of God:
Prayer for End of Petitions
Dear God, We know that you hear our prayers, those spoken aloud and those we hold in our hearts. We know that when we ask you gift us with your wisdom and your peace for our neighbors, our communities, and ourselves. All: Amen
Offering of Our Bread
Blessed are you, God of all creation, through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. This bread is our faith community your daughters and sons, seeking peace and being Your reconciliation with our lives. It will become for us the bread of life.
All: Blessed be God forever.
Offering of Our Juice
Blessed are you, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this juice to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. Believing you reign supreme over life and death, we seek healing and peace for our hearts in this time and place. This juice will become for us our spiritual drink.
All: Blessed be God forever.
Pray sisters and brothers; that we will listen to Sophia God of new beginnings and speak truth with lives of peace, reconciliation and forgiveness; that our faith community will do the same; and that all our feelings and thoughts, our spiritual life may be acceptable to you, almighty God, Mother and Father.
All: May God accept the sacrifice of our hands
For the praise and glory of God’s name,
For the forgiveness of all the People of God,
And our lives for your peace and justice in the world.
The Canon from the pink sheet
Our Father and Mother
To live lives of forgiveness and work for peace is a challenge too great for us alone; so Jesus taught us to pray: Our mother and father…
Reception of Eucharist
Dear Jesus may receiving your body and blood recall your forgiveness for those who tortured and killed you teach us lives of forgiveness and compassion for each other, our church, our nation, the world and earth itself. We are
The Body and Blood of Christ called to be God’s healing peace for the world. We are happy to be called to live lives of hope and to come to your supper.
Closing Prayer
Many people will come and say:
“Come let us climb YHWH’s mountain
To the Temple of the God of Jacob and Rachel,
That we may be instructed in God’s ways
And walk in God’s paths.”
Instruction will be given from Zion
And the word of YHWH from Jerusalem.
God will judge between the nations
and render decisions for many countries.
They will beat their swords into pruning hooks
And nation will not raise the sword against another,
And never again will they train for war. Amen (Isaiah 2:3-4)
Final Blessing
Presider: May God be with us
All: and also with you.
Presider: Let us go in peace to serve God and one another.
Our liturgy today is completed our service has begun.
All:
In the name of God
Creator, Sustainer, and Receiver,
Jesus our Way,
And Sophia quantum leap for peace,
Amen
Books Cited:
O’Murchu, Diarmuid. Quantum Theology: Spiritual Implications of the New Physics. Revised and Updated; New York, Crossroad Publishing Company, 2004.
Winter, Miriam Therese. Paradoxology: Spirituality in a Quantum Universe.
New York, Orbis Books, 2009.
September 3, 2011
Reflection
1. What has our culture and RCC taught you about war making?
2. What were you doing when you first heard the news
of the tragedy of 9/11?
3. What were your feelings that day?
And in the immediate weeks that followed?
4. How has your personal/spiritual life changed since 9/11?
5. What is your sign of hope for tomorrow?
6. Have you made the Quantum Leap to peacemaker?
7. How might our faith community help you with your life of peacemaker?
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
300 RC Male Mriests Speak Truth to Power
From the representative of Women's Ordination Worldwide (WOW)
300 brave priests stepping out in Austria -from Andrea Johnson
John Wijngaards points to some exciting news from Austria where 300 parish priests are openly refusing to comply because of the Church's lack of reform. They call for 'disobedience' in seven key areas. See: http://www.pfarrer-initiative.at/ (this is the German text)
The seven points are: (John has translated & summarized from the German text):
1.In every Church service they will say a public prayer for Church reform.
2. They will not refuse communion to well-meaning Christians. These may include divorced and remarried, members of other Churches, at times people who have left the Church.
3. They will avoid saying multiple masses in many centers. They will prefer services conducted by people themselves to artificial supply services.
4. From now on they will call a service of the word with distribution of holy communion a 'Eucharistic celebration without a priest'. This will fulfill the Sunday duty.
5. They will ignore the preaching prohibition imposed on competent lay people.
6. They will see to it that each parish has a lay chairperson: a man or woman, married or not. This to counter the joining up of parishes and of projecting a new priestly image.
7.(MOST INTERESTING!) They will use every opportunity to publicly promote the admission of women and married men and women to the priestly ministry -- seeing in both men and women welcome colleagues in our pastoral ministry.
Therese Koturbash, CNWE-Canada, 2010/11 WOW Leadership Circle
300 brave priests stepping out in Austria -from Andrea Johnson
John Wijngaards points to some exciting news from Austria where 300 parish priests are openly refusing to comply because of the Church's lack of reform. They call for 'disobedience' in seven key areas. See: http://www.pfarrer-initiative.at/ (this is the German text)
The seven points are: (John has translated & summarized from the German text):
1.In every Church service they will say a public prayer for Church reform.
2. They will not refuse communion to well-meaning Christians. These may include divorced and remarried, members of other Churches, at times people who have left the Church.
3. They will avoid saying multiple masses in many centers. They will prefer services conducted by people themselves to artificial supply services.
4. From now on they will call a service of the word with distribution of holy communion a 'Eucharistic celebration without a priest'. This will fulfill the Sunday duty.
5. They will ignore the preaching prohibition imposed on competent lay people.
6. They will see to it that each parish has a lay chairperson: a man or woman, married or not. This to counter the joining up of parishes and of projecting a new priestly image.
7.(MOST INTERESTING!) They will use every opportunity to publicly promote the admission of women and married men and women to the priestly ministry -- seeing in both men and women welcome colleagues in our pastoral ministry.
Therese Koturbash, CNWE-Canada, 2010/11 WOW Leadership Circle
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day Reflection 2011
Five years ago today I was in residence at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC supporting my son Captain Jason as he recovered from Very Serious Wounds (VSI) in Iraq. (Please see www.CaptJason.blogspot.comm for info begin reading October 2005.)
On Memorial Day I was invited to a memorial service by a mother K of a son who had attended Tank Commander School with Jason. Ken was her only child and her only son. He was killed in Iraq shortly after the invasion began in 2003. K had contacted me at WR to see if Jason would talk about her son and their time together. K wanted to know everything she could about her son, now deceased 2 years.
Today she and her family, friends and Ken's finance who was a RN for Jason at WR will meet at Arlington National Cemetery. They will remember Ken with stories, tears and laughter. They will release a balloon and pour beer on his grave. My heart is with them today as I remember my time with them in 2006 and who they are today. K continues to speak strongly for an end to war.
Today I remember Gilda and her Marine Alex, her only son and only child. As a member of Military Family Speaks Out (MFSO) Gilda visited and offered support to Jason and I while I was at WR. Alex was killed in Iraq early May 2006 and I attended his funeral at Arlington Cemetery. His headstone a very short way from Ken's. I haven't heard much from Gilda in the intervening years. I pray that she has found peace on this 5th anniversary since Alex's death.
Today as I was reading the Liturgy of the Hours, I saw the reference to prayers for today in the Sacramentary. I would like to include some of these prayers for today as a deepening of our Memorial Day reflections and prayers.
Some words have been changed to be inclusive.
For Peace and Justice
God our Creator
you reveal that those who work for peace
are called your sons and daughters.
Help us to work without ceasing
for that justice
which brings true and everlasting peace.
and
Loving Creator,
you guide all creation with care.
As you have given all women and men one common origin,
bring them together peacefully into one family
and keep them united in love as sisters and brothers.
and
Loving God,
creator of the world
you establish the order which governs all the ages.
Hear our prayer and give peace in our time
that we may rejoice in your mercy and praise you without end.
and
God of perfect peace,
violence and cruelty can have no part with you.
May those who are at peace with one another
hold fast to the good will that unites them;
may those who are enemies forget their hatred and be healed.
Prayers in Time of War
God of power and mercy,
you destroy war and put down earthly pride.
Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears
that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters.
and
God our Creator,
maker of love and peace,
to know you is to live,
and to serve you is to live in the kindom.
All our faith is in your saving help;
protect us from violence
and keep us safe from weapons of hate.
and
Loving God remember Christ your Son who is peace itself
and who washed away our hatred with his blood.
Because you love humanity,
look with mercy on us.
Banish the violence and evil within us,
and by this offering (of gifts) restore tranquility and peace.
and
(for prayer after communion)
Beloved Creator,
you satisfy our hunger with the one bread
that gives strength to humanity,
Help us to overcome war and violence,
and to establish your law of love and justice.
All prayers end with
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Brother,
who lives with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, for ever and ever. Amen
May you find peace and comfort today.
My heart is saddened to hold all those lost and injured in war and their families and friends; civilians and soldiers and the 18 veterans who commit suicide each day.
My own son returns to Iraq as a civilian contractor about July 1, 2011.
On Memorial Day I was invited to a memorial service by a mother K of a son who had attended Tank Commander School with Jason. Ken was her only child and her only son. He was killed in Iraq shortly after the invasion began in 2003. K had contacted me at WR to see if Jason would talk about her son and their time together. K wanted to know everything she could about her son, now deceased 2 years.
Today she and her family, friends and Ken's finance who was a RN for Jason at WR will meet at Arlington National Cemetery. They will remember Ken with stories, tears and laughter. They will release a balloon and pour beer on his grave. My heart is with them today as I remember my time with them in 2006 and who they are today. K continues to speak strongly for an end to war.
Today I remember Gilda and her Marine Alex, her only son and only child. As a member of Military Family Speaks Out (MFSO) Gilda visited and offered support to Jason and I while I was at WR. Alex was killed in Iraq early May 2006 and I attended his funeral at Arlington Cemetery. His headstone a very short way from Ken's. I haven't heard much from Gilda in the intervening years. I pray that she has found peace on this 5th anniversary since Alex's death.
Today as I was reading the Liturgy of the Hours, I saw the reference to prayers for today in the Sacramentary. I would like to include some of these prayers for today as a deepening of our Memorial Day reflections and prayers.
Some words have been changed to be inclusive.
For Peace and Justice
God our Creator
you reveal that those who work for peace
are called your sons and daughters.
Help us to work without ceasing
for that justice
which brings true and everlasting peace.
and
Loving Creator,
you guide all creation with care.
As you have given all women and men one common origin,
bring them together peacefully into one family
and keep them united in love as sisters and brothers.
and
Loving God,
creator of the world
you establish the order which governs all the ages.
Hear our prayer and give peace in our time
that we may rejoice in your mercy and praise you without end.
and
God of perfect peace,
violence and cruelty can have no part with you.
May those who are at peace with one another
hold fast to the good will that unites them;
may those who are enemies forget their hatred and be healed.
Prayers in Time of War
God of power and mercy,
you destroy war and put down earthly pride.
Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears
that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters.
and
God our Creator,
maker of love and peace,
to know you is to live,
and to serve you is to live in the kindom.
All our faith is in your saving help;
protect us from violence
and keep us safe from weapons of hate.
and
Loving God remember Christ your Son who is peace itself
and who washed away our hatred with his blood.
Because you love humanity,
look with mercy on us.
Banish the violence and evil within us,
and by this offering (of gifts) restore tranquility and peace.
and
(for prayer after communion)
Beloved Creator,
you satisfy our hunger with the one bread
that gives strength to humanity,
Help us to overcome war and violence,
and to establish your law of love and justice.
All prayers end with
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Brother,
who lives with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, for ever and ever. Amen
May you find peace and comfort today.
My heart is saddened to hold all those lost and injured in war and their families and friends; civilians and soldiers and the 18 veterans who commit suicide each day.
My own son returns to Iraq as a civilian contractor about July 1, 2011.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Come to the Table, All Are Invited
On Friday evening, I attended the 8th grade graduation mass and ceremony for my oldest grandson, James Charles. He graduated from Nativity Catholic School in Brandon FL. We all sat in the same pew, the last section in the large church.
Before liturgy Lisa introduced me to the women behind us. One of them, I will call her Mary, said "I am an Episcopalian" I thought this a funny way to introduce herself, it was the graduation of her grandchild and not really connected to one's faith journey in a direct way. I felt she must be feeling out of sorts being in a Roman Catholic church with a grandchild graduating from a Roman Catholic school.
This parish priest is abiding by Roman's latest dictates about "Sacred Space and quiet before mass" instead of meeting your neighbor to become part of a worshiping community as became the norm after Vatican II. JC's aunt and I joked about his directives and wondered out loud how we could "disobey." We talked and laughed and violated this negation of the gathering of the worshiping community.
When Rev Dagmar RCWP attends a parish, she was the wife of the Governor of Ohio, she does not receive Communion by going through the line. Instead it has become the custom that a member of the parish will go to Communion, bring it back to the pew and offer it to Dagmar. Dagmar receives via the believing community, the ones that do understand that although she is "excommunicated by Rome" Dagmar remains a Roman Catholic.
As I joined the line to receive Communion, the Spirit prompted me, "Receive Communion but do not eat it. Offer it to Mary." I took the wafer in my hand and returned to the pew. Mary was sitting in the pew behind me. I remained standing, "Mary would you like to receive Communion?" "I am Episcopalian" she replied. "I know and I offer you Communion." "Yes," was her reply. I broke the wafer in half and gave it to her, "This is the Body of Christ." I received the host and sat down.
After the liturgy on the way out, Mary said, "I want to thank you for your hospitality. For giving me Communion." I smiled and whispered to her, "I am a RCWP and all are welcome at the table" She hung on to my hand, "I have heard of you, not you personally, but your group. I am so happy to meet you." We hugged and said, "God bless"
All are welcome at the table, in this offering we offer hospitality of equal daughters and sons in Christ our Beloved Brother. I had never had the opportunity to offer the Bread of Life before. I will again. I know that Sofia is happy that I stepped out of my comfort zone to extend God's love to another daughter.
A Blessed Memorial Day everyone as we remember.
Before liturgy Lisa introduced me to the women behind us. One of them, I will call her Mary, said "I am an Episcopalian" I thought this a funny way to introduce herself, it was the graduation of her grandchild and not really connected to one's faith journey in a direct way. I felt she must be feeling out of sorts being in a Roman Catholic church with a grandchild graduating from a Roman Catholic school.
This parish priest is abiding by Roman's latest dictates about "Sacred Space and quiet before mass" instead of meeting your neighbor to become part of a worshiping community as became the norm after Vatican II. JC's aunt and I joked about his directives and wondered out loud how we could "disobey." We talked and laughed and violated this negation of the gathering of the worshiping community.
When Rev Dagmar RCWP attends a parish, she was the wife of the Governor of Ohio, she does not receive Communion by going through the line. Instead it has become the custom that a member of the parish will go to Communion, bring it back to the pew and offer it to Dagmar. Dagmar receives via the believing community, the ones that do understand that although she is "excommunicated by Rome" Dagmar remains a Roman Catholic.
As I joined the line to receive Communion, the Spirit prompted me, "Receive Communion but do not eat it. Offer it to Mary." I took the wafer in my hand and returned to the pew. Mary was sitting in the pew behind me. I remained standing, "Mary would you like to receive Communion?" "I am Episcopalian" she replied. "I know and I offer you Communion." "Yes," was her reply. I broke the wafer in half and gave it to her, "This is the Body of Christ." I received the host and sat down.
After the liturgy on the way out, Mary said, "I want to thank you for your hospitality. For giving me Communion." I smiled and whispered to her, "I am a RCWP and all are welcome at the table" She hung on to my hand, "I have heard of you, not you personally, but your group. I am so happy to meet you." We hugged and said, "God bless"
All are welcome at the table, in this offering we offer hospitality of equal daughters and sons in Christ our Beloved Brother. I had never had the opportunity to offer the Bread of Life before. I will again. I know that Sofia is happy that I stepped out of my comfort zone to extend God's love to another daughter.
A Blessed Memorial Day everyone as we remember.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
A Prayer for Healing-for One Who Mourns
Tonight after liturgy, a woman asked for healing prayer.
Bishop Bridget Mary, Tom, Terry and myself would pray for her healing. I did not know that both Terry and Tom had been married before and each of their first spouses had died. This was the first time M and friends had come to Mary, Mother of Jesus community's liturgy.
M had recently lost her husband after only 15 days of knowing he was ill. "We thought he had sciatica" She is a Social Worker, "I thought I would be over it already" It has only been less than a month since his sudden death.
M said "I think God led me here tonight" She had been attending liturgy at her parish but needed a "caring community" she didn't find it in her own parish. We listened to M's story. We prayed for the Spirit of Comfort and Peace to come to her. Tom and Terry shared the story of each becoming a widow/widower. Their feelings and insights offered in comfort and M felt she had been listened to.
Their most important sharing was in response to M saying, "I want to know he is okay. I want to know he is all right." Tom and Terry each shared about how their first spouses are still with them-in their hearts.
We promised to keep M in our prayers till we met her again. I gave her my card so she could call anytime. I said, "I am ready for lunch and talk anytime you want."
We all gave thanks that M came to MMOJ and that our team of pray-ers was made up of two persons who had lost spouses. It was a synchronicity that reveals God's presence in the world.
Suffering and loss are inescapable as humans. What we can do is hold each other in love and the Compassion of God. God is the healing, we are vessels. From my point of view: we put a bug in God's ear, as the saying goes, "From your lips to God's ear"
It is a Sacred calling to be asked to pray for another, a sacred trust that must not be broken. Healing everyone from our God of Compassion.
Bishop Bridget Mary, Tom, Terry and myself would pray for her healing. I did not know that both Terry and Tom had been married before and each of their first spouses had died. This was the first time M and friends had come to Mary, Mother of Jesus community's liturgy.
M had recently lost her husband after only 15 days of knowing he was ill. "We thought he had sciatica" She is a Social Worker, "I thought I would be over it already" It has only been less than a month since his sudden death.
M said "I think God led me here tonight" She had been attending liturgy at her parish but needed a "caring community" she didn't find it in her own parish. We listened to M's story. We prayed for the Spirit of Comfort and Peace to come to her. Tom and Terry shared the story of each becoming a widow/widower. Their feelings and insights offered in comfort and M felt she had been listened to.
Their most important sharing was in response to M saying, "I want to know he is okay. I want to know he is all right." Tom and Terry each shared about how their first spouses are still with them-in their hearts.
We promised to keep M in our prayers till we met her again. I gave her my card so she could call anytime. I said, "I am ready for lunch and talk anytime you want."
We all gave thanks that M came to MMOJ and that our team of pray-ers was made up of two persons who had lost spouses. It was a synchronicity that reveals God's presence in the world.
Suffering and loss are inescapable as humans. What we can do is hold each other in love and the Compassion of God. God is the healing, we are vessels. From my point of view: we put a bug in God's ear, as the saying goes, "From your lips to God's ear"
It is a Sacred calling to be asked to pray for another, a sacred trust that must not be broken. Healing everyone from our God of Compassion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
