Perhaps one of the hardest things Jesus told us as his followers was to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44).
It’s pretty tough to tolerate people we don’t like, let alone love them. But that’s what Jesus told us to do, and he certainly practiced what he preached. He even forgave those who crucified him!
Our country — and indeed our whole world — seems to be filled with racism, hatred, and violence. We all wonder how we should respond.
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Even though I lived in France for three years while doing my doctoral studies, I never managed a visit to Mont Saint-Michel, the mysterious, mystical, and hauntingly photogenic abbey situated on a promontory just off the Normandy coast between Caen and St. Malo.
But last week, in connection with the filming for my Pivotal Players series, my team and I made the pilgrimage.
I first spied the mount from the backseat of the van, when we were still many miles away. It looked like a great ship, moored on the line of the horizon. As we got closer, the place became increasingly impressive, sometimes looming like a fortress, other times seeming to float on the sea.
When we entered the gates this morning to commence our work, we stepped out of our world and into the Middle Ages. Our climb to the top —arduous and steep — mimicked that of thousands of pilgrims and monks and spiritual seekers over the centuries.
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| Ask DMU |
Q .I keep hearing how a Catholic therapist makes a world of difference, but I’m not sure how a therapist with a Catholic-Christian worldview would operate differently from a secular therapist. Can you help me understand the difference?
A. Excellent question. Since the answer to this inquiry is very complex, I will only present three ways in which a Catholic therapist’s approach is different from their secular colleagues.
MADISON — So, what do you think most teenagers do during the summer? Sleep in? Head to the beach? Hang out with friends?
All of that may be true. I hope it is true — summer is summer, after all.
But summer is also a time to serve: to be the “light of Christ” in the world and to be “Sent Forth by the Spirit.”
Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Madison has students that serve all year long: as ushers, altar servers, cantors, leaders of the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, etc.
FITCHBURG — The Catholic Multicultural Center (CMC) invites you to “International Night,” a fundraiser and community event at its Fitchburg location, 5256 Verona Rd., on Saturday Sept. 9, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
This family-friendly event will feature music and dance performances from around the world, delicious cuisine from a variety of countries, and arts and crafts for all ages, including Papel Picado and Chinese Lanterns.
WAUNAKEE — A Catholic Men’s Conference will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16, at St. John the Baptist Church, 209 South St., Waunakee.
All men are invited to attend this half-day conference. Gather with men who have a desire to grow in their Catholic faith to become better fathers, grandfathers, husbands, and brothers.
Join with these men for a time of inspiration, reflection, learning, and camaraderie.
MADISON — Edgewood College invites the public to a timely panel discussion.
With the topic, “The Battle is Never Over: Overcoming Adversity in the News Business,” the panel will be held on Monday, Aug. 28, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Anderson Auditorium at Edgewood College, 1000 Edgewood College Dr.
The 2017 summer season at Camp Gray may be over, but the faith, friends, and fun will be back next year.
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I write these words from Milan, Italy, where I am with my Word on Fire team filming new episodes for our Pivotal Players series.
I’ve seen lots of marvelous things on this trip, including the ruins of the ancient baptistery under the Milan Cathedral where, in the spring of 387, St. Augustine was baptized by St. Ambrose.
But the most fascinating sight I’ve taken in is the vested and mitered skeleton of that same Ambrose, which rests in the basilica that bears his name, not far from the cathedral.
Behind a grille, just under the main altar, lie the skeletal remains of Ambrose and two martyr saints, Gervasius and Protasius, whose bodies were recovered during his lifetime.
MADISON — “Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.”
We begin by reflecting on these words by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, which define our mission as Christians as being a disciple to Christ and thus our relationship with him gives “direction” to our lives.
