Inspired by Scholastica

Sometimes it's hard to keep hope in our hearts when our world is so chaotic. It seems like every time we look at social media or our newspapers there's another mass shooting, scandal, attack, or disaster.  It's tempting to crawl into our shell and avoid the bad news. But that does not make it go away. I'm sure Moses felt like giving up after finally leading the Israelites out of Egypt only to encounter their whining and infidelity in trying to get to Canaan. He himself doubted God once when striking the rock for water. Forty years of struggle and hardship through deserts and enemy territory must have seemed pretty hopeless to these "chosen people." But they did not give up. St. Monica must have been tempted to stop praying for her son Augustine's conversion after 30 years, but she kept on. He went on to become a bishop and a saint. When our world seems to be collapsing and the future looks bleak, we need to keep on prayiing and bringing light to ...

The Leadership Council of Women Religious (LCWR) met recently in Scottsdale, Ariz., to discuss "Leadership in a Global Community." The social justice section of the meeting focused on three critical issues: racism, migration, and the climate crisis. At a time when religious communities are undergoing diminishment and downsizing, I was struck by the fact that these leaders were not looking at their own situation, but focused on the major issues facing our country today. Racism amidst a climate of white supremacy and anti-immigrant attitudes is causing widespread division and violence. Migration is creating another barrier between a Christian stance of welcome and a fearful wall of rejection. And the climate crisis is about our very survival on our planet devastated by pollution, waste, and alarming warming trends .  Also during the meeting the assembly composed a letter to send to President Trump regarding political rhetoric.  The letter states in part, "We implore...

I just finished reading  "The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 1/4 Years Old."  It was a charming, humorous, and honest look at old age and care homes. It takes place in the Netherlands in 2013. Although the culture and situations are different, the feelings and inter-actions of the residents are much the same as in the U.S. The characters live independently in small apart-ments but eat together in a large dining room. Hendrik and several friends form The Old but Not Dead Club -- Rule #3: No Whining Allowed. The six members take turns planning day outings once a month. The one in charge hires a bus or private vehicle to transport them to museums, restaurants, parks, and even a yoga session. They handle their illnesses with a certain nonchalance, and help each other when there is need. One of the most touching relationships is between Hendrik and a widow in the club. They enjoy each other's company and he is devastated when she has a stroke and needs to move to th...

John F. Kennedy wrote a book called Profiles in Courage which highlighted the careers of eight senators whom Kennedy felt had shown great courage under enormous pressure from their parties and their constituents. He described three types of pressure faced by elected officials: the pressure to be liked, the pressure to be re-elected, and the pressures of the constituency. He admired these men who did not succumb to these pressures. Rep. Elijah Cummings If he were writing his book today, I'm sure Robert Mueller would be among his courageous leaders. With grit and integrity, he undertook the special counsel investigation of  U.S. collusion with Russia regarding the 2016 presidential election. After two years, in a 400-page document,  Mueller and his team concluded there was definite evidence of collusion.    . . Elijah Cummings, a representative from Baltimore, would probably also be included. He is one of the most respected members of Congress and is fearless...