We are left with the nagging question of how, exactly, do we engage in spiritual conversation that touches the heart of the other. We seek conversations grounded in integrity, but fear we might inadvertently veer off into the land of the carnival barker.
Saint Peter Stumbles
March 17, 2012 by | Leave a Comment
Faced with conflict, like Peter, we may become drowsy and inattentive until our enemy arrives and provokes us into violent action. Peter, lacking the perspective of the Resurrection, became drowsy when Christ summoned him to vigilance with the words, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here and watch.” [Mk 14:33-34]
The Church as an Instrument of Peace In a Troubled World, Part 8
March 14, 2012 by | Leave a Comment
Thus, we see the heart–centered approach of Francis has evolved into an approach to the New Evangelization. A Franciscan recognizes the image of God in the other — and thus gives the gift of Divine Face. This Face of a Franciscan that sees God in the other person becomes the cornerstone of the New Evangelization.
The Church as an Instrument of Peace In a Troubled World, Part 7
March 14, 2012 by | Leave a Comment
We must build the peace with the same passion we expended in the fight. Fighting may be easier than making peace, winning easier than transforming the world. But making peace and transforming the world are our goals.
The Church as an Instrument of Peace In a Troubled World, Part 6
March 13, 2012 by | Leave a Comment
Though we aspire to bring peace to a troubled world, we first must achieve solidarity within the Church through robust conflict resolution programs consistent with Vatican II.
The Church as an Instrument of Peace In a Troubled World, Part 5
March 12, 2012 by | Leave a Comment
Within the culture of the Church, typically we handle conflict in three ways: we exercise power; we seek adjudication based on our rights; or we negotiate with our brother and seek to satisfy both our interests. We turn to power, rights, or interests.
The Church as an Instrument of Peace In a Troubled World, Part 4
March 12, 2012 by | Leave a Comment
The mediation discipline stresses process. Parties tend to put attention solely on substance, failing to recognize that how they go about resolving disputes is critical. If the process does not promise and deliver safety and hope and actively promote willingness to participate, the effort goes nowhere.
The Church as an Instrument of Peace In a Troubled World, Part 3
March 11, 2012 by | Leave a Comment
Thus, a considerable peacemaking and reconciliation take place in the Church, especially during Eucharist. The Church draws the faithful into unity with Christ and thus functions as the primary peacemaking entity in the world.
The Church as an Instrument of Peace In a Troubled World, Part 2
March 11, 2012 by | Leave a Comment
And we find when we distance ourselves from God, the result is separation from our brothers. When we are unable to love God, we are unable to love our neighbor. Lack of love sets the stage for conflict.
Why They Left the Church
In this recent video Father Robert Barron reflects on a survey that polled Catholics who left the Church, asking them why they departed.