A mediator is not a bon vivant welcoming disputants to a gala. Rather, a good mediator possesses a quiet inner joy. As a peacemaker, he seeks an inner peace attained not only through training and experience but received as a gift of divine grace.
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.
The Church as an Instrument of Peace in a Troubled World – Part 1
March 10, 2012 by | Leave a Comment
Like Francis, who stood in the crumbling stone church that mirrored the state of his life, we also observe peace crumbling around us. We witness the fires of discontent and the winds of conflict eroding the fragile harmony that exists among men.
Feast Day of Francis, the Pledge
October 4, 2011 by | Leave a Comment
On the Feast Day of Saint Francis I imagine Francis would be most pleased with efforts that continue his peacemaking work.
The Train Wreck
September 28, 2011 by | Leave a Comment
In a recent installment of the video blog Vortex, Michael Voris addresses a looming cultural disaster and forecasts we will see tough times ahead. Looking to the historical record he observes, “when the lights were going out across the Roman Empire, men and women who were heirs of nearly a thousand years of global superiority had to sober up fast.”
The Church as an Instrument of Peace In a Troubled World, Part 8
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.