As we “enter Jerusalem” tomorrow, Palm Sunday, we may want to assess the degree to which our life’s journey is truly a spiritual pilgrimage, a pilgrimage that includes contemplation designed to lift us out of our false selves, contemplation designed to help us transcend our worldly nature.
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 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 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 Wolf and Canon Law
October 21, 2011 by | Leave a Comment
In mediation the spirit of the law does not remain an abstract philosophical factor but rather is brought to life by the workings of the Holy Spirit.
Face of a Franciscan
September 1, 2011 by | Leave a Comment
Face Work is a social science discipline that studies a person’s need to Save Face, Protect Face, and Restore Face, thus managing threats to their social image, identity, or standing. The ultimate tool for effective Face Work is hinted at in friar Murray Bodo’s phrase “the Face of a Franciscan.”
Peace Begins with a Heart at Peace
June 22, 2011 by | Leave a Comment
The Taming the Wolf approach to conflict resolution begins with transformation of self that brings about awareness of the divine within. The process then moves to a recognition of the divine within the Other, resulting in an I-Thou relationship.
A Silent Movie
June 15, 2011 by | Leave a Comment
Ron Austin, Hollywood screenwriter, delivering a commencement address at Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology, offered a thought provoking idea: “I think we American Catholics are now called to create a ‘silent movie’ of who we are—that is, a living, visible alternative way of life.”
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.