Standing for Justice and Peace

       I took a sign reading “Pro-Life, Conception to Natural Death” to the Women’s Rally and March last Saturday, January 21, at Washington Park in Cincinnati. It was important for me to be there, to join in with the hundreds of thousands of women and men who want President Trump to hear the many messages of those who believe that they have not been heard by this president who has told us that he wants to be the president for all Americans. So I am hoping that he finds this demonstration more useful than annoying.

       We gathered to let him and Congress know that there is very strong support for upholding the human dignity of every person, the unborn, yes, and also all of us of every age, race, gender, civil status or faith tradition. We support individual rights to be free of violence, including sexual and emotional abuse, bullying, trafficking, gun violence and pollution. We support just immigration reform to include special allowance for those who came as children and for those who have been contributing to our society and paying income taxes for many years just as citizens. We support criminal justice reform that focuses on rehabilitation of those who have committed offenses and that decriminalizes the disease of addiction. We further support appreciation and care for our mother, Earth, and the regulations that need to be in place at national and international levels to protect our environment for current and future generations.

       I hope that this is the beginning of a new movement, more than a solitary event. And I commit myself to continue to study the issues, take them to prayer and work to bring the just and peaceful Kingdom of God to birth. If you want to join me, I will be at the Northern Kentucky Justice & Peace Committee meeting on Thursday, February 2, 7 pm at Our Savior Church Hall, 10th Street. Covington, KY. For details, email dorothysosb@gmail.com. 

      Sr. Dorothy Schuette, OSB

Dealing with Dreary Days

I need help!

The dreary days of January are too numerous. Twenty minutes of sunshine every four days is not enough for my feeble spirit.

I’ve tried watching videos of the Caribbean—no change of attitude.

I’ve tried eating chocolate—no change of perspective.

 

I’ve tried reading about exotic locales—no change of heart.

I know…accept what cannot be changed and change what can. The only thing that I can change is my own outlook. Knowing that God is with me, rain or shine, brightness or gloom, is a beginning to a better view of my world.

As e.e. cummings writes: “I thank you, god, for most this amazing day…”

Amen.   Sr. Nancy Kordenbrock, OSB

The Secret of New Year's Resolutions

       Early January and already it is time to evaluate New Year’s Resolutions.  As a science teacher I was fascinated by the teaser on CBS Morning News that announced the science of New Year’s resolutions. So I stayed longer than I had intended to listen.

    Some facts from the research indicate that 10% want to lose weight but 40% want to become better persons. As a person who has vowed conversatio to each day become better I was impressed.  But what struck me about the research was that most resolutions are not kept because they are built on will power.  It was explained that will power is like a muscle.

   
It is strengthened by use but breaks down and becomes useless if overused.  So depending strictly on will power to fulfill our promises to ourselves can lead to failure. This is true especially if one makes several resolutions that require major changes in behavior. The recommendation was for short term goals that have measurable outcomes.

     So I thought of a number of small things that I can do to advance my cause to be a better person.  An area or concern is always relationships. Specifics will remain unnamed lest the persons I live with think they are the object of my resolution. Those persons may be right and they may be wrong!  Either way I will try my best. Other areas are increasing environment efforts and peaceful non-violence.

     But I will not depend solely on my own will power. Rather I will pray, “Lord, grant that I may place my trust in you.  Too often I have depended on my own flawed person with its natural limitations and have failed to depend on You. So as I begin this year of 2017 I trust you will be there to assist me in my personal fulfillment and guide me in choosing appropriate, achievable resolutions. I am ever grateful for your unfailing presence. Amen.” 

            Sr. Mary Rabe, OSB