Peacemakers Are Not Pacifists

Peacemakers are not pacifists, at least in the beatitudes, they're not.  When Jesus gave us the beatitudes, there wasn't a war going on, not in Pax Romana.  And no threat of war, either.  So, pacifism wasn't intended, at all.

The interpretation is a blessing on the people who work towards harmony in the community.  Now, this is something to chew on in today's times, where division is rife in our politics and religion.

Peace to you means "God's peace" means keep harmonious relations with one another.

Peace.  

So What?

It's a  struggle to get the kids out to school in the morning.  But I've been there before and these children are my grandchildren.  It's the same job but without the demanding angst.

So what if one of them doesn't eat any breakfast?  She's not going to starve.
So what if the youngest insisted that she did brush her witch's hair?  Let her go to school like that and suffer the consequential comments.
So what if the temperature is in the 60's and the oldest walks out without a jacket?  It's only 7:00 AM and it'll warm up later.

Why was it so important to me the first time around to force them to obey?  I remember too many times my children left for school in tears.  This time it's important to have no tears.  They grow up regardless.  Parents grow up too.

Courtship

I guess the times don’t change much.  Here is a poem by Johannes Huber.

To dream in the twilight

The dreams of their love

Through the times of the roses

Return as of yore--

That loving and dreaming

Bloom once, and no more.

Each springtime awakens

All nature anew;

To youth and its beauty

Comes only one May.

The swallows that wander

Leave not, to remain,

But man, when he parteth,

Returns not again.

Social Media Piques.

The internet magazine, "US Catholic" has an article by Molly Jo Rose that could have been written by me if I were smart.  I agree wholeheartedly!  The author sings the praises of the internet and social media.     

You can find people who agree with you, so you don't feel so alone.  You can learn and learn and learn.  For example, this morning I signed up for a free course at the Thomistic Institute.  You can stay up to date with your diocesan news, the United State Council of Catholic Bishops, and the pope.
You just feel connected.

God and Country

New Found Poet

Look what I found. While picnicking on the Heber Homestead I found these plaques that give some background and sometimes the story is enhanced by Johannes Heber’s poetry.

On the Run

It's hard to believe that The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest was written in Latin in 1597.  This is the breath-holding story of Father John Gerard, S. J.  The entire situation is hard to believe. 

The setting is England during the reign of King James.  Catholicism is outlawed so certainly being a priest was dangerous.  This didn't stop priests from ministering to the people, especially the Jesuits.

I also cringed at the tortures that were inflicted. How can people be so cruel?  What kind of people think up such cruel, inhuman ways of punishment? 

I was surprised that gentlemen prisoners were treated better than poor ones.  I was also surprised that Father Gerard seemed to only ingratiate himself with the rich.  He wasn't hiding in huts, barns, sheds, or in the woods.  Even so, his hardships were great.

He survived!  And thrived!  He was tortured and escaped. 

Another surprise was the bravery of Catholics.  They sought martyrdom.  They looked forward to it.

Could I be a martyr?  Maybe.  If I was killed quick.