Richman and Lazarus

Jesus speaks in a parable about the richman and a man named Lazarus. (Luke 16:19-31)  The richman is confident, powerful, sure, strong, indifferent, and rich in so many ways.  Lazarus is simple, single minded, and humbled by his littleness, poverty and seeks only the crumbs to eat that fall from the richman's table. 

I suppose that at times we all have a little of both the richman's attitude as well as that of Lazarus'.  Yet, at the end of the day no one has it all; with age and experience we come to appreaciate the little we do have. --jlf

Pensée du jour

Sometimes a little get-a-way is all it takes to recompose your thoughts and feelings. A little silence does good for the soul and heart. It is in the moments of silence which call to mind the essential things for our lives.  Indeed, precious are silent get-a-ways. --  jlf

Finger pointing in Arizona

The event that has stirred attention the last few days regarding the governor of Arizona and the U.S. President in what seemed to look like a small quarrel among them before a formal official arrival gives a good example of the condition in which we are living today.  

With easy access for communication through electronic means anybody anywhere can say anything with little or no retribution or penalty.  If such criticism were founded and engaging it would certainly be a gain.  However,  it is usually not the case - particularly when such criticism is directed to the leadership as a whole.  

The U.S. Constitution begins with the words "We the people" , yet this great country has been lead not only ' for ' and 'by' the people but by strong leaders: Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt, just to name a few.  

Today, the intertwine of language and "excessive" uncensored free speech trasmitted through the new ways of communication on a global scale is one of the many deteriorating factors in today's society weakening  the heart of civilization.  The modern means of communication has had a profound effect not only on our perception of the world, but also has affected our interpersonal behavior.  

The audacity of the finger pointing by a Governor to a U.S. President has become an icon or a personification, if you will, illustrating how much a civilization has deteriorated. -- jlf

The Contemplative Life by Thomas Merton, August 21, 1967

Thomas Merton was asked to write a letter to the laity regarding the life of contemplation. Merton, a Trappist monk, known for his articulation on the search for God, which went beyond what most Catholics would be afraid to go, and into the realms of interreligious dialogues. He spoke with clarity regarding prayer and the search for God in his books. For this, in 1967 at the request of Paul VI writes the magnificent letter.


He addresses the letter not preaching from the pulpit – he speaks at ground level; eye to eye. It is not that he is “holier than thou” that legitimize him to give such reflection. In fact, the challenges that the laity meet are in effect more demanding and critical than that those of the monks who live in large monasteries on large properties. 


The demanding needs of the families and the daily affairs may draw away from reflecting on presence of God. It is for this purpose that he writes his letter. He offers his meditation on the presence of God for those who may not have the time to do so, for whatever the reason.


He begins on the premise that our whole being carries the signature of God. It is a moment of epiphany (manifestation) coming to accept myself with all the good and the bad. At this point I stand before God as I am. Before God I cannot fool myself. And despite all the good and bad, God loves me as I am. 


But acceptance of one’s self is not enough. Merton adds that it is impossible to be realistic about a God that we cannot see. How can a God love or manifest his goodness even in the mist of tragedy or misfortune? The love we experience tangibly everyday by friends, families and circumstances is the assurance of the love of God. God is Love says the Bible. Anyone who wishes well to another is exchanging the goodness of an invisible God made visible by human hearts. God is Love. And as I receive this goodness from the other it is clear to me that it is an affirmation that I am good before God. 


There are many moments in my life that I know I have done good for myself and for others. Those moments are unforgettable and imprinted in mind and heart. And I have done things in my life that I am not proud of. I have been wrong in several occasions; guilty. But the one thing that keeps bringing the best out of me is the kindness, goodness and the love of others. For Thomas Merton this is the epiphany of Love! A God who believes in me. A God who gives me confidence to be myself, to love and let myself be loved. 


In reality we are living a contemplative life. -- jlf