No, I'm not talking about last February's Super Bowl victory (although I could, over and over again) or the recent weekend's mini-camp or the upcoming season where we will strive to keep the chrome in the dome...
I'm talking about another first class move by what has become the premier first class football franchise in the NFL as the New Orleans Saints spent the day among the people hardest hit by the BP Oil disaster.
All the big names took a nearly 2 hour bus ride to Buras, LA in Plaquemines Parish to rally the community, spend time with people who have had little to smile about these past 50 days and view first hand some of the devastating effects from the latest hard knock to befall these good, honest hard-working people. As Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, Coach Sean Payton and others took the stage the locals could forget, if just for a brief moment of time, the hardships that have befallen them.
The World Champs took time to sign autographs (no charge) and then made a stunning announcement. The Saints are going to raise funds for those impacted by BP by raffling off a Super Bowl ring for chances as low as $ 2 each. I understand you may have to purchase a minimum of 5 tickets but for $ 10 you get 5 chances to win and wear your very own Super Bowl ring. Sign me up.
As I find out more, I'll be happy to provide more details.
We have so much hard work ahead as the oil keeps gushing, the government keeps misleading and good people keep hurting. So keep praying for the people of the Gulf Coast and particularly those who depend on the marshes of southeast Louisiana. But today we all can say thank you World Champion New Orleans Saints. You made a difference!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Catholic Social Justice
>>>Much has been written over the past year about Catholic Social Teaching, the term social justice and much criticism about how this social teaching is misused. The following is directly from the USCCB website and contains the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching. On balance, who could argue with these themes? And all should take note that first and foremost is the life and dignity of the human person, from conception to natural death. While it is true that tenets of social justice or social teaching are twisted by some, it can never be denied that Catholic Social Teaching is real and has been expounded upon in the last 100+ years from Pope Leo XIII all the way through Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.
Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated through a tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents. The depth and richness of this tradition can be understood best through a direct reading of these documents. In these brief reflections, we highlight several of the key themes that are at the heart of our Catholic social tradition.
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and euthanasia. The value of human life is being threatened by cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the use of the death penalty. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks is always wrong. Catholic teaching also calls on us to work to avoid war. Nations must protect the right to life by finding increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.
Call to Family, Community, and Participation
The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society—in economics and politics, in law and policy—directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. Marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened, not undermined. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Rights and Responsibilities
The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities--to one another, to our families, and to the larger society.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.
The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.
Solidarity
We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that “if you want peace, work for justice.”1 The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict.
Care for God’s Creation
We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.
Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated through a tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents. The depth and richness of this tradition can be understood best through a direct reading of these documents. In these brief reflections, we highlight several of the key themes that are at the heart of our Catholic social tradition.
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and euthanasia. The value of human life is being threatened by cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the use of the death penalty. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks is always wrong. Catholic teaching also calls on us to work to avoid war. Nations must protect the right to life by finding increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.
Call to Family, Community, and Participation
The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society—in economics and politics, in law and policy—directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. Marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened, not undermined. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Rights and Responsibilities
The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities--to one another, to our families, and to the larger society.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.
The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.
Solidarity
We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that “if you want peace, work for justice.”1 The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict.
Care for God’s Creation
We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.
Answering questions about the Permanent Deacon
This past weekend the Archdiocese of New Orleans opened an inquiry period for men who may be feeling a call to serve the Church in ordained ministry. We were blessed to have 56 married men, with their wives and 4 single men in attendance. Supporting the day's events were many Permanent Deacons, including yours truly and the men and wives of our 2010 class (scheduled to be ordained in December) and 2012 class.
After a meaningful and thorough presentation that lasted several hours, with plenty of time for breaks and refreshment, the floor was opened for questions. Now please understand from the outset that I'm sharing some of this as a teachable moment. In no way do I find the questions silly or stupid but it does point out that the emerging permanent diaconate still has a way to go.
One of the questions dealt with compensation. This is a great question. I often hear from good Catholics that they are curious about how much the good Deacon makes. I'll say this; the fringe benefits; eternal in nature, are great but the pay is, well, non-existent. As a rule of thumb, Deacons are not paid. True, some will take jobs at a parish or diocese level that is paying. This should be viewed no differently from the thousands of deacons that work as firemen, business owners, policemen, sales managers and in my case, a banker. And besides, for the Permanent Deacon, it's never about what we do but who we are.
Another question was about being assigned ministry. As is often the case, many come to inquiry assuming the process will result in an assignment back home in the parish. Not necessarily so. Deacons are directly reportable to the Bishop. He assigns the Deacon. The overall needs of the diocese determine a parish assignment. This led to another question about having to relocate, etc. Quickly this was addressed. In our diocese, and I imagine most others, a Deacon would not be assigned so far away geographically that he would face selling a home, changing a job or encountering any other financial hardship. And one more word on assignments: Deacons are usually assigned a ministry of charity which is the true charism of the Deacon. Mine is prison ministry. Others serve in hospitals, hospice, nursing homes, food banks, etc. This is where the Deacon should be focused and this service leads in a holy way to the sacramental sign where most Catholics see the Deacon; on the altar and perhaps preaching a homily.
One of the most interesting questions concerned single men, as asked by a single man inquiring. Statistics show that the vast majority of Permanent Deacons in the USA are married. Most single Deacons are widowers. While not a deterrent to applying to the diaconate and perhaps being ordained, the inquirer may need to pray and discern a calling to the Priesthood if they are fulfilling a single, celibate vocation already.
I thoroughly enjoy fielding questions about the Permanent Diaconate. It is a ministry that the Apostles themselves knew was needed for the Church to truly exemplify Christ the Servant. I so look forward to following the inquirers over the monts ahead and ask all reading this post to pray for them and all who are seeking God's will in their lives.
After a meaningful and thorough presentation that lasted several hours, with plenty of time for breaks and refreshment, the floor was opened for questions. Now please understand from the outset that I'm sharing some of this as a teachable moment. In no way do I find the questions silly or stupid but it does point out that the emerging permanent diaconate still has a way to go.
One of the questions dealt with compensation. This is a great question. I often hear from good Catholics that they are curious about how much the good Deacon makes. I'll say this; the fringe benefits; eternal in nature, are great but the pay is, well, non-existent. As a rule of thumb, Deacons are not paid. True, some will take jobs at a parish or diocese level that is paying. This should be viewed no differently from the thousands of deacons that work as firemen, business owners, policemen, sales managers and in my case, a banker. And besides, for the Permanent Deacon, it's never about what we do but who we are.
Another question was about being assigned ministry. As is often the case, many come to inquiry assuming the process will result in an assignment back home in the parish. Not necessarily so. Deacons are directly reportable to the Bishop. He assigns the Deacon. The overall needs of the diocese determine a parish assignment. This led to another question about having to relocate, etc. Quickly this was addressed. In our diocese, and I imagine most others, a Deacon would not be assigned so far away geographically that he would face selling a home, changing a job or encountering any other financial hardship. And one more word on assignments: Deacons are usually assigned a ministry of charity which is the true charism of the Deacon. Mine is prison ministry. Others serve in hospitals, hospice, nursing homes, food banks, etc. This is where the Deacon should be focused and this service leads in a holy way to the sacramental sign where most Catholics see the Deacon; on the altar and perhaps preaching a homily.
One of the most interesting questions concerned single men, as asked by a single man inquiring. Statistics show that the vast majority of Permanent Deacons in the USA are married. Most single Deacons are widowers. While not a deterrent to applying to the diaconate and perhaps being ordained, the inquirer may need to pray and discern a calling to the Priesthood if they are fulfilling a single, celibate vocation already.
I thoroughly enjoy fielding questions about the Permanent Diaconate. It is a ministry that the Apostles themselves knew was needed for the Church to truly exemplify Christ the Servant. I so look forward to following the inquirers over the monts ahead and ask all reading this post to pray for them and all who are seeking God's will in their lives.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Happy Anniversary to the Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary
Most of what follows comes from this weeks bulletin from my home parish of St. Jane de Chantal in Abita Springs, LA:
400 years ago on this date, after considerable prayer, discernment, spiritual direction from and planning with her special friend and co-founder, St. Francis de Sales, St. Jane de Chantal started the religious order of the Visitation of Holy Mary. On this day 400 years ago it happened to be Sunday and it was the feast day of the Most Holy Trinity. It was St. Francis de Sales that picked the name Visitation because he found in that name a "thousand spiritual insights" which also summarized the spirit of the new group. He wanted it to include worship, adoration, thanksgiving, prayer, relationship and the hidden mutual service of women.
The new religious community was welcomed in the town of Annecy, France. The founders were St. Jane, Jeanne-Charlotte de Brechard and Anne-Jacqueline Coste. They were joined in their new home by two of St. Jane's daughters; Marie-Aime and Francoise. St. Jane declared "this is the place of our delight and rest."
The growth and development of the Order was incredibly fast during St. Jane's lifetime. Currently there are twelve communities of the Visitation in the United States including the closest in Mobile, Alabama and the Georgetown Monastery that is on the front page of this very website. Their blog is livejesus.blogspot.com.
Live + Jesus is the motto of St. Jane de Chantal.
So we congratulate and give thanks to God for the 400th anniversary of the Visitation Order and for the life of St. Jane de Chantal; patron saint of my home parish!
400 years ago on this date, after considerable prayer, discernment, spiritual direction from and planning with her special friend and co-founder, St. Francis de Sales, St. Jane de Chantal started the religious order of the Visitation of Holy Mary. On this day 400 years ago it happened to be Sunday and it was the feast day of the Most Holy Trinity. It was St. Francis de Sales that picked the name Visitation because he found in that name a "thousand spiritual insights" which also summarized the spirit of the new group. He wanted it to include worship, adoration, thanksgiving, prayer, relationship and the hidden mutual service of women.
The new religious community was welcomed in the town of Annecy, France. The founders were St. Jane, Jeanne-Charlotte de Brechard and Anne-Jacqueline Coste. They were joined in their new home by two of St. Jane's daughters; Marie-Aime and Francoise. St. Jane declared "this is the place of our delight and rest."
The growth and development of the Order was incredibly fast during St. Jane's lifetime. Currently there are twelve communities of the Visitation in the United States including the closest in Mobile, Alabama and the Georgetown Monastery that is on the front page of this very website. Their blog is livejesus.blogspot.com.
Live + Jesus is the motto of St. Jane de Chantal.
So we congratulate and give thanks to God for the 400th anniversary of the Visitation Order and for the life of St. Jane de Chantal; patron saint of my home parish!
Homily for Feast of the Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ
One of the greatest entertainers of all time was Bob Hope and his signature song was “thanks for the memories”. At the end of every TV show or live performance, including those in front of thousands of troops, decade after decade, Bob Hope would sing “thanks for the memories”. And the lyrics taught us to be thankful for all the little things in our lives. It was always a touching moment when Bob Hope sang “thanks for the memories”.
All of us gathered here today have many memories; and hopefully a vast majority of them are memories we would be thankful for. We have memories of family and friends, of days gone by and so much more.
As people of faith, do we gather today in a spirit of thanksgiving and remember the great gift of the Body & Blood of Jesus Christ?
On this great feast day we hear proclaimed in the Gospel the feeding of the multitudes with five loaves and two fish. Now Scripture tells us that the crowd numbers five thousand men. This probably equates to a total crowd of fifteen to twenty thousand counting women and children. Despite the vast numbers Jesus instructs the disciples to sit the crowd in groups of fifty and then he blesses, breaks and gives so the disciples can distribute the food to all. And Scripture tells us: they all ate and were satisfied.
In this beautiful Gospel we see here the celebration of the Mass; the Eucharist. We have the Liturgy of the Word as Jesus is speaking to the crowds. And we have the Liturgy of the Eucharist as Jesus takes the simple elements of fish and bread and satisfies all who came to him.
The sublime gift of the Eucharist is more than feeding a hungry crowd gathered on a hillside. In the Eucharist, Jesus continues to feed us, as he feed this crowd, but the bread is not mere bread; it is the Bread of eternal life. It is His Body and it satisfies us fully even now.
The second reading today from St Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians also teaches us about the Eucharist and affirms the real presence of Christ’s Body & Blood in the bread and wine. St. Paul is writing several decades after the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus yet he tells us about the real presence. And how does Paul know? Paul tells us clearly; I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you. And then he proclaims the words of Jesus from Holy Thursday which are handed on and still are the words of institution at every Mass around the world, every day some two thousand years later. This is my body…this is the cup of my blood…do this in remembrance of me.
Today we sing in one of our great Eucharistic hymns, we remember, we celebrate, we believe.
What do we believe? How do we describe the Eucharist to those who have doubts? Can we proclaim full throated and with sincere hearts that we receive Jesus? Do we see bread and wine with eyes or do we see Jesus, body-blood-soul and divinity, with eyes of faith? Do we give thanks and do we remember? Do we, pondering on the greatest gift of self: Jesus Christ’s own body and blood blessed, broken and given to us, remember and give Him thanks?
Eucharist: the very word means thanks-giving. And what do we give thanks for? Just as bread satisfies our natural hunger, this bread of life, the Eucharist, satisfies our supernatural hunger.
And what should our response be to receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus? Of course thanksgiving as we have touched upon but there is more. As we sing in another Eucharistic song: “we become what we believe”. Just as the gift of Jesus’ Body and Blood is the revelation of the very kingdom of God, we are called to share our resources, even if they be meager, so that this sharing can become spiritual nourishment for those we share with. This is the model Jesus gives us.
As we prepare to receive the Eucharist today and then go out and face the week ahead can we focus on a spirit of thanksgiving? Can we give thanks for the little things that we so often take for granted? And can we focus, in this same spirit of thanksgiving, on those who we need to share with? Perhaps we are called to share from our material possessions with those who have less, and we can do that here at home through our poor boxes, our own St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Covington Food Bank. But perhaps we too are called to share a laugh, a smile, our love, and our very selves with someone so desperately in need of such kindness. Can we this week truly focus on becoming what we believe; becoming what we receive.
There is another Eucharistic song that says: “I received the living God, and my heart is full of joy!” May we receive the living Jesus, body and blood, soul and divinity and be full of joy; joy to share with all we encounter.
Thanks for the memories!
All of us gathered here today have many memories; and hopefully a vast majority of them are memories we would be thankful for. We have memories of family and friends, of days gone by and so much more.
As people of faith, do we gather today in a spirit of thanksgiving and remember the great gift of the Body & Blood of Jesus Christ?
On this great feast day we hear proclaimed in the Gospel the feeding of the multitudes with five loaves and two fish. Now Scripture tells us that the crowd numbers five thousand men. This probably equates to a total crowd of fifteen to twenty thousand counting women and children. Despite the vast numbers Jesus instructs the disciples to sit the crowd in groups of fifty and then he blesses, breaks and gives so the disciples can distribute the food to all. And Scripture tells us: they all ate and were satisfied.
In this beautiful Gospel we see here the celebration of the Mass; the Eucharist. We have the Liturgy of the Word as Jesus is speaking to the crowds. And we have the Liturgy of the Eucharist as Jesus takes the simple elements of fish and bread and satisfies all who came to him.
The sublime gift of the Eucharist is more than feeding a hungry crowd gathered on a hillside. In the Eucharist, Jesus continues to feed us, as he feed this crowd, but the bread is not mere bread; it is the Bread of eternal life. It is His Body and it satisfies us fully even now.
The second reading today from St Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians also teaches us about the Eucharist and affirms the real presence of Christ’s Body & Blood in the bread and wine. St. Paul is writing several decades after the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus yet he tells us about the real presence. And how does Paul know? Paul tells us clearly; I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you. And then he proclaims the words of Jesus from Holy Thursday which are handed on and still are the words of institution at every Mass around the world, every day some two thousand years later. This is my body…this is the cup of my blood…do this in remembrance of me.
Today we sing in one of our great Eucharistic hymns, we remember, we celebrate, we believe.
What do we believe? How do we describe the Eucharist to those who have doubts? Can we proclaim full throated and with sincere hearts that we receive Jesus? Do we see bread and wine with eyes or do we see Jesus, body-blood-soul and divinity, with eyes of faith? Do we give thanks and do we remember? Do we, pondering on the greatest gift of self: Jesus Christ’s own body and blood blessed, broken and given to us, remember and give Him thanks?
Eucharist: the very word means thanks-giving. And what do we give thanks for? Just as bread satisfies our natural hunger, this bread of life, the Eucharist, satisfies our supernatural hunger.
And what should our response be to receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus? Of course thanksgiving as we have touched upon but there is more. As we sing in another Eucharistic song: “we become what we believe”. Just as the gift of Jesus’ Body and Blood is the revelation of the very kingdom of God, we are called to share our resources, even if they be meager, so that this sharing can become spiritual nourishment for those we share with. This is the model Jesus gives us.
As we prepare to receive the Eucharist today and then go out and face the week ahead can we focus on a spirit of thanksgiving? Can we give thanks for the little things that we so often take for granted? And can we focus, in this same spirit of thanksgiving, on those who we need to share with? Perhaps we are called to share from our material possessions with those who have less, and we can do that here at home through our poor boxes, our own St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Covington Food Bank. But perhaps we too are called to share a laugh, a smile, our love, and our very selves with someone so desperately in need of such kindness. Can we this week truly focus on becoming what we believe; becoming what we receive.
There is another Eucharistic song that says: “I received the living God, and my heart is full of joy!” May we receive the living Jesus, body and blood, soul and divinity and be full of joy; joy to share with all we encounter.
Thanks for the memories!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Louisiana still under attack
It's been over 40 days since oil has gushed unabated into the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Every day news reports update on the menacing oil as it approaces the coast line. For over two weeks now, we in Louisiana are dealing with the oil on shore; deep into the marshes, killing marsh grass faster than a wildfire, on the sandy beaches of our barrier islands, slipping over oyster beds and rich habitat that normally supports shrimp, fish of all kinds, birds, pelicans, sea turtles, dolphins, and so much more.
Day after day we watch the oil pumping from the damaged riser while BP fails time and time again to stop the leak. The oil beseiges Louisiana's coast and way of life while BP CEO Tony Heyward speaks and acts wimpishly as he struggles to constantly remove his foot from his mouth. Oil renders working class families poorer by the hour while our President sound tough but appears unable to muster any real solutions. If criticism of President Bush after Katrina was fair and warranted (and some of it was) then President Obama should not escape his fair share of criticism either. While Louisiana officials proposed the dredging of sand berms, the feds took almost 4 weeks to act, while oil continued to lick at the boot of Louisiana.
Soon, we are told, the beaches and good people of other states, Alabama and Florida to be specific, will feel our pain. We in Louisiana are wishing our neighbors well and praying for the best for them. But in the meantime, for us in Louisiana, the damage is done, the oil is creeping deeper in the marsh and across ever expanding miles and miles of coastline.
Will we be able to supply a nation, hungry for quality seafood, with the shrimp, oysters and fish that we all have taken for granted? Will we be able to ever really develop a solid energy plan and learn how to drill safely without over reacting, like the Obama administration has, resulting in the unintended consequence of leaving more Louisiana residents unemployed? Will we be able to sustain communities of people who have seen a solid, honest, hard-working way of life as all of their sources of income are destroyed? Will we recover a way of life that identifies people of the coastal parishes of our great state as the backbone of southeast Louisiana?
I could go on; the questions keep coming; and so does the oil.
We owe so much thanks to the many people who are trying with all sincerity to make this latest man-made disaster to touch us in Louisiana tolerable. And we all must continue to pray for a conclusion to this disaster so all may be able to recover and move on.
Continue to pray for the people of Louisiana and the state itself.
Louisiana is still under attack. And her people will fight. And they will pray. We desperately need your prayers too!
Day after day we watch the oil pumping from the damaged riser while BP fails time and time again to stop the leak. The oil beseiges Louisiana's coast and way of life while BP CEO Tony Heyward speaks and acts wimpishly as he struggles to constantly remove his foot from his mouth. Oil renders working class families poorer by the hour while our President sound tough but appears unable to muster any real solutions. If criticism of President Bush after Katrina was fair and warranted (and some of it was) then President Obama should not escape his fair share of criticism either. While Louisiana officials proposed the dredging of sand berms, the feds took almost 4 weeks to act, while oil continued to lick at the boot of Louisiana.
Soon, we are told, the beaches and good people of other states, Alabama and Florida to be specific, will feel our pain. We in Louisiana are wishing our neighbors well and praying for the best for them. But in the meantime, for us in Louisiana, the damage is done, the oil is creeping deeper in the marsh and across ever expanding miles and miles of coastline.
Will we be able to supply a nation, hungry for quality seafood, with the shrimp, oysters and fish that we all have taken for granted? Will we be able to ever really develop a solid energy plan and learn how to drill safely without over reacting, like the Obama administration has, resulting in the unintended consequence of leaving more Louisiana residents unemployed? Will we be able to sustain communities of people who have seen a solid, honest, hard-working way of life as all of their sources of income are destroyed? Will we recover a way of life that identifies people of the coastal parishes of our great state as the backbone of southeast Louisiana?
I could go on; the questions keep coming; and so does the oil.
We owe so much thanks to the many people who are trying with all sincerity to make this latest man-made disaster to touch us in Louisiana tolerable. And we all must continue to pray for a conclusion to this disaster so all may be able to recover and move on.
Continue to pray for the people of Louisiana and the state itself.
Louisiana is still under attack. And her people will fight. And they will pray. We desperately need your prayers too!
A bigger win than a perfect game
By now everyone knows about the blown call by umpire Jim Joyce that cost Detroit Tiger pitcher Armando Galarraga a career-changing perfect game. After retiring 26 batters in a row all that stood in the way of a perfect game was Cleveland Indian shortstop Jason Donald. Donald hit a slow roller to the 1st base side of the infield that required Galarraga to cover 1st. He fielded the tossed ball seconds ahead of Donald touching 1st base; a perfect game. But NO! Jim Joyce called Donald safe. Replays clearly showed a botched call. There is no instant replay in baseball so the bad call stands, the perfect game never happened (at least officially) and everyone is upset.
At first, the usual expected reactions did occur. But fast forward to after the game when Jim Joyce watched the replay and immediately realized that his human mistake cost Galarraga a perfect game; a chance at history and the Hall of Fame. Joyce was devastated. And Joyce began to apologize profusely. The intensity and sincerity of his apology has touched everyone including Galarraga and the entire Detroit Tiger organization. In fact, the class and dignity and respect shown by the Tigers, led by manager Jim Leyland, has helped to make this a moment that is more profound than a perfect game. It is one of the classic moments of forgiveness and charity.
So complete is Joyce's apology and resulting repentance and so complete is the acceptance of said apology by Galarraga and the Tigers that Jim Joyce received more than substantial applause today as he took the field to umpire Thursday's game. So overwhelmed by the generous show of forgiveness, the man took the field literally in tears. The whole scene at home plate today, with Galarraga handing Joyce today's line up card, was emotional.
In the end, a near perfect game, lost forever by a blown call, has become a profound teaching moment. And the lesson is to forgive, to be civil and to demonstrate class and dignity when presented even with a situation that is unfair and unjust.
Wow! What a moment.
At first, the usual expected reactions did occur. But fast forward to after the game when Jim Joyce watched the replay and immediately realized that his human mistake cost Galarraga a perfect game; a chance at history and the Hall of Fame. Joyce was devastated. And Joyce began to apologize profusely. The intensity and sincerity of his apology has touched everyone including Galarraga and the entire Detroit Tiger organization. In fact, the class and dignity and respect shown by the Tigers, led by manager Jim Leyland, has helped to make this a moment that is more profound than a perfect game. It is one of the classic moments of forgiveness and charity.
So complete is Joyce's apology and resulting repentance and so complete is the acceptance of said apology by Galarraga and the Tigers that Jim Joyce received more than substantial applause today as he took the field to umpire Thursday's game. So overwhelmed by the generous show of forgiveness, the man took the field literally in tears. The whole scene at home plate today, with Galarraga handing Joyce today's line up card, was emotional.
In the end, a near perfect game, lost forever by a blown call, has become a profound teaching moment. And the lesson is to forgive, to be civil and to demonstrate class and dignity when presented even with a situation that is unfair and unjust.
Wow! What a moment.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Time to get back in the groove
June is now underway and for our family, the end to an amazing week which took us to North Carolina for our sons wedding. Our oldest, Jimmy is now honeymooning with his bride Sara as they began a lifelong journey together in the Greensboro area. My wife and I are trying to "return to normal" after our 1st experience of being the parents of the groom. Needless to say the past week was special, full of wonderful memories and our return home yesterday.
I am very ready to get back in the groove. The events of seeing your only son getting married, and the very successful life he has built in his career, now his family life and all the friends he has made makes it easy on mom & dad. Even though he lives 12 hours away, we can relax knowing he is doing so well and so happy. And totally unrelated to the wedding is the event we witnessed yesterday as we were just 1 hour from home. A horrible car accident on 1-10 occured just 4 or 5 car lengths in front of us resulting in two totalled vehicles and serious injuries. I stopped and helped the man in the truck, who flipped 7 times. He appeared to suffer no life threatening injuries but I do not believe the same is true for the other vehicle. I don't know what happened to her as we left the scene but she was unresponsive and had a faint pulse. I'll be praying for all involved.
So what do the totally unrelated events of a joyful wedding and the sight of a horrible incident have to do with getting in the groove? What I think it means is live life. And live the life God asks of you.
A couple of weeks ago I shared the story of being hit by lightning and why did this happen? I wonder today why was I not hit by that car and why was I on the scene to help, even if just a little bit? I don't know these answers; I do know that each of us has a purpose and we should live our lives fully!
So I'm ready to get back in the groove. Tonight, its prison ministry and tomorrow its back to work. And it's time to live with the same enthusiasm as I witnessed last week from my own son and to live fully dependent on God's providential care because life can change in the blink of an eye, like I witnessed yesterday.
Can't wait to keep updating all of you on my everyday experiences as a husband, father and Deacon!
I am very ready to get back in the groove. The events of seeing your only son getting married, and the very successful life he has built in his career, now his family life and all the friends he has made makes it easy on mom & dad. Even though he lives 12 hours away, we can relax knowing he is doing so well and so happy. And totally unrelated to the wedding is the event we witnessed yesterday as we were just 1 hour from home. A horrible car accident on 1-10 occured just 4 or 5 car lengths in front of us resulting in two totalled vehicles and serious injuries. I stopped and helped the man in the truck, who flipped 7 times. He appeared to suffer no life threatening injuries but I do not believe the same is true for the other vehicle. I don't know what happened to her as we left the scene but she was unresponsive and had a faint pulse. I'll be praying for all involved.
So what do the totally unrelated events of a joyful wedding and the sight of a horrible incident have to do with getting in the groove? What I think it means is live life. And live the life God asks of you.
A couple of weeks ago I shared the story of being hit by lightning and why did this happen? I wonder today why was I not hit by that car and why was I on the scene to help, even if just a little bit? I don't know these answers; I do know that each of us has a purpose and we should live our lives fully!
So I'm ready to get back in the groove. Tonight, its prison ministry and tomorrow its back to work. And it's time to live with the same enthusiasm as I witnessed last week from my own son and to live fully dependent on God's providential care because life can change in the blink of an eye, like I witnessed yesterday.
Can't wait to keep updating all of you on my everyday experiences as a husband, father and Deacon!
Monday, May 31, 2010
The Father of the Groom
Well tonight I have a chance to catch my breath and reflect on the exciting events of the last few days which culminated with the wedding of my son Jimmy and his new bride Sara. The wedding was very nice and the bride stunning. My son was not too bad looking himself. And before we knew it; he was a married man, passing through another milestone moment in his life.
I'm a pretty proud father. Now all you dad's out there; I hope you feel the same way. But tonight, on this blog, I will allow myself to be the proud father who wants to brag a little. Jimmy has been amazingly successful in his school days and then his career. He is a large animal veterinarian in North Carolina. As I mentioned in an earlier post, it is always amazing to his mom and me to hear him referred to as Dr. Talbot. And now we have another Dr. Talbot in the family as his wife Sara is also a veterinarian, having just graduated from N.C. State School of Veterinary Medicine.
Jimmy and Sara had such a fun filled week; parties thrown by good friends who started out as his clients and family events and rehersal parties and then the wedding and reception. I really enjoyed getting an up close and personal look at his life; lived some 12 hours from home. Meeting his friends, business partners, family members of the bride and others was so revealing. Jimmy has made good friends and apparently a great professional reputation. So exciting for me, as a parent, to witness.
And now he has his new little family, he and Sara, and my wife, daughter and I return home to reflect on the events of the past few days, pray for my son and daughter-in-law and get back to all the many things that await in the days and weeks ahead.
I'm a pretty proud father. Now all you dad's out there; I hope you feel the same way. But tonight, on this blog, I will allow myself to be the proud father who wants to brag a little. Jimmy has been amazingly successful in his school days and then his career. He is a large animal veterinarian in North Carolina. As I mentioned in an earlier post, it is always amazing to his mom and me to hear him referred to as Dr. Talbot. And now we have another Dr. Talbot in the family as his wife Sara is also a veterinarian, having just graduated from N.C. State School of Veterinary Medicine.
Jimmy and Sara had such a fun filled week; parties thrown by good friends who started out as his clients and family events and rehersal parties and then the wedding and reception. I really enjoyed getting an up close and personal look at his life; lived some 12 hours from home. Meeting his friends, business partners, family members of the bride and others was so revealing. Jimmy has made good friends and apparently a great professional reputation. So exciting for me, as a parent, to witness.
And now he has his new little family, he and Sara, and my wife, daughter and I return home to reflect on the events of the past few days, pray for my son and daughter-in-law and get back to all the many things that await in the days and weeks ahead.
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