Pax Christi South

Our scriptures, while the inspired word of the Creator, present revelation through androcentric (male focused viewpoint) and patriarchal lenses. We often forget that creation is the first revelation of the Creator. The role of the feminine found in religions with roots in the created world was obliterated. Hence, religion as we know it, lost the spirituality inherent in the feminine. Celtic Christianity did mange to retain some of the feminine. Continue Reading �

In the last two months, I have been doing a lot of work in our church and community for peace and justice issues. Last month, I taught four sessions on the Nonviolence of Jesus in our church. I presented a day of reflection on Walking with Jesus, Micah, and Gandhi for our vicariate. I am currently teaching four sessions on living nonviolently in the Institute for Continuous Learning at Young Harris College.
Ever since Father John Dear inspired Joan and I to become followers of the nonviolent Jesus and the God of Peace in a retreat at Kirkridge, I have been slowly (too slowly at times) growing in my understanding of the Gospel of Peace. Presently, I have come to understand that nonviolence is a way of life which demands total commitment. It is not a tactic for getting what you want. It is not a technique. It is a WAY OF LIFE. To put it another way, Gandhi’s satyagraha (nonviolence, or better “truth force”) is getting up close and very personal. Gandhi’s entire life was An Experiment in Truth. Continue Reading �

I am going to tell you about the people I met on this pilgrimage. I felt throughout the time spent there, that we were in an extremely difficult and complex situation. I am convinced we cannot take sides in this conflict. We cannot be part of the solution for peace if we call one side our friend and the other our enemy. This fact was brought home to me on many occasions. Continue Reading �

The election for President monopolizes the news. Before you can pass go and collect $200, you must hear about one more campaign tidbit from yet another expert. Today’s scripture reading from Mark 12:28-34 brings a Christian perspective to bear on election politics. Continue Reading �

I had the opportunity to attend this year’s Pax Christi Florida retreat directed by John and Martina Linnehan. The beginning activity was the cosmic walk. Various versions are available at (http://www.threeeyesofuniverse.org/cosmicwalks/TheCosmicWalk.html). The activity made me intensely aware that the universe flared forth from the Infinite Mystery some 15 billion years ago. Details of the emergence of the universe, such as the fact that oxygen initially caused a mass extinction, cause me to marvel at the Creator behind an intelligent, self-evolving universe. Everything that exists gives praise and glory and honor to the Creator from which it flared forth. Continue Reading �

Great Mystery
Flashing forth the universe
Fifteen billion years ago—
Flashing, flaming,
Spewing forth from nothingness.
Slowly evolving amid extinctions,
Growing, expanding, bursting forth.
Much later, much much later,
Earth cools, gels and solidifies.
Life forms emerging.
At first oxygen destroys
And then it gives life.
Late in the eleventh hour,
Man stands upright and walks forth
Capable of reflecting the Great Mystery
While reflecting on the Great Mystery.
Eden like oneness with the universe
Grounded in stardust.
The fullness of time arises—
The Only Begotten flashes forth
In a humble stable cave.
The face of the Great Mystery–
Peace, justice, compassion,
Nonviolent response to violence
At first violence destroyed
But then New Life emerged—
Peace be with you!
The Spirit of Truth teaches—
Life overcomes death.
Hope resurrects anew—
Love flashing forth
Grounds us in the Great Mystery
Whence we came.

As I continue to work on peace and justice issues, I continue to learn and grow. Nonviolence is not a tactic or strategy which is to be used to get one’s own way. Nonviolence is a way of life. Gandhi teaches us that nonviolence demands a spiritual discipline and a life based on contemplation. Gandhi coined the term satyagraha—Truth Force—to describe nonviolence. Continue Reading �

The readings for the Sixth Friday of Easter encourage those who seek justice and peace.
Paul has a vision and Jesus tells him: “Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you.” How often Jesus spoke these words to his followers. How often we forget and get discouraged. My wife reminds me often that people do not want to hear about truth and peace and justice. Yet, we must keep speaking. The nonviolent Jesus is speaking through us. Silence is not an option. Continue Reading �

“I am Jesus and you are persecuting me.” (Acts 10:5) Saul, a fervent Jew, had been persecuting Christians. He had witnessed the stoning of Stephen. In his mind, Saul was a religious Jew and he was doing what he had convinced himself was right.
The drama continues today in the Holy Land and in various locations around the world. Zealous people who think they are right feel that they can and must oppress others to achieve their goals.
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Things have not changed much from the days of the Prophets, Jesus, and now Stephen, the first martyr. The people have “covered up their hearts and ears.” They do not want to hear the voice of the prophet proclaiming the “truth which shall rise up from the earth while justice looks down from heaven” (Psalm 85). Continue Reading �