Last night I attended the Mass of Resurrection for a former colleague and longtime educator, Sister Joan. This woman religious was an inspirational, courageous, and faith-filled person with a force of personality grounded in her fierce sense of humor. The sense of appreciation and admiration was palpable, a testament to Sister Joan’s friendships, love, and commitment to kids. After the ceremony, I took this picture of some close friends and colleagues for whom I am deeply grateful. God bless, John, Sister Chris and Brother Nick.
Today California passed legislation that will eliminate the sale of gasoline cars by 2050, which I hope to be a significant example to be followed in our global attempt to combat the crippling affects of climate change. Our President also announced a plan to address student loan inequities by canceling some student debt. Both of these accomplishments give me hope about the possibility of systemic change.
Over the weekend I received the following prayer from Richard Rohr’s Center for Action & Contemplation. I share it with you in recognition of God’s goodness. And in hopes for continued reasons to be optimistic.
Lamenting Injustice
In the ancient tradition of lament, this prayer from Latina activist and pastor Rev. Sandra Maria Van Opstal invites us to share with God our heartbreak at the world’s suffering, and ask “How long, O Lord?”
How long, Lord?
How long must we cry out?
How long must the vulnerable sit silent as bombs,
guns, cages, natural disasters threaten lives?
How long must we hear the agonizing silence of so
many in the church?
How long, Lord?
Are you listening? Yes? You do! You do? You do
see us! You do hear us!
(insert time to ugly cry)
We believe you are at work bringing peace. True
peace—flourishing, wholeness, and well-being. . . .
We believe and we feel overwhelmed—sometimes
it is hard to believe that you actually care about
the injustice and suffering. When we don’t see
your work. When we sense the apathy from
the church. When we feel small and forget that
we were designed to be different and make
things different.
When we feel overwhelmed by darkness in the
world—the violence, injustice, poverty,
oppression, abuse.
Give us hope not to be overcome.
Give us eyes to see your goodness for our world.
Give us the strength to hold the pain of injustice in
our world and faith that it will end.
Give us courage to be honest with ourselves about
why and how we are doing justice.
We believe. So. Empower us to disrupt our broken
thinking by learning truth from diverse leaders.
Enable us to discover the beauty of justice and
inspire action in others. Embolden us to display
your goodness in the world. . . .
Keeping the Faith 