Amish paradise??

Reading yesterday’s USA Today’s article on the Amish, in light of their recent school shooting, I was reminded of just how important dialogue with other religions is, especially those who claim Christ as their model. With what this article put forth, we can certainly learn much by simply watching the Amish in their way of life. Sadly enough, much of what we can learn has already been taught by the Church for years. But that is exactly where we lack, I think—putting into action all that we profess, both directly and indirectly.

For instance, the Amish communities live out exactly that—community life. They are there for each other in both good times and in bad. According to the article, “…Amish less directly affected by the deaths helped to prepare for the series of wakes, funerals, burials and meals that began Tuesday and will continue through Friday.” In the next paragraph, it goes on, “On Wednesday, for instance, three Amish women dressed in black helped by mowing and raking the yard of… one of the murder victims.”

Also, those who lost children in the shooting forgave the shooter. “There faith tells them to suffer like Christ did on his way to the cross.” Why do you think that it is recommended for a Catholic to have a crucifix in every room? The answer is the same reason that every Catholic Church has the Stations of the Cross in it. Christ’s suffering is central to who we are and where we are today. It is through his suffering that the Eucharist became the Sacrament that it is for us today, thanks of course to his defeat of death. Man’s enemy had to be defeated by man. And Christ, as both human and divine, did just that—he defeated death by suffering far worse than we ever will have to.

True, the Amish religion has its shortcomings, such as, among other things, being “taught from a young age not to do anything to differentiate themselves individually”. Nonetheless, by simply looking at them, we can learn a lot. And this goes for any religion. But, at the same time, we must also hold true to what we do believe, and especially to our rational capacity (strengthened by our faith, of course), which keeps us from being led blindly. And this, I hope, is worthy of leading into my reflections next week on the Holy Father’s recent speech in Germany, which was wrongly reacted to as bashing Islam, Fundamentalism, and other systems of belief and theology. As you will see, I feel it had a much different tone to it.

You think you have it rough...

Ever think of what our Blessed Mother Mary endured, watching her son endure his Passion? Ever thought of the pain and suffering she stood strong through?

I never really thought of this until I saw the Passion of the Christ. The only reason I watch that movie is for the visualization of what all happened—the pain, suffering, torture, and emotions experienced. But I never thought of Mary’s role and experience until I saw this movie. In fact, Mary is the character that stands out most to me, more than anyone else.

It is harder for a mother to watch a son suffer than it is for anyone else. Mary carried Jesus in her womb for 9 months. She nursed him, cleaned him, taught him, and raised him to manhood. She knew him better than anyone else. I can only imagine the emotions she experienced, watching her son take such a beating.

Whenever I feel helpless, or as if I can do nothing to help someone, I know that I always have her to turn to. Our Mother can help us through anything because she has been through the worst yet. And she stayed for the whole thing. She was there to take him off the cross and lay him in the tomb. How beautiful, how strong of a love is that?

What more could I want??

The other day I was in the chapel thinking of Mary and all that she gave up in life. She gave up the opportunity to have multiple children, experience the physical act of love, raise a large family, and follow the laws of her faith as well as the customs of her time. But what should it matter to her? I mean, she gave all of this up to be the mother of our Savior, the Son of God. She gave it all up to be the Mother of God. What more could one want?

In the same way, I am giving all of that up to bring Christ the head to life in my community. I am giving all of that up to be a mediator between Christ and his family on earth. What an awesome thought! God willing and through Christ, I will be able to forgive sins and bring many home to God. I will be able to administer His Sacraments! I have heard it said that what many go through in a lifetime, a Priest can do in a day. One moment I could be marrying a couple, followed by a Baptism. Then later that day I could be preparing a soul for death. What more could I ever ask for? Just the thought gives me goosebumps! Whoever says that we are not living life to the fullest is way off!

As I still consider myself unworthy of such a call, I pray that Our Lady will constantly intercede for me with St Philomena and all of the holy men and women in Heaven!

Point to ponder: We all are offered God’s love and companionship, wherever we turn. Do you choose our temporary culture or our infinite God?