Contemplatives in Action

It is on days like today, when our news is full of a natural disaster like the earthquake in Haiti, that I find myself pondering what it truly means to be a contemplative in action. A contemplative in action requires two things: First, we are called to be mindful and aware of God's presence and work in our lives. Second, as we become rooted in God, we are called to ask the question: "How can we respond to God's call?"

As we continue to pray for all the people in Haiti, let us pause for a minute and ask ourselves: "How are we called to respond to this present situation that our brothers and sisters in Haiti are dealing with?"

Becky E.

Give yourself a space to step back

On Thursday, young adults who work in ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Diocese of Joliet are coming together for a day of prayer, reflection and community building that they don’t have to plan or set-up. Charis is working with the Paul Jarzembowski from the Diocese of Joliet and Keara Coughlin at Old St. Pat’s to provide a space for these ministers to rejuvenate and remind themselves of the blessings that their ministries are to them and to others. Sometimes, one of the hardest things for any of us to do is to take a bit of time away to refocus our energies so that we can return to our daily lives with a renewed sense of purpose. This is as true for people working at churches as it is for people working in corporate boardrooms. Each of us needs to find our own way to step back and spend time focusing on our relationship with God. As these young adults who work in ministry are gathering in prayer, ask yourself what you can do this week to step back and reflect on your priorities and the place God has in your life.

~Lauren G

The Power of Questions

The tumultuous economy is forcing many to make tough decisions and to re-evaluate their priorities as they face unemployment, eviction, and other devastating situations. But are all of us, even if we are not as directly affected, taking the opportunity to ask what these times mean for our values as individuals and society? Brian McLaren reflects about these important questions today on the Sojourners' blog "God's Politics". Brian highlights some of the questions and reflections that Jim Wallis offers in his new book, "Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street—A Moral Compass for the New Economy". Brian's reflections remind us of the often-challenging Gospel ideal that our values must inform each choice we make as individuals and society. You should definitely check it out.

Sojourners is a Christian magazine (online and print) that focuses on the relationships among faith, politics, and culture.

-Mary Ellen M.

The 12 Days of Christmas

As the holidays wind down, and most of us return to work and our routines after some time off, it is easy for Christmas to fade into the background. It hasn't even been two weeks since Christmas Day, and already most of the signs of Christmas are gone--people have taken their trees and lights down, WLIT stopped its 24 hour a day Christmas music. But for our Church, the Christmas season lasts until the Baptism of Jesus (on January 10th this year). What a wonderful way to extend our celebration of Christ's birth!

This article in U.S. Catholic talks about different ways to celebrate the whole liturgical season of Christmas and giving us reminders of ways to live out that joy for a bit longer. At the end of A Christmas Carol, Scrooge says: "I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." How will you continue to honor Christmas and the coming of our Savior throughout the year?

~Lauren G

"A Simple Contemplation" on the Nativity

This is a nice reflection in America Magazine about the experience of Mary and Joseph bringing Christ into the world and relating to our lives, faith, and preparation for Christmas. It's a nice thing to check out and reflect on during the Advent journey.

-Mary Ellen

Remembering the Jesuit Martyrs & their Companions

Yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of the assassination of 6 Jesuits, their cook, and her daughter at the University of Central America in San Salvador. They were targeted because of the Jesuits work to liberate the oppressed and impoverished in the country. Click the link above for a great reflection by John Dear, SJ, who worked with the Jesuits in El Salvador during the time of the civil war.

-Mary Ellen

The Nexxt Generation of Catholic Leaders

John Allen, from the National Catholic Reporter, writes about his thoughts on the "classifications" placed on young adult Catholics today. In a nutshell, he says that many young adults today shun the traditional "liberal" or "conservative" labels created and perpetuated by an older generation of Catholics. He says that we, as the next generation, seem "well-equipped to steer a middle course, embracing a robust sense of Catholic identity without carrying a chip on their shoulder." Check out the article and let us know what you think.