Seeing with the eyes of the heart involves contemplation and centering prayer. By doing this, I believe I can identify and assess my needs from within by letting go of my mind, putting my ego on hold, and descending from my head to my heart.

My biggest issue is how to act with compassion towards others who deny election results, climate change, structural racism, gun control, and economic repression. Perhaps I should adopt the words of Jesus: Forgive them Lord for they know not what they do.

As I understand more and more about systemic racism, I have committed to facilitate JustFaith Ministries programs on civil dialogue and understanding racism.

The little prince in Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s book of that name said, “Here is my secret. It is very simple: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” For me, seeing with the eyes of the heart means seeing through or beyond what my physical eyes see. It means seeing the person on the street who asks me for change as a child of God rather than an awkward interruption in my day.

Praying for good and helpful thoughts from the heart and soul.

Seeing with the eyes of the heart involves risk, in a positive way. It involves feeling and experiencing what the other person is feeling and experiencing, and the energy to stay connected. It’s entering into the other’s space without prejudice, and accepting the person as he/she is. It’s about seeing others and the world as God’s sees–with love, compassion, and tenderness. One of the best examples is the Gospel of the Good Samaritan, quoted and magnified by Pope Francis in “Fratelli Tutti”– to be kin to one another, to be in relationship with all of creation.

All of us can learn and pray to be more God-like in the manner of our daily living, to become more tolerant and forgiving, more sensitive to what is weak and wounded, and being vulnerable. To see, discern and go forth.

I have been converted to the cause of gun control ever since the carnage in Newtown, CT and have supported Sandy Hook Promise. I do not understand why our politicians can not at least reduce the number of casualties by outlawing assault weapons. I believe that there are at least 3 areas of greatest concern: gun control, mental health and anger management. I feel that most of the effort should be directed at 18 to 29 year olds. They must be the change by running for office and by voting. The older generation of which I am a member has failed for the most part by politicizing this life and death issue. I continue to pray. I continue to donate and sign petitions. Most of all I continue to vote.

A gun took the life of my cousin who had rejected a mentally ill “would-be-suitor.” Greg became a victim of racism, judged by his skin color over reality and truth. Fear rather than wisdom, compassion, and Gospel justice blind many in this country.

Ongoing efforts are warranted to restrict access to and use of weapons in the United States. We must try again to have Congress create sensible gun laws. I advocate for 1.) thorough background checks, 2.) steep insurance rates for gun possession and manufacturing of guns, 3.) mandatory gun safety workshops, 4.) mandatory locks for guns in homes, 5. end of weapons of war in the possession of civilians, 6. removal of toy guns for sale, 7. censoring of games and movies that glorify guns.

I thank Greg for sharing his story. This past Monday I was scheduled to testify before the CT State Legislature on a bill regarding safe storage of guns at home and on ghost guns. Listening to those who testified before me was an eye opener. Most were testifying for bringing guns (and for many, wearing body armor) everywhere. I was struck by how so many people are living and reacting with fear. Their only way of responding is to carry a gun to presumably protect themselves.

As long as we continue to give tax breaks for the rich and corporate profiteers coupled with deregulation of business operations there can be no opportunity for economic justice. Our system of capitalism, fueled by corporate, political, and personal greed will continue to enslave those who have fallen or have been forced into involuntary poverty. Until such practices are remedied, more grassroot actions, such as voluntary poverty, are necessary to limit consumption and abstain from unnecessary and excessive spending. One such action of protest is to initiate the practice of an economic boycott of specific goods and services. There is a need for more actions similar to the Montgomery bus boycott in the 1950’s to enact real change and place economic power back in the hands of the people.

Instead of my heart being hardened, my heart has expanded and the stories are the reason. I cannot imagine the hardship and suffering and I do not pretend that any story can put me in someone’s shoes. But I can, indeed must, listen and learn and act. I am grateful and humbled by the generosity of those who share their journeys.

Merwin’s story is very powerful. I have experienced the lack of compassion and love for migrants that our country is exhibiting. I found his message of nonviolence to be very attractive and I am inspired to try and become more nonviolent in my life.

Actions truly do speak louder than words. Heartfelt actions have a way of bypassing one’s brain (and it’s primary gatekeeper: human ego) and penetrating one’s heart. The most effective way to change a persons mind about a divisive issue is to effect a change of heart within that person.

Wow – deja vue

Back in had 60’s The Saint Anthony’s Shrine Franciscan 3rd Order Youth Group (with adult advisor and 2 associated priests) had Action For Interracial Understanding with Ralph Fenton as director. It was mainly a speakers group in the Boston Diocese. We spoke at any parish that wanted us, and many did. We also did anything else that came up – several marches, one with King. This was the 60’s and I was also teaching in an all black school, the politicians were nuts, but the police at the time were quite decent. And boy were we trained in peaceful demonstration! Enough said! Best of luck!

Pax y Bonum ML

On this Good Friday 2023, my colleague Merwyn De Mello and I joined a Nonviolent Witness for Peace at the Pentagon in the early morning, organized by our friends at the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker House. We called for an end to militarism, drone warfare, torture, racism, and economic exploitation. I have come, as part of a long journey, to believe in all of that. But to be truthful, the war in Ukraine presents a great dilemma. I fear very much the escalation of this conflict and the way it threatens to ignite a nuclear war. At the same time, when I traveled to Ukraine last year as part of an interfaith solidarity mission, the Ukrainians I met begged us not to call for a cutoff of weapons from the United States, as the inevitable result would be full Russian occupation of the country. What is the answer, o God of peace? Show us the way out of the nightmare of the Ukraine war, the widening Israel-Palestine conflict, the Yemen war, and the many other conflicts around the globe. Inspire us to be courageous and principled peacemakers, and not to be paralyzed by the violence all around us.