Conclave 2013

I'm not exactly sure what kind of man I would like to see elected as pope. Even though I do know of some of the issues and difficulties facing the church leaders now, I do not know all of them nor do I know in depth about the issues themselves. However, if I did have the opportunity, I think I would like to have a man who is open to the changes in the church. Like Mrs. Shevlin said, the church moves, grows and changes in centuries, not years. I think we need a pope that recognizes this and understands that he IS the change in the church we need. A man who is understanding of what the elderly as well as the youth in the church need. 

To all cardinals out there looking to pop-a-squat on the throne - may the odds be ever in your favor!

Lent 2013

During this lent I chose not to 'give something up' or fast, but instead to do something. For the next 6 weeks I am going to be a positive part of society and be sure to always wear a smile on my face and be optimistic about my life and the lives of others around me. By being this positive person I am sure that I will make the lives of the people around me much better and brighter. I know that if I'm having a terrible day and someone I'm not particularly friends with give me a smile and a wave in the hallway, my day will get better. So this lent I am going to be that warm smile and cheerful face we all need to see. 

Roses in December

After watching "Roses in December" I feel that I have a better understand of who S. Ita Ford, S. Maura Clarke, S. Dorothy Kazel and Jean Donovan were and what they did in their lives as missionaries. I understand now that these four woman dedicated their lives to the missionaries and helping people. They risked their lives in El Salvador just to help people they didn't even know. Their courage and dedication is what really stood out to me, especially Jean Donovan. After her return home fro El Salvador she her friends, family and fiancé were all trying to convince her not to return to El Salvador. Jean knew that if she did return, the chances of her dying would be very high, almost impossible for her NOT to die. But there was no convincing her, she returned and was ultimately killed. I agree that every catholic should know these four women or even just be familiar with their story and what they stood for. I think the writer thought this was important because these women have changed the way many look at their lives and the lives of missionaries and those who do dedicate their lives to helping others. I know that I my outlook on service and those in service has changed. These women have motivated me to help, join service teams, and participate in helping improve the lives of others. 

The Mystery of Suffering

After reading this article, "The Mystery of Suffering: How Should I Respond?", I believe that I have a better and fuller understanding of suffering and what it was to Jesus and how he dealt with it. Kenneth R. Overberg's three main points about Jesus and suffering were very interesting. The first point is that Jesus resisted and eliminated suffering. To me, this statement shows that through Jesus' efforts to eliminate suffering he healed others, such as the sick and dying. Through Jesus' heeling power he was able to save some people and truly eliminate suffering for them. Kenneth's second point is that Jesus rejected suffering as punishment for sin.  Often times in life when hard times are upon us, we ask 'why God?' and 'why me?' and then, eventually, turn away from God because we think he has betrayed us. When actually we should be turning to God. In these times of hardships we need to recognize that God is there to help us and he will help us if we let Him. Jesus rejected the idea of suffering for sins and proclaimed that God is here to help us. The third point he makes is that Jesus trusted a compassionate, present God. Jesus not only trusted God, but he gave his entire life for God and for us. Even when Jesus was hanging on the cross is so much pain and suffering, he trusted God and remained faithful to his calling - to die for our sins. For me, sometimes it is always hard to trust God fully, especially times of hardships. Jesus taught about forgiveness and acceptance and trust, so I will continue to follow His words. 

The two traditional interpretations of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection are all very different. From the Jewish tradition, The Theology of Atonement and Ransom was based on their experienced sacrifice and their knowledge of ransom. Their sacrifices came from the blood of an animal, something I see as harmful and inhumane but were part of their Jewish tradition. The theology of the incarnation is rooted in the Christian tradition and is an alternative interpretation - something easier for me to understand and relate to. This version tells us that the purpose of incarnation is is creation and that God shares his love and life through this. I prefer the later interpretation because I do not view God as angry and wanting the sacrifice of innocent animals blood. I believe that God is a positive, loving, caretaker that wants his love spread out all over.