Spirituality and Ethics – March/April 2019

Source: bravester.com
“AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN 5 CHAPTERS,”
BY PORTIA NELSON
(A Lenten reflection on how to avoid temptation)
 
Chapter 1
 
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the
sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost…..I am
helpless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.      
                                                
Chapter 2
 
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the
sidewalk.      
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in the same place.
But it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
 
Chapter 3
 
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the
sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I fall in….it’s a habit
But my eyes are open.
I know where I am. It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
 
Chapter 4
 
 I walk down the same street.There is a deep hole in the
sidewalk. 
I walk around it.
 
Chapter 5
 
 I walk down a different street.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
RESPONSES TO THE FEB-MARCH ISSUE:
 
“What an interesting concept to pray for a cause, a current event, something relevant in today’s world (“Praying the Newspaper”). I believe you are correct in saying, ‘we have lost our (moral) way’. Many seem to have lost respect for the sacred. I think we need to have a psychological, moral, and spiritual awakening in order to have the courage to publicly seek change.” – Rita, Teacher
 
Some other remarks on “Praying the News” – “a great idea” “practical and realistic  “a great suggestion”  “a great resource for preparing homilies” “I am going to put this in my monthly newsletter” “a handy learning guide”  “prayer does have an important role to play in our time of need” “thank you for this format to pray for what is happening in the world” 
 
The February-Marchissue concerned the importance of speaking out against social injustices both to people and to the planet. The late Jesuit priest, Fred Tollini, who taught drama and directed many plays at Santa Clara University, helped his students and fellow Jesuits to appreciate the importance of imagination in any successful action. Here are some quotes from Father Fred.
 
“Our decisions are often influenced, and sometimes compelled, by what we imagine.”
 
“The horizon of the imagination is a descriptive term for that which holds in its scope all images, visions, and dreams that engender emotion and desire, making action possible. The horizon of the imagination can empower life-changing decisions.”
 
“Imagination can lead us to preposterous conclusions if not governed by spiritual insight;
but when guided by a good spirit, it can lead us to life-saving decisions.”
 
SCRIPTURE SUGGESTIONS FOR OUR ACTIONS:
 
“I love you, Lord, my strength,
Lord, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.
My God, my rock of refuge,
my shield, the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold!
Praised be the Lord, I exclaim.”
      (Psalm 18:1-4)
 
“I know well the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare,
 not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope.”
      (Jeremiah 29:11)
                                

Max Oliva, SJ worked in Las Vegas for six years. The only Jesuit in the state of Nevada, his main ministry was called “Ethics In The Marketplace.” Now in Spokane, he has a continued involvement in Las Vegas, albeit on a part-time basis. His web site is found here - www.ethicsinthemarketplace.com

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2 Comments
  • Peter Bisson
    Posted at 09:04h, 19 August Reply

    Thank you Max!

  • Bob Sauve
    Posted at 09:39h, 02 October Reply

    Hi Max … haven’t thought of you since the mid-sixties at Mt. St. Mikes.

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