Righteous Tobit

OK. How often do we think of Tobit? The two ministries that Tobit is known for are burial of the dead and almsgiving. He would sneak out at night and bury the fallen soldiers, even though they weren’t Jewish and it was likely to get him into trouble. Here is what he had to say to . . . → Read More: Righteous Tobit

Are We Ready to Turn America Upside Down?

In the early years of the church, when Christianity was illegal and most Christians were slaves or peasants, they performed a service for the pagans that was so convicting, such a testament to Christ’s love for all mankind, such a recognition of the image of God in every human being, an affirmation of the value of . . . → Read More: Are We Ready to Turn America Upside Down?

Feeding the Poor is Sacramental

This is my second “comment” given to Sally O’Brien to pass on to the Health Dept. of Philadelphia regarding their proposed regulation that would require us to submit a menu and schedule one year in advance, prepare food in a commercial kitchen that they inspect, get a permit, etc., etc. There have been no problems with . . . → Read More: Feeding the Poor is Sacramental

Concerning the City of Philadelphia’s proposed crackdown on public feeding of people

I mentioned there were plans in the works for a community meeting/strategizing session around the health department stuff. Well, it will be happening next Tuesday the 21st at 6 pm at Friends Center, 15th and Cherry. From what I can tell, it’s an open meeting hosted by the occupy philly food crew and will specifically focus . . . → Read More: Concerning the City of Philadelphia’s proposed crackdown on public feeding of people

Urgent

The City of Philadelphia is trying to shut down open air feeding programs for the homeless before the new Barnes Museum opens up in an effort to “clean up” the area. You know rich, white, suburban people’s sweat is so much sweeter than poor, black, urban people’s sweat. Here is my response:

No one was afraid of . . . → Read More: Urgent

Options

“There is your brother, naked and crying! And you stand confused over choice of floor covering.”

The quote above could just as well have come from Occupy Wall Street, but it is from St. Gregory of Nyssa, 4th Century.

icon by the hand of . . . → Read More: Options

Spread it around

A modern monk heard it said, and taught his brothers, that money is like manure. Unless it is quickly spread around, it does no good, but scorches and defiles what it covers. . . . → Read More: Spread it around

Why is America secularizing?

‎”The larger the gap between the rich and the poor, the more God fades from the hearts of both the rich and the poor.” – Fr. . . . → Read More: Why is America secularizing?

“… and let mercy and justice meet …”

I have been praying the Prayer of a Sick Person quite a bit over the last year, especially this summer. Since June 8th, I have had more days with debilitating migraines than without. I have experienced at least three incidences of strokes, the second two with multiple infarcts. I have been unable to do the work . . . → Read More: “… and let mercy and justice meet …”

A Prayer of a Sick Person

 O Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour, Physician of souls and bodies, who didst become man and suffer death on the Cross for our salvation, and through thy tender love and compassion didst heal all manner of sickness and affliction; do thou O Lord, visit me in my suffering, and grant me grace and strength to bear . . . → Read More: A Prayer of a Sick Person