What Proof Do You Need?

Blog by Sr. Pat Thomas, OP
Blog by Sr. Pat Thomas, OP

I just read a Facebook post from a former student who shared the story of a cab driver in NYC whose name was Mohammed. Mohammed called her firm because he had found a wallet in his cab, and her business card was inside it. Turns out the wallet was left behind by one of her clients. She was able to contact the client who was so relieved to know someone had found the wallet. Mohammed brought the wallet to the office so the client could retrieve it there. My former student wanted to tell this story as an example of a good Muslim. Continue reading →

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Laboring for Justice

Blog by Sr. Judy Morris, OP
Blog by Sr. Judy Morris, OP

Earlier in July I had the opportunity to travel to California and enjoy the diverse beauty of that state.  As we traveled to Yosemite National Park, the tour guide announced, “You are viewing the salad bar of the United States.”   For endless miles I viewed lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries and countless vegetables and fruits I have too often enjoyed without reflecting on the labor that brought these wonderful foods to me.  In those fields were many farm workers struggling to survive.

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Climate Change and Care of Our Earth

Blog by Associate Judy Hardy
Blog by Associate Judy Hardy

Introduction by Sister Amy McFrederick: As the heat wave rolled over the Eastern States and temperatures soared into the uncommon upper nineties these past weeks, those who have air conditioning may have cranked them up a few notches.  But those who did not share that luxury could well stand in solidarity with the millions of refugees stuck in makeshift housing, as well as those who have lost home and belongings to recent floods, wild fires, and other disasters, who have no reprieve from the summer heat. Will such experiences call us to take note of scientists’ warnings about the effects of climate change and take action?

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The Challenge of Being a Follower of Jesus

Blog by Associate Mary Ellen George, OPA
Blog by Associate Mary Ellen George, OPA

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? What was Jesus’ life and teachings about? How do we truly live a life that speaks to the ideals of equality, justice, compassion, and mercy that Jesus practiced in his life and time? Can we be bearers of Jesus’ message to love one another and treat others as we desire to be treated? How can we emulate Jesus’ ideals for us in our personal, social, political, and economic life?

The message seems clear to me that if we purport to be followers of Jesus, we are called to be champions of justice for all, to be people of compassion to all, and to not turn a blind eye to the poor and marginalized. We are to open the doors to a life of hope for others. That is what Jesus would do and what Jesus did in his time. We must do the same in our time. Continue reading →

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A Pledge Worth Taking

Blog by Sr. Judy Morris, OP
Blog by Sr. Judy Morris, OP

Recently I came across a timeless reminder of what a pledge of nonviolence demands. Students in the marches, demonstrations and sit ins of the 1960s were expected to sign a pledge that their actions would be nonviolent regardless of the circumstances. There were ten commandments they promised to follow and I believe are just as important for those demonstrating today as in the 1960s.

They read: “I hereby pledge myself—my person and body—to the nonviolent movement, therefore I will keep the following the commandants: Continue reading →

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