Last Year’s Wish List

Last year at this time, I wrote a blog about three things I wanted for Christmas and, tongue in cheek, one of them was that Donald Trump would drop out of the presidential race. Now I have to reassess and find a way to build a bridge across the divisions that have been exposed in this election.

Back then, I asked for an end to the war in Syria, and we are still horrified over the killing of children and the fog of war our leaders are in. We seem to know a lot more about the repeated attempts to evacuate Aleppo but very little of peace talks, cease fires or any political attempts to bring this horror to an end.

This year, as I contemplate the gift of Jesus Christ, the healer, the reconciler, the Prince of Peace, I realize that I could easily ask for the same gifts, but for different reasons. So I ask again with the confidence that light will come, that Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, will prevail. Continue reading →

Political Correctness

What’s the big deal about political correctness?  The Oxford Dictionary defines political correctness as “the avoidance of forms of expression or actions that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against.” Isn’t this just common courtesy and concern? Didn’t most of us learn to treat others the way we would like to be treated, including how we talked about them? Continue reading →

A few years ago I was a residence hall director on a college campus and it was a time of unrest because of stereotypes and misconceptions directed primarily toward the homosexual students on that campus. We ran up against all of the value statements, Catholic church teachings and social mores of the time in order to build a safer environment. Continue reading →

It is no secret that many of us are disappointed and sickened by the election of Donald Trump as our next President.  But don’t worry; this is not a political comment. Read on.

I was in fact, quite sickened by the election and that night felt a deep foreboding  especially for the millions of immigrants, Muslims and poor people in this country who are now made more vulnerable to the darker side of this country, in its bigotry and hate. I was up half the night, unable to sleep. Continue reading →

I love All Soul’s Day. It’s a chance to remember in a special way those individuals who have played such important roles in our lives like parents, siblings or friends who have left us years ago or just yesterday. We believe that these dear ones “have been blessed, because God has tried them and found them worthy of Godself.” (Wisdom 3:5) This year, I’m reminded of a wonderful sister who is largely responsible (along with God’s help!) for my becoming a sister. Continue reading →