Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Anyone Not Against Us Is With Us

A meditation by a priest in a recent newsletter on the words of Jesus in Mark 9:40 : "Anyone who is not against us is with us."

We live , are brought up and die in a society that considers our affiliations very important. The writer loves to travel with his backpack and visit the different villages. When he meets some one at the entrance of a village he spends some time in small talk and goes on his way. In conversation an older person will often ask for his surname. When he responds and the person who asks has the same name, often there is rapport that wasn't there before; when the name is not the same there is a distancing in the relationship that he can almost feel. (The most common Korean surnames are Kim, Lee and Park and these are the names of almost half of the ethic Koreans in South Korea. )

Why should that be? he asks. The same name, hometown, school, same military bind us together. If we do not have these common elements there is a wall that can intervene and separate us. They can also separate priests from one another. When we begin to separate into factions we are far from wise: if he belongs to my team I am interested if not, I am not.

When this becomes a way of life it doesn't matter what a person does but to what group he belongs. It doesn't just stop here but those who are on the side lines are made to join. Are you with me or against me? And even worse forced to either be on the team or get lost.

This is an ailment of our society. There is no effort to embrace the other: are you with the flow or against it? There is a polarization that makes the wall even higher and makes us less wise .

It is necessary to have a vision. With a vision we want to embrace, work for unity, move peoples' hearts, work for solidarity: we begin to walk in the same direction.

We as Catholics know well that Jesus wanted us to be one. It was his last words. We are Catholic, a very beautiful word, beginning with a small letter: magnanimous open, universal, broad, comprehensive, global. With the capital letter it should mean all of these and more. If we consider this our vision as Catholics then it will overflow into our relations to others who are not Catholic: a community that is open, understanding and loving even when we do not agree. This is possible.

30 comments:

  1. 2 billion people and to contribute to the death of about
    15 million children under five every year (ICWE 1992). You and
    I should consequently acknowledge personal liability for the accomplishment
    of the environmental protection programs of our particular community by collaborating and enthusiastically taking part in making
    the ambiance pollution free. 500 towards the cost of a replacing an old, G rated boiler under
    the. Biomass is organic matter found within all living plant material,
    such as trees or crops.

    Take a look at my homepage biomass usage statistics

    ReplyDelete
  2. Don't forget to ask for authenticity certificate for your diamond rings. A solitaire diamond has, for a extended time, been related to engagement rings as well as a coming big event. Ricky Toney can be a author who enjoys to talk about quite a few matters ranging from Men Promise Rings and Promise Rings.

    Review my weblog ... promise rings size 5 1/2

    ReplyDelete
  3. Furthermore, there are options to these rings for those that come to feel that their vow of abstinence is strictly a particular challenge, as opposed to a community one.
    If you're planning on shopping around for diamond anniversary rings be sure to also find some good ideas about how to present the ring. Even low-cost software like Photoshop Components or ACDSee could make your item photography very much less difficult.

    Here is my website :: promise rings for her size 8

    ReplyDelete
  4. The ring represents a covenant between the parents and the child
    that the young person will keep themselves pure and protect their heart
    until they one day find that love of their life.

    At Mens Wedding Rings and mens promise rings Bands we
    offer plain wedding rings that are sleek and sophisticated.
    These designs are each bit as exotic and also a great deal a lot more
    economical than a matched strand.

    Review my blog post ... promise rings tumblr

    ReplyDelete
  5. Therefore, in order to burn fat, women need to burn through all the
    calories they eat during the day as well. As I'm looking over diets "again" I discovered something in the research I've been doing that may just work for me and
    others. Recently, several studies have shown the potential for red wine to boost the metabolism.

    Increased HGH production is an important benefit of aerobic activity, as it enhances
    fat metabolism for hours after training.

    Feel free to surf to my weblog ... 5 belly fat burning foods
    ()

    ReplyDelete
  6. There's a thing about a cameo that it truly captivating. Unless you are steeped from the globe of fashion, you will not be uncovered to the nuances of seasonal jewellery developments. The style of the men promise ring is also a very sensitive issue.

    my website; homepage

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nodules are simply under your skin layer as solid protrusions which can be usually super painful
    and last long. Every person alive today can experience acne, superstars, movie
    stars, sports people, models as well as the average
    person can all be afflicted with the negative damage
    caused from having bad skin. If it does not work properly, you didn't waste any money inside the process. You may reduce acne indirectly by making use of dandruff specialized shampoos.

    my web page :: herbs for acne

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is a great place to start looking for a ring because you will
    have questions and a jewelry store may have more answers than a
    department store. They are usually given with the intent of changing into engaged at
    some purpose within the future. You don't have to be engaged to be married to wear diamond rings.

    Here is my web blog :: website

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dirt underneath the fingernails gets to the pimple to infect it further.
    You can enhance your chances of recovering should you seek treatment
    early. The side of my face that received the baking soda application is slightly smoother as opposed to other, but both feel less harsh than usual.
    Remember to never pick or scratch at current blemishes, as to not spread bacteria and cause inflammation and scarring.



    Also visit my web page ... acne care products (dicttrans.com)

    ReplyDelete
  10. A knot style and design is often accustomed to represent an unending really like and commitment in adore knots.

    For more information on birthstone and pre engagement promise rings, engraved promise rings or other
    jewelry, visit. Sterling silver promise rings are also available for couples on a budget, and they still look amazing as a true symbol of your love.


    My homepage: promise Rings Amazon

    ReplyDelete
  11. Some of these may be unhygienic means of living wherein the facial
    skin is not washed and cleaned appropriately at regular
    intervals, improper strategies to rinsing the face, refusing to eat the right kinds of nutrients, consuming unhealthy food
    items, not shielding the region from pollutants and other elements like dust.
    You also need to kill the bacteria associated with acne.

    Sometimes you may must test products for two to 3 weeks to essentially know if it really
    is going to become beneficial or not. If you want to remain acne free
    or at the very least have less acne it is extremely important to drink 8-10 glasses
    of pure water each day.

    Also visit my web site acne wash **

    ReplyDelete
  12. Small children only pick a specific watch that caters to their attraction at that specific
    stage of time. A youngster can choose from a basic sterling silver ring or a high-end ring
    which incorporates diamonds or birthstones. This necessarily
    doesn't mean a parent has to give it even a self promise to abstain from these can be symbolized by wearing these rings.

    Here is my page ... web page

    ReplyDelete
  13. Once you understand a few uncomplicated issues to maintain in intellect, it is possible to take it easy and
    retail outlet on your cardiovascular's information, with out that anxiety of doing the unsuitable decision or ending up with a bracelet that is not proper available for you. Promise rings are available in a spread of designs and center stones. To produce cultured pearls, a skilled technician, termed a nucleator, induces the pearl-growing course of action by surgically putting an irritant'a mommy-of-pearl bead along with a piece of mantle tissue, typically'into a mollusk.

    Visit my web site :: site

    ReplyDelete
  14. When you put the matching rings sets together, they create a perfectly formed heart expensive wedding rings.
    Newer mood rings that are worn today have additional colors including red, magenta, orange,
    yellow and purple. Anyway, here are some other famous couples that have chosen unique ways of staking claim on their partners, after the
    jump.

    Feel free to surf to my web site - website

    ReplyDelete
  15. ' Diamond rings: Diamond rings are classified as the greatest option with regards to men's rings.

    Promise rings start at $59 and Engagement rings start at about $98 and go
    to $1998. The campaign was rolled out in 1950;
    within a few years, diamond jewelers could barely keep up with
    the demand for diamond rings - including mens diamond rings.


    Also visit my web site: webpage

    ReplyDelete
  16. They have a variety of ring styles that can fit into anyone's budget. Silver rings are more in demand these days as wedding bands instead of the gold. The young people today are ultra-bright but also very materialistic and just for small joys they're willing
    to pay cash.

    Check out my web page: web site

    ReplyDelete
  17. The rings may be made of gold or silver, and adorned in different ways.

    While we don't think of divorce as being very common in the 1920's, this newspaper article stated the need for the divorce ring due to "divorce having become so frequent that it is considered there is a need for a distinctive emblem. Also, when the piercing is routinely painful and does not appear to heal, you must seek cure by your major health attention supplier.

    my web site: web page

    ReplyDelete
  18. Right after you have chosen the ring that you might be planning to
    present for your partner, you must decide what you're moving to possess inscribed about the ring. Unless you are steeped from the globe of fashion, you will not be uncovered to the nuances of seasonal jewellery developments. It seems to me Apple is just looking out for their own public image.

    Here is my webpage ... promise rings bands

    ReplyDelete
  19. I wants to share the useful information I have found on free natural
    prevention and management of acne. You wish to apply moisturizer once each day after cleansing skin.

    As a result so what you wish to take proper care of is definitely scrub personal get usually including things like home made facial foundation scrubs.

    If you can not afford the commercial facial scrubs the answer is to utilize ordinary household materials
    like turmeric and rose water.

    Also visit my blog post :: pics of acne

    ReplyDelete
  20. For individuals who have a very minor excess to provide, a diamond ring
    will go lower effectively having a small woman. You can opt for a real diamond engagement ring if your budget allows and simply present it as a promise ring, but engagement rings tend to have
    a scary price tag way into the thousands. CZ rings get a bad rap because they are often sold at cheap-o
    shops like Claire's and Spencer's, but if you purchase a CZ promise ring that is
    set on an 18k gold band, the ring will look very high quality and expensive.



    Check out my web site - website

    ReplyDelete
  21. A knot style and design is often accustomed to represent an unending really like and commitment in adore knots.
    Other forms of Christian jewelry can serve as alternatives to the
    a ring. You don't have to be engaged to be married to wear diamond rings.

    Look at my web site :: web site ()

    ReplyDelete
  22. Acne is a very emotionally distressing condition of the skin.
    However the oil within the bottle might be from numerous sources.
    And they still fail for you, the answer is simple.

    The 12ml Tamanu Oil Roll On bottle is straight Tamanu Oil.


    Feel free to surf to my page; acne and early pregnancy [www.stillum.com]

    ReplyDelete
  23. You apparently decline inside a few weeks of regular consumption of fruits.

    Honey is an additional wonderful home cure for scarred tissues.
    Dermatologists and alternative healthcare practitioners advise that acne-sufferers should wash the spot twice daily with mild soap.

    The main thing to control the acne is usually to control the surplus oils that come away from
    the body.

    Visit my web blog; arm acne

    ReplyDelete
  24. Baking soda remedy doesn't work for every kind of skin. 'Naturally, you will begin to
    find improvement along with the effects can be
    really prominently and immediately visible. Sometimes you may have
    to test products for 2 to 3 weeks to really know if it can be going to get
    beneficial or not. The psychological results of acne are far worse compared to physical black heads and red bumps.


    Look at my page doxycycline acne

    ReplyDelete
  25. Ahead of you decide on any piercing, take into account the affect on your image as
    well as your daily life. If you've found the one you want to marry but don't feel quite ready, are still a bit young,
    or have other things to accomplish before settling down, you might wish to seal your promise with a pre-engagement ring.
    They zero in within the newest progress that is popular amongst kids and can come out
    with watches on people unique themes.

    My web page; homepage

    ReplyDelete
  26. Furthermore, there are options to these rings for those that come
    to feel that their vow of abstinence is strictly a particular challenge, as
    opposed to a community one. These rings say, "You are not a convenience, or property, you are my intended. Some of these can involve phrases which include correct adore often or eternal appreciate.

    my web blog: promise rings birthstones

    ReplyDelete
  27. This cream is super gentle yet provides great hydration.
    Some dermatologist recommends tretinoin-based products cream
    within the benzoyl peroxide as a result of irritant threat for the peroxide content.
    As an effect so what you need to take proper care of is definitely scrub personal get usually consisting of home made facial foundation scrubs.
    Although it is helpful in certain situations including giving an athlete edge in competitive
    sport and potentially life saving, the experience
    of stress hormones can be devastating in your health
    after a while.

    Look into my website :: Acne mask

    ReplyDelete
  28. If you've sensitive skin make sure that you are not allergic to apple cider vinegar treatment. As some people bear acne to their thirties and beyond, no assurance up to now that acne will disappear completely. Using all-natural washes on the regular basis might help clear up your existing zits and pimples and work to stop breakouts within the future. The term glamour photography actually surpasses the obvious and indicates a form of photography created by glamour photographers, which can be intended to result in the average customer have photos that mimic those of your super model for any consumer price.

    My webpage back acne remedies

    ReplyDelete
  29. It allows both parities involved, who are
    not ready to make a real commitment, to make a lesser commitment.
    Bear in mind, infections also tend not to discriminate
    between piercing holes and puncture wounds. Ricky Toney can be a author who enjoys to talk about quite a few matters ranging from
    Men Promise Rings and Promise Rings.

    Feel free to surf to my site :: promise rings black

    ReplyDelete
  30. Bear in mind these simple pointers when you're choosing your promise rings and you'll have a symbol of your relationship to
    wear and enjoy. Prior to the late 19th Century,
    most men did not even wear a wedding band; diamond rings for women existed, but were exceedingly rare.
    Promise rings can be a wonderful gift for your partner.


    Stop by my web site; site

    ReplyDelete