Learning from St. Hildegard

 

One of the four women doctors of the church is Hildegarde of Bingen (1098-1179), Benedictine abbess and saint with modifiers before her name showing the fullness of life she was able to live: theologian, preacher, composer, knowledgeable in medicine, therapist, animal and plant life scholar.

She is especially suited to our age because of her great love for the environment the way of growing closer to the creator. She was not mentioned in Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si but fits easily into what the Pope envisioned. 

She introduced us to Viriditas an important concept in understanding her thinking. It is the greening of God's creation: growth, life but also the poetic images of vigor, freshness vitality, fecundity, lushness. We are meant to cultivate this greenness in our lives. It's the greening power of God. Existing in all of creation.  

In a diocesan bulletin, a priest introduces the readers to the Saint and her teachings. She from an early age had visions that she expressed in pictures and analyzed theologically. During her lifetime she was considered a prophet, and mystic.

The saint describes in Liber Divinorum Operum (The Book of Divine Works) her outlook on life. God made us in his image, central to his creation and we contain within ourselves all the different aspects of creation in a microcosm. Consequently, we must aspire and search for God. Not the largest in size but our souls are what give us strength. 

Those who are sincere will be aware of God's existence, be God orientated with a spiritual and secular desire for him. We are his greatest masterpiece and learn this from his creation. God makes himself known thru his creation which was made for human beings.

The saint was also interested in scientific inquiry into the natural world which was rare at that time. The saint shows this aspect of her interest in her book Causes and Cures and the Physica. These books show us the cause and treatment of diseases with natural remedies and treatments.

Her books on natural science can be considered as a medieval version of an encyclopedia of nature. The saint-like many other theologians believed that human beings were the pinnacle of God's creation. She recounts the healing power of herbs, trees, fish, birds, and animals. In particular, she mentions the health benefits of animals as pets.

What does this interest in the natural world that Hildegarde expressed in her study of plants and animals mean for us? As important as humans are they are not able to live independently from creation in this world; her insight was we need each other to live.

The saint tells us that if other creatures should disappear even humans cannot live. This makes us realize again the gratitude and humble attitude we should have before God. 

The saint sees God becoming man to lead us to a life of perfection and in harmony with his creation. She would want us to stay close to nature for both health of body and mind.

World Day of Grandparents and Elders

 In  the Catholic Times'  Eyes of the Believer column a pastor writes about the new 'World Day of Grandparents and Elders'. The Pope established the day on the fourth Sunday of July because of the neglect and isolation of so many of the elderly especially during the Corona 19  health crises and the important role the elderly have in society.

Many of the elderly are  dying alone and these days  not even having funerals because of the virus. The elderly easily understand  the pope's solicitation for their well being.  Instead of focusing only on the suffering physical and mental loss he emphasized the three gifts  only the elderly can give to the younger generation: dreams, memories, and prayers. 

In other words, it means 'the wise dreams of the elderly', 'memories from abundant years' and 'the prayers of the elderly with all their heart'. These gifts would become a foundation and a new future for the younger generation, who could easily be shaken or fall into difficulties. The Pope's discourse suggests that the elderly should be companions of young people and preachers of the faith.

The Pope's statement makes us realize that the elderly, members of the ecclesial community, are approached with a natural, everyday, practical perspective. It's not elderly that is stressed, but their role as grandparents to pass on the tradition of faith to the grandchildren through dreams, memories and  prayers.

 

A corresponding model is Timothy, the spiritual son of the Apostle Paul. He received their faith from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice from an early age (2 Timothy 1:5).  He was martyred as a bishop of the Church of Ephesus while inheriting the legacy of faith from the apostle Paul. The reason that Bishop Timothy was able to become an exemplary believer was his grandmother and mother, a Catholic family, and a teacher named Apostle Paul. In particular, it can be seen that grandparents, such as grandmothers, have a very large influence on their grandchildren and granddaughters to grow and grow as believers regardless of age.

There's a joke these days that shows just how big a role grandparents play in the education of their  grandchildren. It is said that there must be three 'visions'  to educate a child: 'grandfather's wealth', 'mom's intelligence', and 'father's indifference'. The wealth of the grandfather determines the education of the grandchildren. But today, one more has been added. That is the maternal  'grandmother's physical strength'. 

 

Interest and expectations are  mobilized on both sides of the family for their children's education and social success. The birth of a child is a blessing in itself in a country gradually decreasing in population due to abandonment of marriage and low fertility, so interest and expectations for children are inevitably high.

 

What about religious education for the child? While enthusiasm for education for the college entrance is high, religious education is rarely conducted even in the most devout of  families. Of course, it is important to enter a good university or a good company and achieve social success, but living as a true human is even more important. Human perfection requires not only intellect and humanity, but also an abundance of spirituality.

 

Grandparents should reflect on the Pope's discourse to see if they are passing on the legacy of faith to their grandchildren. To newborns, children, adolescents, grandparents should set an example of faith in the home. It is also important to create an atmosphere in the house according to the liturgical calendar, celebrating the liturgical feasts at home. When we have  prayer at home,before and after meals, the  reading of the Bible, children and adolescents naturally watch learn and follow. 

 

In particular, grandparents' love for the  grandchildren who replace working parents these days will never end. And  with the increase of age this becomes  more difficult with the ailments that come. In this environment there is no doubt that grandchildren will grow into precious children of God if faith is inherited through the dreams, memories, and prayers of grandparents. "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (Luke 2:52).

Comparisons Are Odious

 

A monk, John Lydgate, back around 1440 in his debate between the horse, goose, and sheep concluded that "comparisons are odious". They debated not their own merits but what each gave to the human race for flourishing. The results of this kind of talk are often not helpful.

In a diocesan bulletin, a director of a counseling center gives the readers some thoughts to ponder in comparing ourselves with others.

We have all experienced in one way or another being compared to others. It's a very natural aspect of life. At times it helps us to study more, increase effort,  accomplish something we wouldn't. Is this not true? Actually, we find ourselves judging ourselves and when the results are positive, our self-worth grows in our own eyes.

However, it is a two-edged sword. At times comparisons can arouse within us motivation for success and accomplishment but often give rise to obstacles in life. Examples: we see others who have a nicer appearance, a better car, a more harmonious marriage and conclude that we are lacking what others have. We feel inferior, unsatisfied, guilty, and look down on ourselves cruelly.

The possibility of positive results makes us happy but again looking down on others can also boomerang. This attitude can create excessive anxiety about the future when we know we too can fail at any time.

We always see the part of the iceberg above the water but the more important part is under the water. When we compare with others we don't think of effort expended or the process required but only the results. Life is much more than success achieved.

We need to stop comparing ourselves to others. Often we distance ourselves from what is far more important: the meaning of love, friendship, empathy, and mutual understanding. When these are forgotten relations with others suffer.

We are all unique individuals and consequently all different. When we desire to be like another, we don't believe in our unique qualities. Chances are we will not be what God has planned for us and we allow others to decide how we will live.

Today, she hopes you will take a moment to reflect on who we are and what we have received as blessings from the Lord.  

The only person we should try to be better is the person we were yesterday and as Christians to be more like the Lord.

President Moon's Dream of Peace on the Peninsula

Next year in March will be President Moon's last day in office. This year on August 15 he gave his last Liberation Day speech and in one sentence: "I have a dream"— Individuals have dreams, but countries also have dreams. We achieved independence because we didn't give up our dream for independence. Korea has become an advanced country because it has achieved its dream of living well. "A country where culture blooms," dreamed a patriot and today has becoming a cultural powerhouse.  So begins the Diagnosis of the Times column in the Catholic Peace Weekly by a Far East Asia research member.

In particular, there are dreams that do not change. One such dream is of peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula. We need to work towards this dream. There are cases of the reunification of East and West Germany, but we want to create a model for the Korean Peninsula. The main point was the message to keep the dream of peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula before us at all times.

The current inter-Korean relationship seems to be increasingly distant from these dreams. Other dreams have come true to some extent, but if we fail to advance our dreams of peace and unification, can we say that we are satisfied and happy? And can we look forward with pride to the next generations?

While North Korea has recently criticized the South Korea-U.S. joint drills, a broadcasting company investigated the unification consciousness of the citizens of South Korea on the occasion of Liberation Day.  

According to the survey, 71.4 percent of the respondents said they felt antipathy toward North Korea. In particular, 38.8 percent of respondents said they felt "very hostile" this continued to increase over the past three years. Interest in unification was also found to be 67.5 percent, the lowest among surveys in the past three years.

On vaccine support for North Korea: 67 percent of the respondents said that it should be supported after achieving collective immunity in the South, followed by "not to support" with 19.1 percent. However, the fortunate thing is that 65.2 percent of the respondents responded positively to the need for unification even though they do not like North Korea. Two out of three respondents recognize the need for unification.

Inter-Korean relations are more serious than ever. In a statement released on the 11th, the director of the Central Committee of the North Korean Workers' Party, aimed his talk at the South Korea-US drills: "(South Korea) blew away an opportunity to improve inter-Korean relations with their own hands and we need to be honest about the price of responding to our good intentions with hostility. You have to let them know,” he said. "Restoring the inter-Korean communication line after 13 months gave the South an 'opportunity to choose', a way of making for a better relationship with North Korea but they chose to conduct South Korea-US drills instead of improving inter-Korean relations."


North Korea's threatening remarks have been numerous before, but what is bitter is that there is no hope of restoring inter-Korean relations in the short term of President Moon's administration, which has put more effort into inter-Korean reconciliation and cooperation than any other regime.  North Korea made the difficult decision to restore the inter-Korean communication line in its own way and demanded corresponding measures to suspend the ROK-US military exercise, but in the end, it expressed strong regret for President Moon Jae-in, who failed to do so.
 
The core of North Korea's request is to engage in active national cooperation and strong independent diplomacy in relation to inter-Korean relations. No matter how difficult it is economically, this principled position and demand from the North Korean side will be maintained for a considerable period of time. Something structurally and fundamentally feels amiss in the inter-Korean relations. Indeed, if the entire Korean people do not come to a new agreement and resolve, it seems highly likely that peaceful reunification will simply be idle daydreaming.

The Kingdom of God is Among You

 

A priest, in Bible and Life magazine, gives readers something to think about. He had just given the last Sacraments to a young man injured in a car accident, as he left the intensive care unit of the hospital a person, unknown to him, approached and said: "I hope there is a heaven." His brother was not expected to live very long after falling from a height at a construction site. The priest answered: "Yes, there has to be." 

Yes, without heaven how does one understand all the unjust and horrible things that are experienced in society! If one doesn't have a decent life here on earth after death they will. As in Luke's Gospel (16:25) the poor beggar after death received his consolation. 

However... despite these words, a part of him was not happy with what he said. Is it that we can go to heaven only after death? Is life on this earth only a place for training and testing for heaven? No matter how difficult, painful, unjust, or absurd we endure and wait for our reward in heaven? 

Was this not the reason some of the kings and nobles liked Christianity? The teaching on equality of all was not always to their liking but life after death was a reason they could tolerate Christianity after all it gave hope to the poor. 

True as this may be, it leaves the writer with a feeling that something is not right. Consequently, we have to make sure we understand Jesus's teaching on heaven. It was an important part of Jesus' mission on this earth— the kingdom of God—do we understand its meaning? 

The kingdom of God is where God reigns. This reign of God is to begin here on this earth. The kingdom of God and life on this earth are not separated. The reign of God is present and will continue forever. The kingdom of God is already here with us now but not yet complete. It continues to grow from its small beginnings. It begins with my life here on earth. 

We are not waiting to enter heaven but are in God's kingdom here on this earth. Put in other words heaven is not a place but a state. The words used may lead one to think of heaven as a place but here on earth when we begin living with love, oneness, justice, fairness, vitality, peace, etc. Jesus reigns. Look at the world we live in! It's a world full of things that would fit in hell. But where in this world do we find heaven? Of course, I have no choice but to think of the other world, not this world.

Thinking of heaven as a place is not only awkward. To have the unjust dream of heaven who has made this world hell is that right? Is it possible to live the heavenly life with a heart full of evil? When hearts are doing what God wants us to do, God's reign is working within us we are building God's kingdom and cultivating his kingdom here on earth. Am I not
building the kingdom of God now?

When the wings of a bird are broken, heaven does not disappear. Lift up your head and continue longing for heaven. Thus, the kingdom of heaven exists in the lives of those who yearn and seek it. The martyrs lived that life. They did not die and entered the kingdom of heaven, but people who already lived in heaven. Let's remember the words of the Lord: "Behold, the kingdom of God is among you" (Luke 17:21). 

 

A World Without Nuclear Weapons

 

In the weekly column: Nation, Reconciliation, Unity of the Catholic Times Weekly, the priest writer returns to the issue of a 'World Without Nuclear Weapons'. The world doesn't want to see reality, but the Vatican's efforts working towards "a world without nuclear weapons" continue. 

In addition to Pope Francis, his predecessor, Benedict XVI also called for international efforts to dismantle nuclear weapons, in his 41st World Peace Day statement published on December 8, 2007, he emphasizes the responsibilities of nuclear power holders: "In these difficult times, all well-meaning people must unite to come up with concrete agreements for substantial demilitarized, especially in the field of nuclear weapons. With no progress in the process of banning nuclear proliferation, I strongly urge those in charge to pursue negotiations on the dismantlement of existing nuclear weapons that are developed and mutually agreed upon with a more firm determination. I appeal to everyone who cares about the future of mankind."

Since its inception in the 1960s, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which operates as a standard for the international community to this day, has in fact been committed to reducing nuclear weapons. The "system," designed to avoid the destruction of mankind, not only prohibited any country from developing new nuclear weapons but also contained the prospect that nuclear powers would reduce existing nuclear weapons. 

 

However, even with the pause in the nuclear arms race between the U.S. and Russia and the dismantling of the Cold War between the East and the West, the powers did not give up their nuclear deterrence. Rather, more "efficient" and powerful new weapons have been developed without restriction, with the Catholic Church pointing out that for a world without nuclear weapons, the international community should face inequality among nations first.

As the North Korea-U.S. dialogue has been suspended, it has become difficult to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue. There have been as many as thousands of nuclear weapons in South Korea since the 1950s, with the 1991 agreement between Bush and Gorbachev the tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea were removed.

 

The relocation of tactical nuclear weapons is a claim that came even when the North Korean nuclear crisis escalated in 2017, meaning to give up "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" and bring some tactical nuclear weapons back to South Korea. According to their logic, the reason why there was no nuclear war during the Cold War between East and West was that the U.S. and the Soviet Union had tens of thousands of nuclear weapons each.

In a land where peace through weapons is emphasized and the belief that peace can be maintained only when it has a "deterrence" is more dominant, the church should strive more earnestly for true peace. Let's pray together for the disappearance of nuclear weapons on this earth, not for the peace of nuclear weapons, but reflecting more deeply on the kind of peace we want.

Reducing the Carbon Footprint In Korea

 

The recent Catholic Times featured an article on how to reduce carbon footprint in daily life. Awareness of the climate crisis has increased around the world, calls have been raised for practices to take care of the Earth, our common home.

Pope Francis in his encyclical also stressed that we should all accept responsibility in this common task. We are emitting too much 'carbon footprint' without even realizing it. Carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated during the entire life of a product that is produced, transported and used, and discarded by consumers.

This summer, the earth suffered from abnormal weather conditions. In North America, the heatwave of 40 to 50 degrees Celsius led to forest fires, and record heavy rains in Western Europe and central China. In Iran, the heat and drought have led to protests by residents.
 
Recently, the European Union (EU) announced that it will establish a carbon border tax, a tariff imposed on products produced and imported from countries that emit more carbon than its own, and the U.S. is also moving to introduce the tariff. The South Korean government also declared that it would achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Recently, 'digital carbon footprints', which are carbon generated when using digital devices, are drawing attention. When using the Internet, many computers process operations in real-time and use a lot of power to transfer data.

In particular, cloud storage and music and video streaming services consume far more power than download services. If the devices in the data center overheat, cooling devices are needed which can increase carbon emissions.

In order to reduce digital carbon footprint, it is recommended to use downloads instead of streaming. In addition, when using streaming services, it can reduce carbon footprint by up to 86 percent just by viewing it as standard quality instead of high definition.
 
According to British energy company Obo Energy, if all Britons cut their unnecessary mail just once a day, they could reduce their carbon emissions by 16,433 tons a year. Also, if you make a habit of pulling out a charger right after charging, you can reduce the waste of electricity.  

Ways of reducing the energy in the use of air conditioners. They make life comfortable in hot summer. Because of this, many people have long been blamed for global warming by using air conditioners. However, using it well can reduce carbon footprint.

First, maintain proper temperature! The proper indoor temperature in summer is around 26 degrees Celsius. In addition, if there is a difference of more than 5 degrees from the outside temperature, the red light turns on for health, so if you keep the proper temperature, you can get both health and energy savings.

In addition, just keeping the air conditioner filter clean can save electricity. This is because using dust-stacked filters increases carbon emissions as well as electricity usage.

Cleaning the outdoor filter is also important. Uncleaned outdoor appliances consume more power, and the air conditioner may turn off if the outdoor appliances do not work properly due to accumulated dust.

Above all, the best way is to turn on the fan instead of the air conditioner for about an hour a day. It can save about 6.9 kWh in an hour, which has the same effect as planting half a pine tree.
 
Eating habits that can reduce carbon footprints
Let's narrow the distance between the ingredients to the table. You can eat healthy and eco-friendly vegetarian foods and eat Korean seasonal foods that minimize long-distance transportation.

The distance food traveled from production to distribution is called food mileage. The higher the food mileage, the more fossil fuels, and packaging materials are needed. Therefore, it is a good habit to reduce carbon footprint by purchasing seasonal ingredients in the local areas.

In order for 1kg of meat to be on the table, more than 30kg of beans and grains must be fed to livestock, and about 25.6kg of carbon is usually emitted to produce 1kg of beef. Therefore, consumption of beans, tofu, and potatoes rather than meat and consumption of chicken and eggs rather than beef or lamb can reduce carbon footprint.