KILLINGS AND GUN CONTROL

Yesterday, 20 children ages 7 and under were killed at their school in Newtown, Conneticut. In the wake of this tragedy, politicians do not what to seem to make political points at the cost of this little ones. That is understandable. Except that it is NOT understandable! Why not turn our outrage at these senseless killing into motivation to deal with the issue of gun control? Whether we look at it as guns being too easily available or guns in the hands of mentally ill individuals, we can all agree something needs to be done. Can't we? Apparently not. I have heard many people say "Guns don't kill; people do". My question to them is: "When was the last time that a school mass killing was done with a knife?"

33 Cena em Crato, Ceará

IS THE UNITED STATES HEADING TO A WAR WITH ISLAM?

Saint George

Icon from Gönyű Club

 The death in Libya of four Americans including our ambassador is deplorable and offensive. The violence was triggered by an anti Islamic film made with the help of the ultra conservative Florida pastor Terry Jones and uploaded to the Internet. The violence followed a broadcast of clips of the movie of al-Nas, an Egyptian TV network. Most Americans, including us liberal, are shocked, although maybe not surprised, by the Islamic reaction to this movie. We liberal defend the producers to make this offensive movie even though we strongly disagree with its message.

Unfortunately, a lot of Americans blame all of Islam for the actions of what seems to be a small group of over zealous Islamic fundamentalists. The horror of the images we see of youth dragging Ambassador Stevens thought the streets of Benghazi and the burning of the American Flag turn my stomach. Nevertheless, what we opt to do with this outrage will show what kind of people we are.

I suspect that the actions of these thugs might even drive to the right some Americans who tend to be liberals. I have read many comments on Facebook and to articles on online news sources calling for a military response. I really am not concerned about the political impact on the coming election; I am concerned that our people might gradually be inclined to war. I pray that my feelings are unfounded.

32 Vaqueiros do Nordeste

Dream Trip

It is hard to describe today. I slept in so got off to a slow start to begin with. Then I wasted about 4 hours on Google Map’s “My Map” feature that lets people map out their one trips. I tried mapping out my “dream trip” but had a lot of difficulty with the program. My dream trip is not a short on; not a simple going from point A to point B. It is a trip that could take a good part of a whole summer and would require someone to go with me to do most of the driving. I cannot think of anyone who can do that. The trip would take me though much of the Northeastern and Midwestern USA. It would go through places where I have lived, places I would love to visit, and places that hold fond memories for me.

I have told many people dealing with cancer that I like to know my prognosis in order to establish some realistic goals for what I want to do with whatever time I have left. This trip is in my list. It might not be too realistic given my financial situation and need for a travel companion. It might be the least achievable but it is a dream nevertheless. I think having dreams is not only OK, it is healthy. If those two obstacles could be overcome, there IS a realistic chance that I would take this trip within the time I have left. Of course, my time frame is a long one. I am looking at years. Others might only be looking at months. Nevertheless, having such dreams and goals just might be the first step in the enjoyment of whatever time we still have on this earth.

31 Boi Bumbá em Manaus, Amazonas

Water From The Well

Canaanite Woman by Drouais

I was sitting outside yesterday (Labor Day) eating a hamburger and chips about 10 feet from my hummingbird feeder. Adam and Eve (the name I gave to the 2 regulars) were flying in and out chasing each other around the trees. Adam almost always land on the perch to sip the nectar. Even rarely does preferring to sip while still flying. One time something unique and special happened. After taking a swig, Adam flew over toward me and hovered about 3 feet from me and just looked at me face to face. Of course, I have no idea what was going through his pea size brain. I have had hummingbirds sip nectar from flowers that I was holding. Nevertheless, this was the first time one actually looked into my eyes. Whatever the reason for this behavior, it took a lot of courage on this little bird’s part. He dared to stare down something at least 1000 times his size.

Cancer makes us to have to stare down something that physically is much smaller than we are but much larger in its impact on use in all other ways. I know it takes all the courage I can muster to hang in there. It is so much easier to write about this now that I am in remission rather than when the cancer is acting up. Certainly there are many sources of support we can draw from but a lot of it has to come from the reservoirs deep within us. Despite what we might feel, we have one. Sometimes life situations have made this reservoir hard to reach. That is when friends, family, and even our medical teams help. I do not see it as them giving us courage. Rather I see it as them helping us to access the courage that is already there. Like someone drawing water from a deep well, the water has always been there but needs help coming to the surface.

29 Velha Igreja em Parnaiba, Piauí

FIRST DIARY

I recently located the first volume of my diary. I have kept a diary off and on since I was 17. I decided to read what I wrote almost 40 years ago. What I found was very enlightening. I will not say that I was ignorant… just not well informed. I saw that there were days that I felt really down and others that I felt higher that the sky. I now know that I am slightly bipolar and that even back then I should symptoms. However, back then I was in a different place intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally. I was more black and white in my world view. On days that I felt down (depressed) I wrote:

“I feel low. I know have done something wrong but I don’t know what. God, show me what I did to displease you.”

Expression of guilt about non-specific actions is a very common sign of Depression.

On days that I felt high (manic), I expressed hope and optimism about my future.
“I can do anything when I go to college because God will make a way.”

Expressions about being able to overcome all obstacles is a common feature of the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Now, I know that neither of those causes for my feelings were true. Certainly there were days when I had made only good choices but still felt low and days were I made some bad choices but felt high.

Since then, even though I know it isn’t true, I have felt the same way. As a hospital chaplain and as a part of this forum, I have heard others who feel the same way. How many times have I asked myself: “God, why cancer? Why me? What have I done wrong to deserve this?” I know there will never be an answer that fully satisfies me. I know that even if God explained it to me, I would still feel the pain, fear, and yes, the anger of knowing I have cancer. I am not talking about the factors that contribute to the development of cancers. I am talking about the deeper question… the search for meaning in this new lives we live since our diagnosis. For those questions there may never be an answer and even if there is, knowing it will not take away the pain.

Each of us needs to find a way to live with the pain, fear, anger, and sorrow that accompany Cancer. In my case, spirituality and the knowledge that God is with me regardless of how I feel is a source of strength and comfort. For you, family and friends may play a big role. Some find meaning in activities. I know helping people helps me. Even answering questions on the forum helps me feel a part of the broader life.

In some ways, I still am where I was 40 years ago; in other ways, I have grown. In that growth I find meaning.

26 Mosterio de São Bento, São Paulo

THE UNMERCENARIES

As someone who is very interested in and involved with health issues, the Unmercenaries have a special attaction for me. The two primary saints in this group are St Cyrus of Alexandria and St John of Edessa (Mesopotamia). Because of persectution, both ended up in the Gulf of Arabia area joining a group of monks already there. While there, they became very involved in caring for the sick. Their title comes from the fact that they refused payments for their services. Cyrus and John where beheaded in 292 CE.
Unlike other Icons, I have no problem identifying with this one. This small group of saints inspire me with their clear message of caring for others… especially in times of illness. From the time I was 13, I felt a deep concern for the sick. At first, I thought I would be a doctor. However, through a difficult journey, I ended up being a Hospital Chaplain… a calling that I very much enjoyed.


Icon found in several public sources including collections of the Saint Joseph Melkite Greek Catholic Church.

23 Cobacabana, Rio de Janeiro 

THE HOSPITALITY OF ABRAHAM

Historical, Cultural, and Religious Background:

In Genesis 18, we read about the encounter between Abraham and three Angels. In the text, they are never called "angles" but "men". However, tradition has inferred for the story that these were in fact Angels (in light of Geneses 19:1) where two of them are identified as Angels. Abraham consistently calls the third one "Lord".

Hospitality is a very important action in the Jewish tradition. They point to the example of Abraham and Sarah as the source of their belief in the importance of showing hospitality to strangers.

The Icon:

The Icon I am using shows the three angles sitting at the table with the Lord at the head. Abraham and Sarah are serving them water and freshly made bread. The three angles are pictures in the traditional way with wings.

Personal Journey:

I live most of the time in solitude never having anyone visit and rarely seeing anyone else on a day to day basis. I cannot say that I am lonely; I rather enjoy my solitude. That does not mean that I do not enjoy visits from others! I just wish they would stay longer.

When I wish young, my family was the only American family in our little city in the interior of Brazil. If there anyone from the USA in the city, we would very likely be their host. I cannot remember my parent's turning anyone away. Mom would cook a big meal; whoever was in the "guest room" would move out; Dad would visit with our guest(s). Specifically, I remember having a Roman Catholic Priest stay overnight with us. He was a war soul and did not seem to mind the difference in our faiths.

Message:

The message in this Icon is straightforward; its implementation into our modern culture is anything but. Our modern lives isolate each of us. Most of us expect visitors to call before visiting. "Drop-in" visits are a thing of the past. In the USA, a lot of us grew in families where we learned about the westward expansion of our ancestors seeking more "elbow room." We have a lot of room for improving our hospitality.

Rabbi Eve Ben-Ora asked an interesting question in one of his medications on the subject of Hospitality: "Do you consider being friends with someone of Facebook the same as showing hospitality?" My answer is that it can be. I know that I have a lot of "friends" to whom I marginally show hospitality in any significant meaning of the word. Never the less, Facebook has made it possible for me to reconnect with many childhood friends. Also, I have made many new ones. It is amazing how much Facebook can foster a sense of community. Along the same line, I am an administrator of a forum for people affected by cancer (www.cancerforums.net). Over the last four years, I have made so very dear friends there. We have been through so much together. Nevertheless, as I often tell them, "While virtual hugs are wonderful, there is nothing like a real hug!" The same thing goes for hospitality: Yes, Facebook and forums can be a way for us to express "virtual" hospitality but it is nothing compared to the real thing.

Icon found in several public sources including collections of the GreekOrthodox Archdiocese of America. 

22 Itajabá, Minas Gerais

ARCHANGEL COUNCIL

Historical, Cultural, and Religious Background:

Of all the heavenly being mentioned in the Bible, no title is used less often then the title of "Archangel". In fact, the world is only used once (Jude 1:9). Since only Michael is specifically called an Archangel the Bible, most protestants do not recognize any other Archangel. Certainly, many protestant would agree that the Angel Gabriel holds a higher rank than others. Nevertheless, Michael is the only universally accepted Archangel (Jews, Muslims, and Christians).

Outside of Protestantism, those from the Roman Catholic Orthodox traditions do not reserve the title to just the ones whose names are found in the Scriptures. It is common to find references to a council of Archangels with 7 members. Although not all of the lists agree on the names of these members, all agree on four: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel. The others differ from list to list. Note that each of their names (and the name of all Archangels) ends in "el". "el" is the Hebrew word for "Lord". However, it is often used in the place of the name "God." (For more explanation of the meaning of each name: http://www.angelfocus.com/archangels.htm ).

The title of Archangel denotes an angel of higher rank or a chief among the angels. Sometimes, you will find them listed as Saints as well. In a sense, a loose translation of "Archangel" could be "senior or chief messenger of the God." In the case of St Michael, he also has the task of leader the Army of God who defeated Lucifer and threw him out of Heaven.

I am not exactly sure how to understand the Archangels in the light of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. I have not had a personal experience with an Archangel like I have had with the Holy Spirit. The same can be said about Lucifer, the Falling Archangel. It is hard for me to believe in the existence of ANY archangel because of my lack of a personal contact with them.

Also, the struggle between Good and Evil, God and Satan, has always struck me as a form of dualism. Maybe the fight between St Michael and Lucifer is intended to alleviate this problem by distancing God from the fight. It is much easier to answer this criticism if the fight is actually between two Archangels rather the between two deities.

The Icon:

The icon I chose for this meditation is of the Archangels Council. In this icon, we see the seven archangels with two of them holding the image of Christ. Directly above Christ stand Michael holding in his right hand the name symbol for "Jesus" and in his left the name symbol for "Christ" (this is commonly found on Icons). From left to right we see: Jegudiel, Gabriel, Selaphiel, Michael, Uriel, Raphael, and Barachiel. Beneath Christ are three representatives of two other heavenly beings: Cherubims (blue) and Seraphim (red). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archangel

Personal Journey:

I am going to be selling my house and moving into an apartment in Paducah as soon as possible. In order to do this, I have to take on what seems like an impossible job: organize and clean years of documents, books, furniture, decorations, and other objects collected by my parents and me. Moving from a house with three bedrooms and a finished basement into a small apartment is a daunting task.

Message:

Throughout history, there have been times when God needed to speak to humans in a unique way. Whether at the Annunciation to Mary of the coming of the Messiah or the encounter with Abraham before the destruction of Sodom, God needed to make God’s presence felt in a very personal and even physical way. I believe that this need culminated in the coming of Christ. In fact, the Annunciation is the last appearance of an Archangel in history.

I wish that at times like this in my life, God would make clear which direction I should go. Others have expressed the same sentiment to me: “I wish God would appear to me and clearly tell me what I should do!” Unfortunately, an Archangel has never come to me to enlighten me. It would be comforting to know that there is a council of Archangels fighting our war with the Evil One. I look at this Icon and ask “Where are you?” I can hear some people replying: “You just are not listening hard enough.” OK, maybe. I don’t know about that. All that I know is that I have tried throughout my life to listen. Sometimes, I did think I had heard God’s messengers only to be disappointed. It is so hard to know where our thoughts come from. Are they coming from some external source are from a mix of your wishes, history, upbringing, nature, religion, or families? Do we do what we do simply to satisfy our own needs… including the need for affirmation from others or God?

It seems like at this point in my life I should have more answers than questions. Alas, this is not the case. Maybe knowing what I do not know is the beginning of wisdom? Archangels, please speak to me! (Deafening silence).

Icon found in several public sources including collections of the GreekOrthodox Archdiocese of America.

21 Matriz de Barbaçena, Minas Gerais

SAINT JOHN THE FORERUNNER

Saint John the Forerunner is a very interesting way to think about John the Baptist. It focuses our thoughts on his role as a prophet and predecessor of Christ. It takes us away from the details about his death. In this Icon, John is holding part of a scroll… maybe the part of Isaiah 40:3 where Isaiah said: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for out God." John took this passage very literally and applied it to himself.

As I look at this icon, I wonder: " Was John living that way to identify with us living in our own wildernesses? I know that at times it feels like my life is in the wilderness, desolate and dry. But the difference is that I have not voluntarily or consciously chosen this life. Or maybe I have? Whether or not I have chosen this life, the difference between John and me (and a lot of us) is that John embraced his life; only the other hand, I have not. I fight against this life rather than learning from it.

To what extent are we forerunners of God's love for others?

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference."

Icon used with permission from: Ikonen Galerie Sophia, Benedicte Oehry, Wittergasse 10, CH-8001 Zurich, Switzerland, Tel./Fax: +41 (0)1 2 12 12 90, e-mail: info@ikonen.ch

17 Matriz de Tiradentes, Minas Gerais

PETER AND PAUL

Both Peter and Paul hold very important places in the Eastern as well as Western Churches. Although Peter is not held in as high esteem in the Eastern Church as he is in the Roman Catholic Church, he is still thought of as the first Patriarch of Rome. Peter and Paul are thought of as the two most important Fathers of the Christian Church. Peter is the root of the very early church, having a major role in setting the direction in which the Church would move. During the early church crisis about how non-Jews were received into the Church, Peter was divided in his opinion. While he accepted that "What God has baptized with the Holy Spirit, how can we deny baptism with water?" However, in a later confrontation with Paul, he was of the opinion the Gentiles first had to convert to Judaism. Paul was the first great missionary to the Gentile world. He is the primary force behind the growth of the Church beyond the Eastern Coast of the Mediterranean. Both are thought to have been martyred sometime during the last half of the 1st Century in Rome.
Peter and Paul represent a rather difficult balance that is practically impossible for any one individual to maintain but which the Church needs to have. On one side we have Peter with his emotionalism and at times reckless abandon in his dedication to Christ and Christ's continuing ministry through the Church. On the other hand, we have Paul and his calculated, planed steps toward the same goals. This Icon shows Peter and Paul holding up the church. It makes me think back on all the saints in my life that have supported my faith struggles. Although my faith has changed significantly, I still am very grateful to those individuals who guided me throughout my life.

One of those individuals that first comes to mind was a Roman Catholic Priest who was one of my Clinical Pastoral Education supervisors, Fr Jan de Jon. It was not so much what he said, did, or taught me. It was how he helped me find my own way by allowing me to explore my own faith without being judgmental. In the best sense of the word, he helped me be a good critic and helping me to question some of my basic assumptions and beliefs. He challenged me to be clear about why I believe what I do. I am still working on that. Like Peter and Paul, Jan support my faith growth by lifting me up to Christ.

Permission to Use the Icon: I have on file emailed permission from the site where I found the Icon to use it on Facebook and on my blog. Please, do not assume that this gives you permission to do the same. You can ask for permission by visiting the following site: 

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

16 A Gávia, Rio de Janeiro

GREATMARTYR ANASTASIA THE DELIVERER OF POTIONS

Anastasia was born in Rome during the reign or Diocletian (CE 284 – 305). Her father was a Pagan but her mother was a Christian. After the death of her mother, Anastasia was given to a Pagan Roman. She maintain her virginity by pretending to be sick all the time. When her husband died at sea, Anastasia became active in ministering to Christians in prisons. Although of noble birth, Anastasia dressed as a beggar and took medicines that the sick Christians in Roman prisons. She was skilled in the healing arts of the days.

Eventually, Anastasia was arrested. The Emperor directly questioned her and tried to get her to recant her faith in Christ. When she did not, he turned her over to a Pagan priest. When the priest also failed, he tried to violate her. However, he was first struck blind when he tried to touch her and then he died when he asked his idols to heal him.

After a short time of freedom, Anastasia was once more arrested. She was sentenced to death by starvation. However, after 60 days without any food, she should no sign of weakening. The judge then sentenced her to death by drowning. She was put onboard a ship with many other Christian and taken out to sea. The soldiers then put holes in the bottom. However, the Christians were still able to sail the ship back to land. When the observers saw this, 150 of them came to believe and where baptized by Anastasia and another Christian. All of these were captured and martyred for their faith.

Anastasia was stretched between four pillars and set on fire. She died but the flames did not burn her body. In the 5th Century, her remains were moved to Constantinople and buried at a church build in dedication to her. Some of her bones, including her head, were later moved to the St. Anastasia Monastery near Mount Athos. The original of the above Icon is located at that monastery.

I gain strength and joy from knowing that my ministry as a Chaplain has done the same. It reminds me that I too am part of the "Deliverer of Potions" tradition.

Permission to Use of Icons:I have on file emailed permission from the sites where I found these Icons to use them on Facebook and on my blog. Please, do not assume that this gives you permission to do the same. You can ask for permission by visiting the following site: St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus

14 São João na Fazenda