ADVENTure is here.

So, here we go. It's a new ecclesial year; it's that season where we cannot avoid even the subtlest reminder that a long, long time ago-the world was changed for ever. Believe it or not, it is true that as soon as that little baby was born things have never been the same. When I fell in love with the writings of Flannery O'Connor in one of my undergraduate literature classes, I think it was partly because of her piercing approach to understanding who Christ is. I remember we took apart the following excerpt from A Good Man is Hard to Find:

And on the subject of Jesus he continues, "Jesus was the only One that ever raised the dead and He shouldn't have done it. He thrown everything off balance. If He did what He said, then it's nothing for you to do but throw away everything and follow Him, and if He didn't, then it's nothing for you to do but enjoy the few minutes you got left the best way you can by killing somebody or burning down his house or doing some other meanness to him. No pleasure but meanness."

Once I thought about it, it made such sense. We are either with Him or we are against Him. Though I have often thought I have been with Him, I sometimes realize that I am more like the Misfit. No, I have never murdered or set fire to anyone's home, but I certainly have done "meanness." We all have.

This advent season is a season where we begin to hope for that coming or visitation of the man who as arrived to establish peace. It is a journey away from our clutter, our fears, our meanness, and our loneliness towards the humble manger where the bread of life awaits. Pope Benedict once described it as, "a time to mean God is here, he hasn't retired to his world, he hasn't left us alone." Many times when we want to destroy evil or pain we rush to action. Now, we have a chance to trust and be calm and wait. We can start a new adventure in following that life that changed the world for ever. It is our opportunity to keep trying to throw away everything and follow Him.

Peace Walk

   A few weekends ago, I helped out a friend who is producing a documentary about this city of crime that we live in. The central city Peace walk was a fitting piece for them to include in their project. Check out the making of the film here: http://www.crescentcityfilms.net/index.html
  It was wonderful to see children of all ages, parents, teachers, local musicians, and community members gathered together in prayer,discussion, and a united goal: peace. I also learned of a new up and coming artist named Dee-1 who is featured on MTV's Freshman picks. He has an incredible story. Check him out here: http://www.bestmusiconcampus.com/band/default.aspx?bandID=201 and vote for him if you believe in his message. After the peace walk, I am motivated to do more to help transform the Crescent City to a more accepting, peaceful place. Unconditonal love and perserveramce will make that possible. Please support more movements like this and let peace be your loudest instrument.

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.


O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

To see some pictures form the walk...click here: with some snaps

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