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We Rise Again from Ashes

LENT 2011

“Darkness cannot put out darkness. Only light can do that.” Martin Luther King

We rise again from Ashes - Xaverian Lent 2011

As we prepare for Lent we hear in the Good News:"Jesus said to his disciples: 'You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.... You have heard that it was said; you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.... So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Mt 5: 39-39; 43-44; 48)

Lent beckons. It invites us to a radical discipleship in Jesus Christ. Through his cross we can imagine new ways of being and a new world. How about fasting from hate and indifference this year, and feasting on friendship and unselfishness? Here are some links which can help... USCCB | Operation Rice Bowl | Carbon Fast

Read the Holy Father's message here.

Social Networking for Good

Who knew social networking could lead to so much good? The Southern Poverty Law Center shows how...

Teaching Tolerance Magazine examines classroom use of Social Media to Teach About Social Justice; Offers timely lessons on Immigration Issues.

AND religious plurality in the classroom is explored here.

Actually, "tolerance" is a funny word. One "tolerates" a toothache; endures it, so to speak. Perhaps "acceptance" might be better or "solidarity"? What do you think? Send in your comments to our blog and start a thread.

Religions building a better world

There was tremendous bridge building this January and February in Egypt. This picture is from the Fellowship for Reconciliation showing Muslim/Christian solidarity in their struggle against oppression.

The Fellowship of Reconciliation is composed of women and men who recognize the essential unity of all creation and have joined together to explore the power of love and truth for resolving human conflict. It is the the largest and oldest interfaith peace organization in the United States. Read more ... Congratulations to the people of Egypt for promoting non-violence in their revolution.

Speaking of Peace

Speaking for Peace

The Xaverian Missionaries are actively helping to change our world. Here's some news from Father Riccardo Nardo, Xaverian Missionary in Africa. (Scroll down the blog for story.)

"We wish to cry out to the injustices that occur almost daily in [the Democratic Republic of the Congo] our country and the lack of interest on the part of the rest of the world regarding Africa's problems. We missionaries live with the people and their challenges with dangers of every kind because we feel less alone. With all our faults, we can say that the people look at us with love, because we are their only refuge. At the slightest hint of danger, international organizations escape. But we stay with the people."

There are many ways to get involved to help Xaverian Missionaries. We invite you share the vision of a just and peaceful world and share the mission of helping to achieve it!

The Soloist

Movie Review: The Soloist

The Soloist is the true story of Los Angeles Times Journalist Steve Lopez and his friendship with Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, Jr. When Lopez first meets Ayers, he is playing a violin with only two strings and expounding on the beauty of Beethoven. A regular columnist in the struggling newspaper industry, Lopez smells a story, and begins to tell the homeless man's tale. Check out the film discussion guide.

"Giving-up" something can transform into "giving of oneself."