August 2, 2010
On Earth as it is in Heaven: Faithful Servants
Reflecting on the readings and reality
In the coming two Sundays, we reflect on the requirements and the rewards of faithful servanthood. On Sunday, August 8, we see the witness of Abraham's desire for a homeland where God's will triumphs. Abraham's fidelity to a promise whose fulfillment he did not live to see (cf. Heb. 11:13) challenges us in our commitment to realizing God's kingdom on earth. When the psalmist proclaims, "Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD" (Ps. 33:12), we can ask ourselves whether our nation serves the Lord or other gods.
Through the Gospel's parable, Christ offers a clear job description of those who would serve him. The faithful servant is diligent in caring for God's property, Creation, and vigilant in attentiveness to the Creator's action. We can "act in accord with his will" (Lk. 12:47) in supporting Creation's fruitfulness or treat Creation merely as the object of our own amusement as we wait for God to restore the world. Francis entrusted us with the insight of kinship with Creation, that we are brothers and sisters to all of God's creatures. This insight is a gift and demands universally loving and humble action. When we commit to faithful servanthood, we receive as Abraham did the "power to generate" (Heb. 11:11) renewal in a wounded world.
The most supernatural experience of God's generation was a gift to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose Assumption into heaven we celebrate on Sunday, August 15. We hear in Revelation of the birth of a son who would conquer all evil and "rule all the nations with an iron rod" (12:5). This is the Son whom Paul describes as the new Adam who brings resurrection of the dead. Christ as the firstfruits bestows upon his Mother the gift of bodily entrance into heaven as a promise that our own earthly bodies, and all Creation, will find eternal life in God. Christ's reign in Creation subdues "all his enemies under his feet" (1 Cor. 15:25) until in completion "he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father" (15:24). With Mary's Magnificat canticle (Lk. 1:46-55), let us recognize ourselves as lowly servants, hastening the fulfillment of Christ's reign. 
Wonderful Witnesses: Praying with the Franciscan Fellowship
While we work for the transfiguration of our world, we remember also the Transfiguration of our Lord (August 6) and celebrate the witness of St. Clare's transformed life (August 11). St. Clare's courage led her to relinquish her worldly wealth and embrace a life of poverty after St. Francis' example. As we strive to tread lightly and follow Christ in poverty of spirit, St. Clare of Assisi, pray for us!
Celebrating Legislative Leadership: Congress Addresses Conflict Minerals
With passage of the financial regulation bill, Congress included provisions to increase transparency in the use of conflict minerals. On July 21, Obama signed the bill into law, putting into effect the requirements that FAN members supported by contacting key Senators in June. The Washington Post featured a cover-story on the issue. You can learn more on FAN's homepage.
Gulf of Mexico Oil Disaster Update
 On Wednesday, July 21, FAN hosted a conference call to pray for and learn about the ongoing response to the oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Participants heard from Bro. Jeffrey Wilson, TOR about his experience during a visit home to Pensacola, FL; perspectives from the region from Sisters of Charity hosting a house of hospitality for volunteers and representatives of Our Lady of the Lake College in Baton Rouge; and ways to help from Kristina Peterson of the University of New Orleans. We also learned about S. 3597, Sen. Jay Rockefeller's SHORE (Securing Health for Ocean Resources and Environment) Act. If you were not able to join us, you can listen to a recording of the call. Please excuse the delay at the beginning. Participants' views do not necessarily reflect FAN's official position.
Caring for the Climate: Science and Skepticism
 Senate discussions of legislative proposals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have not produced fruit. As the national conversation on our changing climate continues, you might be interested in this list of questions and answers about climate science.
Peace and all good,
Christy Elliott
FAN Creation Action Fellow |
