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July 18, 2011
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An Understanding Heart
What would you request from God if the Lord offered you anything you wanted?
In the readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, King Solomon identifies his treasure when he asks for "an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong" (1 Kgs 3:9). Solomon incarnates the psalmist's claim that "the law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces" (119:72). Jesus uses a similar analogy to describe the kingdom of heaven as a treasure in a field or a pearl of great price (cf. Mt 13:44, 46).
When we already strive to live simply, we can forget that the fullness of understanding heart goes beyond detachment from material riches. Do we prize an understanding heart more than our own will, our own vision for the world, our own pattern of life? Are we open enough to risk a change of heart and mind in relationship with strangers, in deepening awareness of suffering, in working for policy changes?
We continue to pray for an understanding heart that knows and trusts fully that "all things work for good for those who love God" (Rom 8:28). In joyful anticipation of the justification and glorification that awaits those called according to God's purpose (cf. Rom 8:28, 30), let us renew our desire for the wisdom of an understanding heart.
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Immigration, Scripture, and Franciscan Values: FAN Webinar
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Thank you to those who joined FAN's webinar with FAN Executive Director Patrick Carolan and Todd Scribner from Migration and Refugee Services at the (USCCB). If you missed the webinar or want to view it again, a recording is now available.
Read the USCCB resource on the U.S. as a nation of immigrants.
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Responding to the Word: Ask your Senators to support the DREAM Act
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Please urge the entire Senate to support the DREAM Act and give thousands of deserving students a chance to be legal residents.
Call, and/or e-mail your Senators to encourage them to support S. 952, the DREAM Act of 2011. You can call their Washington office via the Capitol switchboard 202-224-3121.
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More information on the DREAM Act:
S. 952, the DREAM Act of 2011, would authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children. Applicants must have entered the U.S. before age 16, they must have lived in the U.S. for at least five years prior to the DREAM Act becoming law, they must pass a criminal background check and the must not have turned 35 when the act becomes law. The DREAM Act is not an alternative to comprehensive immigration reform but a step in the right direction.
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Sowing Seeds with GreenFaith: Congratulations Sr. Jackie!
FAN and GreenFaith are pleased to announce that Sr. Jackie Keefe, CSSF has received a place in the GreenFaith Fellowship Program Class of 2012!
The Felician Sisters of North America are institutional members of FAN. Sr. Jackie will receive a scholarship for 50% of her tuition.
FAN invites all its members to consider engaging our partnership with GreenFaith through their Certification Program or Fellowship Program. You can learn more about this partnership on FAN's website.
To learn more about the Fellowship Program and GreenFaith's Certification Program, you can view a recording of the info session webinar online, visit GreenFaith's website, or participate in another info session webinar on September 12 (8:30-9:30pm ET). Contact Stacey Kennealy (skennealy@greenfaith.org) to register.
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Cultivate an understanding heart through...
Effective Action for Justice in the Spirit of Saints Francis & Clare
 The Franciscan Action Network (FAN) offers its national training on integrating powerful action for justice with Franciscan spirituality. Participants will wrestle with what it takes to create systemic change and will increase their ability to build and lead teams to achieve this change. The training infuses a deep spirituality with effective community organizing methods that have been honed over decades.
The program begins Tuesday, July 26 at 9 a.m. and finishes on Wednesday, July 27 at noon. Accommodations not provided.
Hosted by:
St. Francis Capuchin Center, 1927 N. Fourth St., Milwaukee, WI 53212-3611
The St. Francis Capuchin Center is ONE MILE from the Milwaukee Hyatt, where the Franciscan Federation Annual Conference takes place July 27-30.
The cost for the training is $60, which includes lunch and dinner on Tuesday.
For more information or to register please contact Christy Elliott at elliott@franciscanaction.org.
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Proclaim Franciscan Values to Protect Human and Environmental Health!
"Safe Chemicals Act of 2011" (S. 847)
Representatives from the Safer Chemicals, Health Families coalition are traveling this summer and available to meet with FAN members to share more about how to limit your exposure to toxic chemicals and promote safer policy.
Omaha, NE (July 28-29)
Idaho (Aug. 1-2)
Helena/Missoula, MT (Aug. 3-4)
Arkansas (date TBD)
Delaware (date TBD)
Tennessee (date TBD)
If you are interested in a visit, contact Christy Elliott at elliott@franciscanaction.org
FAN members have shared their stories of exposure to toxic chemicals:
You can be agents of change by asking your Senators to support policy for safe chemicals. Our commitment to chemical policy reform reflects the Franciscan Values of care for creation, the dignity of the human person, a consistent ethic of life, and respect for the poor and vulnerable.
The "Safe Chemicals Act of 2011" (S. 847) would:
1) Require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify chemicals known to be toxic and to enforce their removal from products on the market, and...
2) Require new chemicals to be tested for safety before they reach the market.
You can send an email through FAN's Action Alert or use these talking points to call your Senators at the Capitol Switchboard (1-888-784-0527).
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God our Father,
open our eyes to see your hand at work
in the splendor of creation,
in the beauty of human life.
Touched by your hand our world is holy.
Help us to cherish the gifts that surround us,
to share your blessings with our brothers and sisters,
and to experience the joy of life in your presence.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
[Alternative Opening Prayer for the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time]
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