On NPR this morning a man who was robbed is recounting the story.  A teenager pulls a knife on him and demands his money.  "Here you go," he says as he hands over his wallet.  The thief starts to take off when the man calls, "Hey, you better take my coat, too.  If you are going to be out here all night robbing people you'll be cold."  As he gives his coat to the robber he says he might need something to eat, as well, and invites him to accompany him to his favorite restaurant, near by.  They eat together and the man greets everyone who comes by his table - even the dishwater.  "You know everybody," comments the robber, "you even speak to the dishwater."  "Of course, didn't anyone teach you to be nice to everyone?"  "Yeah, but I didn't think anyone actually did."  "What do you want to do with your life?" asked the man.  The kid looked depressed and didn't asnwer.  The bill came and the man said, "I guess you'll have to pay the bill since you have my money.  Or if you give me back my wallet, I'll pay for it."  The kid gave him back his wallet.  The man gave him $20.  but wanted something in exchange - the knife.  The robber gave hm the knife.

I am watching Samantha Power on C-Span2.  She is talking about Sergio....Mello, UN official who was killed in Iraq.  Power quotes George Bernard Shaw: The reasonable man adapts himself to the world.  The unreasonable man adpats the world to himself.  Progress depends on the unreasonable man.  The point is made that Sergio used ideas to change reality and used reality to understand ideas.  Sounds like praxis. 

Samantha contrasts the Bush administration's framework for foreign policy as seeking freedom, and life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Power points out that in imposing that on people by force you destroy life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.  She contrasts this framework with a framework of human rights.  She says Sergio would make dignity the framework for foreign policy and the work one does in the world.  She gives compelling examples. 

 
Today is the begining of the fifth year of the war in Iraq.  To mark the day we had
Chapel at the beloved community house, and supper.  We then intended to join those walking from the Univesalist Unitarian Church down Riverside Drive to Confluence Park for a rally, but with a steady rain, we decided to drive down.  Jamie and Michelle, Josiah, Cody, and I first met in the Chapel.  Josiah led us with reading Scripture, and inviting us to brainstorm on what we might do as a beloved community.  We then left the house to go down to the Park.  After the Rally the intention was for everyone to line the Memorial Bridge for a candle light vigil.  When we drove over the bridge we could see that Confluence Park was flooded and only a few people were in knots at the entrance to the bridge from the Park.  I came back home and Josiah and Cody returned to spend a little time there and then go on to their Grandma Rene's.

Some of the ideas we brainstormed in Chapel: walk dogs at the shelter, volunteer with kids at the Wyoming Home, spend time with lonely nursing home residents, and Jamie thought of our making a public service announcement for one of the TV stations - with clips from our Projects.  Michelle and Josiah are going to make a Beloved Community sign for out front.  

We talked about what each of us received from the beloved communtiy - or wished to receive.  We said, peace, retreat, feeling safe, gathered in, a place to express one's spirituality.  I have a sense of woundedness - and said that we need to be here fro each other.

National Public Radio (NPR) this week related a statement from the Southern Poverty Law Center.  The Center released 2007 statistics on hate crimes - 888 - against hispanics, up hundreds of points from 2006.  The reason for the increase is attributed to the bitter issue of illegal aliens.  A right-wing immigratiion center accuses the Center of fearmongering.  Sherrif Joe Arpiah (?) in Arizona held a press conference to announce that he will arrest any illegal immigrant he sees lined up waiting for work.  The mood there suports him.  Sad attitude in the country, and lost opportunity.

Again on NPR, the Catholic Church announced an update of the 7 deadly sins.  Now included is social injustice and allowing poverty.  The Church says that globalization has increased selfishness.
Good.  This emphasis on justice should influcence public consciousness - the key for change.

Yesterday, I gave a talk on Mohandas Gandhi - Gandhi's Call, the Cross, and the Least Among Us - at Graymoor in Garrison, NY. Fr. Jim Gardiner graciously invited me and Fr. Bob helped with my showing a Gandhi clip. Those who gathered to share the time were many who have been -or are now - on the frontlines of inner cities or missions abroad. All were involved with serving and prayer. They were wonderful. I felt that we were together in the flow of the spirit. Following the presentation and subsequent discussion, we attended Mass and then returned to the Parlour for lentil soup. The soup was so very good. Perfect conclusion to the morning.