“Reconciling Opposites Within our Life”

December 7, 2022

“All around us we see activity, organization, operations of every possible type; but what directs them? An inwardness no longer really at home within itself, which thinks, judges, acts from the surface, guided by mere intellect, utility, and the impulses of power, property, and pleasure. An interiority too superficial to contact the truth, lying at life’s center, which no longer reaches the essential and every lasting, but remains somewhere just under the skin-level of the provisional and the fortuitous.”

In 1961, Fr. Romano Guardini made the above observation about the direction our post-modern life is going. Realistically speaking, marginal interiority and copious superficiality have always existed. However, they are more prevalent today due to the media’s psychological ability to dominate our minds. To prove this all we need is examine what enters our minds and the way the media influences them. We live in a twenty-first century of half-cooked images that bombard our psyches unrelentingly. For many media participants this form of the media has become a matter-of-fact way of life.

Guardini may sound negative in his assessments, but he is not because of embracing the theory of Der Gegensatz, meaning oppositions. Gegensatz reminds us we are a complex organic whole, but also a life of opposites. For example, we are at once an individual and yet a member of a family. We enjoy having a heart but also possess a head - opposites acting in one person bound together presupposing each other.

Guardini points out although life may be one yet filled with oppositions, accepting and understanding this conundrum is an essential part of being a human being. 

Gegenstaz encourages us to create imaginative means for merging seemingly diametrically opposites and to work with them to maximize their potential. For example, the more we realize how the head compliments the health of our heart the better. The more we realize we are not only an individual but part of a family the greater are we as a social being.

We cannot turn the clock back, but we can utilize it better to manage life’s opposites: a shallow life needing greater depth; and a life less dependent on self-destructive impulses and more on prudence.

“Rhetoric Past and Present”

December 1, 2022

Concerned about today’s rhetoric? If so, why?

Rhetoric is the art of persuasion. Aristotle defines it as "the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion.” Its purpose is to be a “mind influencer and person mover basically.”

It not only possesses enormous power but also has the formidable responsibility of achieving a desired end aimed at moving us in one or other direction. Aristotle states, “What makes a man a sophist is not his talent, but his moral purpose.” Stating this, he points to a pivotal, moral principle of Christian life: working for the honorable, ethical, and good, especially in rhetoric.

In Greek arete means virtuous and aidos is the Greek word for having a sacred sense of duty. Both contain the essence of nobility connoting graciousness, benevolence, and cordiality when employing persuasion.

As with any goodness a dark side often exists. Engineer and published writer Amit Kalantari observes “Politeness is the first thing people lose once they get power.” Interestingly, courtesy was an absolute value of the Greek hero.

Plato points to another dark side of rhetoric in stating, “Sophists used it as a means of deceit instead of discovering the truth,” and Roman senator Cato wrote, “The words of the Greeks are born on their lips, but those of the Romans in their hearts.” Plato pines for truthfulness while Cato praises heartfelt openness.

It is no exaggeration our public rhetoric is devoid of politeness and truthfulness. Is it possible its discourteousness is somehow spawning deadly violence? Have we entered an age of vulgarity that violates respect and the sense of awe that is respect’s hallmark? Have we entered an “Age of the Big Lie” in which misguided persons think the more you lie the more it will produce a false truthfulness?

Are we in an age of aching hearts --- hearts yearning for the vitality of truth and civility and the wisdom of past civilizations? Has secularism risen to the extent in which God’s heartfelt love and morality no longer guide wholesome behavior and inspiring rhetoric?

“Our Christian Culture Under Fire”

November 28, 2022

The German word Weltanschauung means world view --- our beliefs, ideology, and school of thought about the world’s meaning. Since its inception Christian culture as Weltanschauung has guided the world. Its essence is a belief in God’s sovereignty, becoming incarnate to redeem us, dying for us, the Resurrection, and promise of a second coming. Mary’s role in Christian culture is her unquestionable faith in becoming Mother of God as is the Communion of Saints.

As impressive as Christian culture has been, present modern-day challenges are signaling for its updating because of a growing world view embracing human autonomy that bypasses God’s sovereignty --- secular schools of thought embracing a temporal, mundane world that no longer recognizes an eternal world.

At times Christian culture has enjoyed its status, at other times due to ideological changes it has receded into the background. Be this true, restoring its ardor and elan is imperative with post-modern world views threatening it. One effective way to start is revisiting its religious symbols, first among them being the symbolism of the Lord’s house.

On this subject Fr. Romano Guardini writes, “On natural space we commonly predicate three directions ---up, down, and beside. They indicate that in space there is order, and it is not chaos. They enable us to conduct a mode of life and move about from place to place, erect buildings, and live in them.”

“In divine space there is also this order of direction. It is grounded in mystery. Churches are built along the east to west direction of the sun’s course . . .They are built to receive the sun’s first and last rays. The sun of the supernatural world is Christ. Consequently, the course of the natural sun, Christ’s symbol, governs all sacred architecture and determines all its forms. At the very line and point eternal life is kept in view.”

“. . . From beneath upward, out of the depths toward the throne of God on high, our soul sends up her yearnings, prayers, and sacrifices, and God’s response is grace and blessings.”

To live the symbolism of church in our life is life blood, elan the Christian culture is presently in demand to reinforce its heavenly splendor.

“A Leader for All Seasons”

November 17, 2022

As government leadership moves into a new phase of governance what should it possess most?

The answer is in the meaning of seeing. Fr. Romano Guardini tells us “Seeing is more than indifferently reflecting (as a mirror reflects all that passes within its range). Seeing is a viral process that directly affects our lives. To perceive means to receive into oneself, to submit to the influence of things, to place oneself within their grasp.” Implied is living the principles of dialogue, prudence, and courage this requires.

On the topic of dialogue, Saint Pope Paul VI singles out pedagogic prudence as one of its essential qualities. It means going over to the other side and endeavoring to understand another person’s background and its role in affecting his or her thinking. Most importantly dialogue’s success depends on an open heart that is not proud, bitter, or offensive but peaceful, patient, and generous.

German Wahrnehmen means reception of the truth.  Dialogue’s aim is getting to the point ultimately in seeking the truth of the matter. Required is minimizing predispositions and preconceptions and not allowing prejudices to rule over sincere openness.

Throughout life there has always existed blind leaders despite their earthly insight and knowledge. They stand in the dark utterly incapable of comprehending the Essential. On this point Guardini states, “The blind is those who cling to their earthly point of view, their earthly knowledge, their earthly conception of justice, naively attempting to measure even the divine by their own standards.”

One of the qualities of prudence is circumspection, looking beyond our nose and attempting to see the broader picture. This calls for a person for all seasons, a humble person who opens self to another in pursuing the truth, a just person who believes life is not just about us but is a divine responsibility for serving others. Surprisingly every so often such a person blesses us: a true statesperson.

Being a true statesperson requires courage --- moral courage, the courage of one’s convictions, the courage to see things through despite undesirable consequences.

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

“Considering Immigration in Light of Justice”

October 20, 2022

The influx of immigrants is often portrayed as problematic. But is it so?

Recently, Bishop Giovani Baptista Scalabrini was declared a saint for founding the missionary order of St. Charles that enabled Italian immigrants assimilate into the American culture and enjoy its prosperity.

My grandfather was an Italian immigrant who benefited from the work of Bishop Scalabrini and Saint Mother Francis Cabrini. The education he and my mother received was at the heart of their success.

We must wonder what would happen if vacant office space in cities was converted into educational centers and corporations advertised for persons to be “missionaries” to the immigrants grounded in the history and culture of the people they serve and possessing heartfelt duty to respond to their needs.

What if these educational centers taught American inculturation: how to shop, get a driver’s license, open a bank account, and find employment? What if studies were conducted to learn of immigrant success stories? What if there was the philosophy of enabling immigrants to better learn how to help themselves and giving them due credit for possessing talent? What if there was a routine practice of praising their music, cuisine, and family values?

One of the tragedies of the influx of immigrants is labeling it tragic and a threat to our economy. Equally tragic is building walls that stigmatize immigrants as undesirable persons and busing them as unwelcomed vagrants. These negative images that denigrate their humanity are unjust.

A first principle of justice states, “Justice consists in living one with another, and the just person has an obligation to deal with the other.” This responsibility is inherited from God who created us social beings. Equally true, being responsible for another is the basis of decency.

Plato speaks of a debt, an obligation owed to another as the heart of justice. And yet, some feel immigration is negatively affecting our economic debt. How ironic to place an economic debt over a moral debt!

What if assisting immigrants is seen as a moral imperative, as an opportunity to repay God for our endowment of a blessed sense of responsibility for the other, to treat immigration decently?

“Justice: The Foundation of Human Existence”

October 18, 2022

Tributes to justice abound on Capitol Hill. On the east side of the Supreme Court Moses, Solon the Great Lawmaker and Confucius look down on us from a white marble frieze. Above the entrance of the U.S. Capitol Liberty stands flanked by hope and the scales of justice, and on the ceiling of the House of Representatives are statuettes of famous lawmakers.

What are the principles of justice? Its foundation is based on a first principle, an indisputable fact that life by its nature consists of living one with another and the just man is required to deal with the other. Justice is about the community, the social whole in which life is relational and is just or unjust depending on the nature of our relationship with each other. Take, for example, the Ten Commandments in which we are to relate to one God, to obey our parents, not lie to another, kill, or possess his or her goods.

Solon the Great Lawmaker of Athens ruled wisely because he envisioned a peaceful community of citizens concerned for each other. He pointed to avarice that destroys a society when leaders consider their own prominence and fail to serve the polis, the citizenship.

Among Greek virtues, duty ranked first because it advocates responsibility --- being responsible for others. When justice happens so does duty-driven responsibility exist.

The essence of peace is order. When life is in order, tranquility results. Statutes around Capitol Hill depicting justice are of warriors holding a sword depicting the fight for law and order needed to achieve peace.

As a youth I once became disturbed about the number of injustices reported in the news. My grandfather took me aside one day and said, “Gini it is all in the bible. The prophets were forever deploring Israel’s leaders for being concerned about their own prominence at the expense of Israel’s welfare. Christ continuously berates the self-serving Pharisees for the injustice of deserting the sheep of Israel.”

A well-known lawyer who went to Iraq to learn of its corruption concluded, “follow the money,” How true, the power of money and prominence often turns heads away from duty.

“Journeying Through Life’s Ups and Downs”

October 11, 2022

The structures I enjoyed when I had a job no longer exist now that I am retired. I feel like I am drifting aimlessly.

The importance I once enjoyed has waned that I am retired no longer in a position or having a title.

I understand aging patterns change, but I find this difficult as my visits to the doctor increase.

Depression hits me when I look back on how active I was and no longer am.

I spend too much time on the Internet and watching TV shows filling time. Often, this leads to feelings of an empty dead life.

Once I asked my mother, “How are you enjoying your golden years?” “Golden years, Hell.” She replied.

As difficult as it is to accept our world getting smaller as we age with more aches and pains life need not be Hell.

Literature on retiring and aging is immensely helpful for coping with life’s changes. Likewise, discussions with friends experiencing our same anxieties are immensely valuable. These processes help to move us out of our dark closets into light’s medicinal powers. When surfaced, darkness is easier to see and control.

Before we reach for the outside therapies, reaching deeper into ourselves is a prudent first step to take. Within us is spirit responsible for creating or destroying happiness. A healthy well-fed spirit is our best ally through life’s difficulties. Hence, going inward to contact it is crucial. What, then should we focus on when doing this?

During World War II, world famous psychiatrist Dr. Viktor Frankl was an inmate of Nazi concentration camps. While there he noticed people who should have lived dying and sickly inmates who should have died surviving. He concluded those who lived were able to put meaning into their situation.

As horrible as their situation was, they found purposefulness, a true value in what they were enduring.

When we are down, we tend to feel “poor me,” to wallow in self-pity. How then do we overcome feelings of worthlessness. One way to accomplish this is to ask ourselves how we envision a worthy life?

One place to find an answer is inspiring stories of renowned people putting aside self-prominence and moving from self-centeredness to an outside centeredness. Memories of pass glory that gave them momentary joy but eventually faded led them to ask wherein is the authentic meaning of life. When they experienced a new meaning for their life, you could almost hear them say, “why didn’t I learn this earlier?” Why marvel at this revelation? It is because they began to see through ersatz glory, its artificiality and emptiness. At first, glory, prominence and getting ahead in life meant everything to them. Over time they became aware of its meaningless and that something more meaningful and lasting in life must exist.

When I received my doctorate, I thought “Now I have made it.” In time I realized life is much more than importance and its adulation. I must admit when receiving the doctorate, I enjoyed being a self-achiever. But slowly I learned how quickly pursuing adulation fades and life quickly moves on. It reminded me of a refrain Peggy Lee sang, “Is that all there is to life, is that all there is to life?” At first, the song may sound morbid but upon reflection it contains wisdom in making us wonder, “What really counts in our short lifetime journey?”  Is it to get as much as possible out of it, to hold it tight so it will not ever disappear? Isn’t life meant to be more meaningful? Does it not mean to be less about ourselves and to stop trying to possess it? If this is true, to where does it lead us?

Within us is a true and false self. The false self continually emphasizes “I” and “me” and “mine.” To the extent that the false self disappears the true self is freed, and we become what God meant us to be: to live freed of self to give of ourselves to others. This divine meaning of life is the heart of life that keeps our hearts pumping.

“Uncovering the Roots of Fanaticism”

October 2, 2022

Are we facing a mental pandemic because of the latest age of anxiety? Is this why we might be experiencing unparalleled fanaticism?

Fanaticism means being unreasonable and fostering unquestioned radical enthusiasm. But should fanaticism go unquestioned given today’s outlandish behavior of extremists?

Fanatics are persons who ignore anyone who thinks differently from them. Only their opinion is valid. Ironically, their opinion is not really theirs, but is owned by outside parties.

The crux of fanaticism is fear. We live in age of “what ifs’ that is constantly stoking panic. What if airlines become undependable, our mortgage goes up, we are late for work, our political party loses, the Stock Market tanks, we get old and useless, I get Covid or diseases I never knew existed? The list of “what ifs” is unending upending a hoped-for peaceful life. As the pressures mount so too do radical solutions arise, and blame abound.

One result of fanaticism is it crystalizing into enthusiastic slogans producing a chain reaction. Slogans often signify “my rights,” “my justified opinions and cause.” Fine if those who take these positions have rightfully justified them and are not eccentric.

What is distressing about fanaticism is its imprudence. An essential quality of prudence is circumspection. French poet Paul Claudel tells us prudence is “The intellectual prow of our nature which steers through the multiplicity of the finite world toward perfection.” To avoid fanaticism, prudence exhorts us to carefully consider all sides of an issue and to identify what is influencing our judgement exactly. Prudence implores us to seek what is true and the evidence for saying this. Why is there such enthusiasm for this idea?

Living in an age of anxiety and extremism is nothing new. However, we live in a postmodern unimagined age in which fanatics are employing the media’s powers of matters over mind. This is especially true of playing on fears and vulnerabilities to pursue bizarre outcomes. It is an age of the war over the power and domination of minds calling for a new era of prudent minds and heightened enthusiasm for the truth.

“The Divine Tragedy of War”

March 12, 2022

“War never again, never again war!” The ominous words of Saint Pope Paul VI rang like a bomb blast during his October 4, 1965, visit to the United Nations.  

Sadly, the most chilling cries ever heard have been against war. Barbaric violence, massive destruction, uprooting, and unforgivable hate are its scourges. More unnerving its aftermath can be even worse than war itself with no one winning. 

Wars aimed at depriving another of freedom are an affront to humanity, but more shocking they are an offense against God.  

How is this so? 

The most awesome blessing of being created in the Image and Likeness of God is the bestowal on us of God’s gift of freedom: God determined we be free. Among the many gifts of freedom are the ability to “initiate” and to “choose”: we are free to deliberate and make our own choices. 

Unlike the animal world, we have innate power to personally initiate and inaugurate our actions.

Although there are many essential circumstances around what constitutes true freedom ultimately the freedom to act is on our shoulders due to God’s gift of our faculties. We are not robots but divinely chosen humans in charge of creating change.

Freedom requires responsibility. When left unchecked it can and has led to chaos and self-destruction. Like anything reverent and precious safeguards are essential.

War against Ukraine is a war against freedom. Unfortunately, seldom do we hear it addressed in terms of God’s gift of freedom. Overlooked are the psalms that remind us that our world is God’s creation and love of us: an act of divine caring like no other. In one respect we are not only experiencing a war against Ukraine but against God’s providence that endows us with divine freedom.

As in all wars, the aftermath can end up creating chaos worse than the chaos of war itself. Evil tends to mutate. Ironically, they can also be a blessing in disguise by bringing us to our knees and creating a religious war fighting for God’s ultimate desire for peace and freedom.

“Moral Compass in Jeopardy”

January 18, 2022

An increase in selfish self-centeredness and the deterioration of dignified speech are growing indications of today’s malfunctioning moral compass.

Evil is defined as what ought not to be. It is the direct opposite of sound morally. A concerning danger facing our country is what ought not to be is the rapidly growing increase in unhealthy dispositions.

Disposition is the core of the moral compass. It is what influences us, causing us to go one way and avoid another. The epitome of a morally sound compass is the reflection of God's graciousness, a God who desires oneness with us in a loving partnership of friendship. Graciousness and its spirit of humility is the magnet responsible for keeping our compass pointing in the right direction.  

One of the most destructive vices destroying sound disposition is the growing virus of a “me society” in which there is overly concern about “my” freedom, philosophy, political beliefs, and individuality and less willingness to be open to others. This righteous mentality” is a 2022 scourge more devastating than the pandemic because it is destroying fruitful dialogue and achieving any sense of unity. 

Undoubtedly personal preferences and one’s beliefs are a vital part of life. When rationally and heartfelt embraced they have the power to strengthen faith, increase hopes and enkindle love. Firm faith generates commitment and is an anchor keeping us from uncontrolled drifting. Hope enables us to be forward looking toward new horizons and love overcome all.

When however, the heart hardens and mentalities stiffen, friendships no longer can survive. Chaos results and God’s rule of order and its definitive direction is incapacitated.

What is one antidote for correcting a limping moral compass?

Camaraderie driven by a warm heart and healthy disposition is one answer. They are the direct antithesis of cold heartedness, stubbornness, and falling into recession.

Another indication of a disordered moral compass is the deterioration of rhetoric. The continuous rhetoric of character assassination far outnumbers praises of persons lauded for possessing outstanding integrity. And too, destructive innuendo is forever being employed as a means of demeaning a person’s integrity. Not only is untruthfulness more prevalent but it is twisted often leaving the public confused and distrustful of government.

What is a sound spiritual remedy for insuring a healthy moral compass? 

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit is the place to look. The first gift of wisdom implores us to seek the principal cause, to seek the bottom of the truth of the matter and to be dissatisfied with less than an all-out effort to obtain it. Knowledge is an illumination of the mind that implores us to seek God’s light and to study God’s will and providence to learn more clearly the direction we should take. Fortitude is another word for courage. It entails a heart that remains firm when challenged to retreat from the truth and the threatening cry of the crowd. Piety and Fear of the Lord encourage us to realize all in this world is under God’s providence and to bow before God’s will when coping with life’s difficult challenges. Lastly, understanding like wisdom prompts us to seek the uniqueness of a situation or a person to be able to enjoy an “I-thou” relationship with him or her, knocking down barriers of misunderstanding that spawn disunity.

History has repeatedly shown the downfall of civilizations occurred when they deserted their moral compass in bypassing the wisdom of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. When embraced they contain a moral compass par excellence for living God’s peace on earth.