An Interesting Perspective on the levels of Evil!

http://conta.cc/14rkXEt

The post by Richard noted above is a very interesting look at the levels of Evil.  And possibly a look also at the idea of "Original Sin".  It has seemed to me that our tendancy, and in some ways necessity, to let the Ego control our lives can be seen to be the "original" path to excesses.  As Richard and others have said we do need to have a healthy self image or confidence especially in the first half of life.  A strong self image is helpful to feel good about ourselves, find a path and education in this world, raise a family, and be "successful".  It is not the "Ego" which is problematic, it is the "self absorbed" ego.  We are created as children of God, in God's image, so why would we not find pride in that fact.   It is when we become self absorbed, individually, communially, culturally, and institutionally, that we as a species run into problem.  Pax Christi!  Roberto PS-  While in Assisi we visited the church of San Damiano and the crucifix before which St Francis had his "Ah Ha" moment.  On the rail before that crucifix is written a prayer he would say.  I believe that restating it here would be good.  Especially while considering limits on our Ego.

All Highest, Glorious God,

Cast Your Light into the Darkness of my Heart,

Give me Right Faith, Firm Hope, Perfect Charity

And Profound Humility, With Wisdom and Perception,

O Lord,

So That I May Do What Is Truly Your Holy Will.

Amen 

Chasing Francis Daily!

Most of the time when I'm making my chaplaincy rounds at the hospitals I am wearing my "Franciscan cross".  The most common name for the cross is a "Tau Cross".  Having been used by several early church fathers but most notably by St Francis.  Anyhow, a few days ago at Ashland I met a wonderful woman undergoing cancer treatment named Mary.  She had a great attitude toward life and we had a wonderful discussion.  In the course of our talk I mentioned the cross.  She questioned me as to why it was called a "Tao" cross.  I never realized that the Tau would so easily be confused with the Tao religion of the East.  However the comparison may not be so far off, actually. 
The Mystical tradition shared by modern contemplatives as well as the likes of Sts Francis and Clair are very tuned to the totality of Gods presence in all of creation.  Now listen to a very simple definition of the Tao religion.  "Tao can be roughly stated to be the "flow" of the universe, or the force behind the natural order.  Believed to be the influence that keeps the universe balanced and ordered.  Tao is associated with nature, due to a belief that nature demonstrates the Tao." 
Sounds very Franciscan to me.  The video above is shot in the town of Assisi, Italy.  The audio seems to be a little skewed but the scenery and memories are beautiful.  Pax Christi!  Roberto Vincente

Religionless Christianity!

http://conta.cc/19D9fuE

Remember my friends and family that the above link is coming from a Roman Catholic Franciscan Priest.  This one post just about says it all as to the basis supporting my spiritual journey AND my continued faith in the history we all share, warts and all.  We can and will do better to bring "Thy Will be Done - on Earth as it is in Heaven".  The key is to see more clearly, communicate more kindly (using words only when necessary), AND Loving more deeply.  Lovingly Yours!  RV