Tag: Worker Rights

Divine Transparency

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Justice, Uncategorized

transparency

Divine Transparency

I meant to post my homily notes before the Baptism of the Lord.

Readings: IS 42:1-4, 6-7; PS 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10; ACTS 10:34-38; LK 3:15-16, 21-22

Lukan Perspective

In the Gospel of Luke we have one of the four accounts of the baptism of Jesus. Each account emphasis is different. Each account has a slightly different perspective.

The Lukan perspective is centered on the prayer of Jesus which in the Holy Spirit reveals the interior dialog of Father and Son.

‘… and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying’

In very few instances of sacred Scripture can we use one of the alternate definitions of prayer in the Jewish tradition; here this prayer is an introspection and bonding.

In this prayer both Father and Son answer the question in the context of a deep judgment — ‘who am I’.

This baptismal prayer is a communal bonding of Father and Son. This prayer is a reciprocal and dynamic expression of communion. The Father’s love for the Son is not static or stale. Rather it is loving communion that is ever-dynamic and ever-fresh. In this case we see how this is so based on other known aspects of the divine life.

‘… The heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form, as a dove’

The presence of the Holy Spirit in this prayer exchange would be understood in the context of known perspectives of the Spirit. As we see in 1 Corr 2:10:

This God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God.

In this baptismal exchange the Holy Spirit reveals the very depths of God. The Spirit searching everything that is God and the revelation of the mystery of God’s wisdom.

We humans cannot do this. Dominus providebit. The Lord will provide.

Who am I?

In the baptism of the Lord the question is asked and answered by the Father and the Son at the probing of the Holy Spirit. To the very depths of the Father we find him and He tell us directly.

You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.

God is the very essence of beloved. Jesus is the beloved. God is love. Jesus is love. That is who they are.

Actually, to put it in modern terms and in parental terms we can all best relate.

This voice from heaven is the exuberant overflowing irresistible primal utterance coming from the very depths of a parent —- I Love YOU!

This inner life of God the Father and Son brought out to us by the Holy Spirit is the very life Jesus baptizes us into. This is the final end for us to be in the middle of this dynamic ever fresh love.

God’s love for you is never stale, never static and never unreflective.

Rather in every prayer you raise to God the Father allows the Holy Spirit to probe his depths and bring forward this eternal reality.

I love you, my beloved!

Blessings,

Deacon Gerry

Mission Accomplished

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Justice, Uncategorized

epiphany 3 wisemen

Mission Accomplished

On this The Epiphany of the Lord, I’d like to share with you the profound reality hidden in plain view regarding the Magi and their homage to the Lord.

Readings today: IS 60:1-6; PS 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13; EPH 3:2-3A, 5-6; MT 2:1-12

Generally the Christian community tends to focus on the mystical aspects of the star rising which is not a problem per se but does tend to mask over the basic truth: the Jewish people have fulfilled their mission. Mission accomplished: the Messianic message has been given to the Gentiles. For it is written (Isaiah 60:3):

“[The Gentiles] shall walk in the light, and kings in the brightness of thy rising.”

We can say that Jesus is the visible sign of the consistent and ancient sharing of the good news by the Jewish people through the centuries prior to Jesus’ arrival. Jesus is both attesting to the work of his faithful people and to the future fulfillment of this work in himself.

From Summa Theologica:

I answer that, As stated above (A3,r 1), the Magi are the “first-fruits of the Gentiles” that believed in Christ; because their faith was a presage of the faith and devotion of the nations who were to come to Christ from afar. And therefore, as the devotion and faith of the nations is without any error through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, so also we must believe that the Magi, inspired by the Holy Ghost, did wisely in paying homage to Christ.

How does this come to be?

Throughout the Old Testament the Jewish people brought the good news of the saving power of G-d. Throughout their travels they would speak with faith the ancient stories of Genesis and Exodus of which you are familiar. They had two different audiences. Primarily, the diaspora or dispersed Jewish populations around the known world where they would teach them the ways of the Torah and right living. The secondary audience was the gentile communities. Here too they taught the same lessons. They would teach of the Exodus and how You shall treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you; have the same love for him as for yourself; for you too were once aliens in the land of Egypt. I, the LORD, am your God (Lev 18:34).

The concept of righteous gentiles was well established from of old. The Gentles were further taught the 7 Noahide Laws which bind the children of Noah. Right living or righteousness were the central themes taught to the gentiles and that they too should expect the Messiah. Further during major inflection points in Jewish history the Lord uses a Gentile to bring about His will (a useful book reference: http://www.jewishlights.com/page/product/978-1-58023-364-4).

Trading Secrets

How did this all come about: trade. Jewish traders traveled far and wide long before the time of Jesus. The traders would supply and support the diaspora and trade with all those gentiles who wish to trade. Israel had products to trade as well as particular access to the Egyptian markets and products. Well established southern and northern trading routes were in existence centuries before the coming of the Christ.

The city of Palmira or Palmyra was built by King Solomon (1 Kings 9:18; 2 Chron. 8:4). It was situated about 140 miles northeast of Damascus, on the caravan route between Palestine and the Euphrates. Thus situated, the city was fortified by Solomon to protect his trade routes. In Hebrew, it is called Tadmor.

To the south more trade routes which included portions of sea-routes to India and south east Africa.

The title Magi is based on a Persian word. It is generally accepted that these Magi came from ancient Persia. They came a long way to see for themselves this King!

Witness and Inspiration

It is the diaspora and the Jewish trader who brought the good news (small ‘g’ and small ‘n’ to distinguish) that there is a loving God and He will send the Messiah. This witness together with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit compelled them to travel to Jerusalem to greet and pay homage to the King. I submit to you both are required. It is God’s plan to have us participate in the salvific message and no less so for the Jewish people to be the first to bear the Good News. I think the Magi knew Bethlehem was the place but they were simply asking directions to this suburb of Jerusalem. Herod was clueless.

Gifts

Gold, Frankincense and myrrh. Usually we associate the frankincense with the temple worship and incensing the Altar. However, from a Persian perspective, frankincense is a healing remedy. It is my opinion that the Persian influence allows us to view the frankincense as a healing remedy (Persian) and as incense for temple worship (Jewish). These three kings are declaring this new born to be a King, the healing remedy of God and the Suffering Servant. Wow! The righteous living of the diaspora and traders would be the witness that proves the promise.

Joseph of Arimathea

Joseph of Gospel fame was most likely a trader. Galilee while principally an agricultural region it s also perfectly situated for trade toward Damascus (east). It is understood that Joseph traded and traveled for and wide. While some would like the British version the more likely is Damascus, Babylon, the east coast of Africa and India. This is still evolving science and archaeology. Artifacts placing 1st century Jews in trade is well established. Jesus, between age 12 and his coming out in public ministry, very likely accompanied Joseph on these trading caravans. Poetically, it is even possible Jesus met the three Kings later in life in their home place (speculative).

Modern Take-Away

Application of the Epiphany in our time should include these observations:

1. Trade, free-trade, is critical.
2. Freedom of religion is critical.
3. Freedom of travel and immigration are critical.
4. Righteous living is essential. It is the preparation for the Messiah.
5. Sharing the promises of a loving God is a mandate for Jews and Gentiles alike.
6. The Messiah is the healing remedy for what ails humanity.

Peace be with you,

Deacon Gerry

Christmas Was a Riot

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Justice

Riot Fun - Identity

Christmas was a Riot

It couldn’t have been more prophetic now could it?

On the Saturday of the Third Week of Advent, December 22, 2018 the gospel reading of the day is LUKE 1:46-56.

My Soul Proclaims!

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.

Why?

He has looked upon his lowly servant (and by extension all his lowly servants).

How?

He has mercy.

In what ways does he have mercy?

He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

Even now?

He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.

Quick Trip

I took a quick trip to Haiti to support a friend and serve the Funeral Mass for his Mother.

Nearly everyone would grieve the loss of one’s mother. For a priest it can often be exceptionally painful. As described to another prior to leaving:

For a priest and their life of celibacy the loss of a mother has two distinct characteristics. The last bit of the femininity of G-d and natural maternal relationship has now passed. It becomes a very lonely time and one of the greatest affronts to their faith. While none should stereotype this is the case for my friend. I go for our friendship. I go because I know her and love her too. I go because his faith needs me.

Luke Proclaims Liberation which requires the Struggle with Evils

Evil does not sit quietly as the proclamation of righteousness is made. Evil pride fights back. The mighty use their power to oppress. The rich continue to fill their stores without pause.

Evil resists the Gospel. We should resist evil.

On the evening of December 21st the well respected radio station Radio Kiskeya burned down. The radio station was respected for its championing of democracy and press freedom in Haiti. It is no more.

RadioStation

None are suggesting that the fire was arson at least not yet. Evil and natural evils abound in the creative space.

Miami Herald Reporting on Haiti Radio Station Destruction

Protests and anxiety erupt

Nearly immediately protests – well organized and large – protests began. So ingrained is mistrust that what most likely was a simple fire took on the character of oppression.

And the protests began with large scale blockage of Route 2 – the route we were taking and entered this space as we returned from the funeral.

Driving Route - Haiti

US Embassy Security Alert 22-12-2018

Embassy Alert

National Zealots verse zealousness for the Lord

For Men of Goodwill there will always also be the tension between nationalistic zealots and zealousness for the Lord. The Lord reminds us He judges rightly and not necessarily always for the poor in particular when in error of judgment and action. With that caveat noted the Lord is clearly most attuned to the widow, orphan, hungry, weak and dispossessed. Knowing the difference takes wisdom.

Maybe we can renew our Christian ardor by proclaiming as Mary did and acting as Mary acted.

Given the Message – She Went

After learning of her cousin Elizabeth being pregnant in her old age, Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. She tended to Elizabeth in her time of need.

Given the Need – She Remained

Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.

Haiti is improving I believe. I saw lots of new construction and many at work. Roads are improving if at too slow a pace that suppresses development they are still improving. Good does not happen merely spontaneously – or only spontaneously. It is the action of Men of Goodwill (Humans of Goodwill) moved by the Holy One to get up and go!

TPS Extensions – By Virtue of the Good Fight

The Christ has come – and continues to come!

And the infant in me leaps for joy!!

A private trip goes public

My trip was intended to be private. Support between brothers and the immense weight of grief. But the fact is yesterday we celebrated the martyrdom of Saint Stephen and tomorrow we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs. Evil does not give up easily. Innocence is the victim. Indifference is the fuel.

Let us all resolve to make 2019 the year of difference. Proclaim the goodness of the Lord! Do it in your actions. Live it in your politics.

Blessings,

Deacon Gerry

A Lost Soul

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Justice

esp-lost-soulA Lost Soul

When one fears no God.
When one has lost the gift of hope.
When one sees only what is advantage or disadvantage.
Non Fui, Fui, Non Sum, Non Curo
I was not; I was; I am not; I do not care.

Partial quote: we may never know all of the facts surrounding the murder of Mr. Jamal Khashoggi. In any case, our relationship is with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They have been a great ally in our very important fight against Iran. The United States intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia to ensure the interests of our country, Israel and all other partners in the region. It is our paramount goal to fully eliminate the threat of terrorism throughout the world! https://www.politico.com/story/2018/11/20/donald-trump-statement-saudi-arabia-khashoggi-killing-1008219

We have become the terror itself.

What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written, There is none righteous, not even one;  there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for god; all have turned aside, together they have become useless;  there is none who does good, there is not even one. Their throat is an open grave, with their tongues they keep deceiving, the poison of asps is under their lips;  whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; their feet are swift to shed blood, destruction and misery are in their paths, and the path of peace they have not known. There is no fear of god before their eyes. Romans 3:9-18

For President Trump there is every advantage to ignore the killing and dismemberment of Jamal Khashoggi. He is after all a journalist in the way of Trump’s agenda.

This is pure evil and the alignment to evil.

How many Prophets does the Lord have to send to us? There will be no more.

But he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’ Luke 16:30-31

If we continue with this, we are all lost souls.

Blessings,

Deacon Gerry

From My Poverty

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Uncategorized

Jewish Coins

From My Poverty

Greetings on this the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 KGS 17:10-16; PS 146:7, 8-9, 9-10; HEB 9:24-28; MK 12:38-44

A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.  Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury.  For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood (MK 12:42-44).

The Gospel reading paired with the first reading today gives a voice to two downcast widows. In the first case, we know her thoughts as she speaks with Elijah. In the second case, we know her thoughts because the eyes of the Lord are upon her and he teaches us from her poverty.

Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks, to go in and prepare something for myself and my son; when we have eaten it, we shall die (1 KG 17:12b).

The widow of Zarephath of Sidon suffered during the severe drought in the land. She and her son having reached the very bottom of poverty prepared to eat one last meal before dying. The Lord had a wonderful plan for her. Rather than dying, the Lord sent Elijah to her. For Elijah he was given the word she would be his caretaker. Upon his arrival and discovering her dire circumstances he first ministered to her. Or perhaps we can say it this way: they ministered to one another?

Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid. Go and do as you propose. But first make me a little cake and bring it to me.  Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son.  For the LORD, the God of Israel, says, ‘The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry,  until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.'” (1 KG 17:13-17).

She gave from her poverty. There was no pretense. There was no condemnation. Just the truth and her heart willing to share the truth of her insufficiency. The Lord accepted her and gave her the riches of the heavens. Immediately in the story she, her son and Elijah ate through the drought with a super abundant oil and flour. Even next beyond the reading Elijah resuscitates her son after he is near or at death. God provides.

In much the same way, the Gospel widow having prayed contributes her two cents. She gave from her poverty. There was no pretense. There was no condemnation. Just the truth and her heart willing to share the truth of her insufficiency. The Lord accepted her too and her wonderful gift from the heart.

Jesus wants the gift of our insufficiency

In actual fact, Jesus wants the gift of our insufficiency not our excess.

The Lord gladly and tenderly accepts these gifts coming from the greatest weaknesses within us. He wants these things because they are the gifts and signs of our greatest needs. He, himself.

The gifts are given in community

In the case of Elijah and the Temple gift, both gifts are given the context of community – the Church. Elijah has come to bring hope to the widow and her son and to all those in the vicinity. The prophet is here.  The Lord is here with us in our difficulties. He is here among us and expresses his gifts through us — through our inadequacies. Here in this place is acceptance and the warm embrace of Christian love.

Hear the words of Saint John Paul II:

To everyone I say: love your parish; think of it as your home, your family, where you can meet, get to know one an-other, dialogue and reflect together on the principal problems which affect your community. However, most of all, you should find in it the strength and enthusiasm for a faith journey that is ever more shining and attractive, which will lead those who consider themselves “separated” to reflect on the beauty of faith in God, the Father of all, and in Christ Jesus, Redeemer of every person (November 10, 1991).

Give Jesus your poverty.

Peace be with you,

Deacon Gerry

Go Away – We are sleeping

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Uncategorized

Parable of the Persistent Friend

Go Away – We Are Sleeping

And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,’ and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence (Lk 11:5-8).

The caravan has arrived (Via Crucis Migrantes). The door is locked. Go away, we are sleeping.

The caravan calls our attention to the desperate situation in El Salvador and Honduras, primarily Honduras.

We have slept through questionable elections, government oppression of their own peoples, economic failures and natural disasters.

The caravan has arrived. The door is locked. Go away, we are sleeping.

Very many fugitives of all ages and every state of life, driven abroad by the disastrous war, cry pitifully to us. They live in exile, under guard, and exposed to disease and all manner of dangers. We are not unaware of the great contributions of public bodies and private citizens to the relief of this stricken multitude; and we, in a continuation of those efforts of charity with which we began our Pontificate, have truly done all in our power to relieve the greatest needs of these millions. But the condition of these exiles is indeed so critical, so unstable that it cannot lot much longer. Therefore, since it is our duty to urge all generous and well-minded souls to relieve as much as possible the wretchedness and want of these exiles, we most earnestly implore those in authority to do justice to all who have been driven far away from homes by the tempest of war and who long above all to live in quiet once more Exsul Familia (EF, quoting his own document Redemptoris Nostri) – Pope Pius XII – 1952.

Thunderstorms

Ever watch a thunderstorm build up in the sky? Some locales make it easier to see than others. I recall in South Dakota how distinctly one can see the storm build sometimes over several hours time. Here in Florida too one can see. If we choose to that is.

He also said to the crowds, “When you see (a) cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time? (Lk 12:54-56).

Russia bitter at her mistreatment by their account. Eastern Europe shattering anew by authoritarian, sectarian strife made with a Russian carving knife. China reasserting her dominance over all Asia because she can. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq embroiled in continuous fighting. Africa, east and west, losing its center.

Today is the 6th Sunday of Easter.

When we prayed the office today we said ‘Ever-living God, help us to celebrate our joy in the resurrection of the Lord and to express in our lives the love we celebrate’.

The caravan has arrived. The door is locked. Go away, we are sleeping.

“Remember that nations do not die; humbled and oppressed, they chafe under the yoke imposed upon them, preparing a renewal of the combat, and passing down from generation to generation a mournful heritage of revenge.” Pope Benedict XV, 1920

Choose – Fortress Door or Bread of Peace

Today’s Gospel reading (JN 15:9-17) gives us the divine invitation and divine imperative.

  • I no longer call you slaves (to sin and self-interest).
  • I have called you friends (my divine friendship is my gift to you, I declare you friends to each other).
  • Ask the Father in my name he may give you (the will to open the door, the eyes to see with compassion, the heart to make change).
  • This I command you: love one another. (Jn 15, 9-17 annotated).

We can teach peace. We can preach peace. We can talk peace. But I can’t force open the door of your heart. This is for you and you alone to do.

May the Holy Spirit fall upon all who were reading this post.

Have we forgotten the diplomatic, humanitarian, educational focus of prior generations? We have forgotten?

Then a new king, who knew nothing of Joseph, came to power in Egypt. He said to his subjects, “Look how numerous and powerful the Israelite people are growing, more so than we ourselves! Come, let us deal shrewdly with them to stop their increase; otherwise, in time of war they too may join our enemies to fight against us, and so leave our country.” (Ex 1:8-10).

The storm is gathering.

Celebrate Joy. Express Joy. Open the door.

Blessings,

Deacon Gerry

Labor Pains

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Uncategorized

Workers

Labor Pains

The right of workers seems an appropriate topic for celebration of the memorial of Joseph the Worker.

Pope Pius XII instituted this memorial in 1955 in direct contradiction to the May 1st Worker Day celebration of the former Soviet Union.

One cannot fail to notice the acceleration of the erosion of worker rights both here in the USA and around the world. Associations (or unions) which the Church deems good and proper are now considered the exception rather than the rule. There are many and sometime complex reasons for these changes. It will take a healthy amount of good will by all stakeholders to realign rights & responsibilities of the worker to the ‘new economy’. None of this is new. Lipstick on a pig may be a better description.

So what about Joseph the Worker?

Let us see a general theme in the daily and Sunday readings of the Church from Resurrection Sunday (Easter) to Pentecost Sunday (in a few weeks). The Gospel of Matthew reading today (The rejection at Nazareth (Matt 13:54ff) is a clear example of the cynical.

In many of the stories there are three types of people in regards to faith: cynics, skeptics and believers.

From this vantage point we can see:

  • Cynic – a person who doubts the existence or interest of the divine in human affairs. It is purely the sphere of human domination and self-interest. We essentially operate at the level of dogs.
  • Skeptic – a person who believes there is a god, even a loving god, but he/she is exempted from the benevolence. “He may love you, but he doesn’t love me”. But questioning and open to change.
  • Believer – a person how acknowledges God, experiences God and trusts in God.

Each actor plays a role in the readings. For fun see Stephen’s discourse (Acts 7), Simon the Magician (Acts 8), and either Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8) or the story of Cornelius (Acts 10).

But I digress.

These celebrations in the USSR place man as the sole cause of the affairs and state of man and workers. Whatever ideas of rights & responsibilities come from man for man and are primarily of the fount of self-interest. God is not found nor contemplated as a source of any good.

Pope Pius XII says no. Our model should be Joseph the Worker. That he in all his work and hope saw the providential care of God, the benevolence of his love and his constant attending to our needs. Our model for understanding work and workers must come from a divine origin. In this framework of thought we find more fruitful understanding of work, secure and fitting ordered for the good of the worker, children and youth.

Joseph the Worker is considered the Master of the House of God. Ever calling and assisting us to see the glory and great works of God.

Joseph’s life story calls us to be open to the miraculous, hear the voices of God’s messengers (the Gospel and Magisterium) and to be attentive to the faithful actions of God in each day of the life of a worker.

It must be added that the Church has no love for the pan-national, raw capitalism of today. This too is cynical view of the divine-human partnership. While the Church supports private property and fruits of one’s labor it is always understood in the context of community and moderating effects of the Beatitudes. Pope Francis, in his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, says:

  1. The need to resolve the structural causes of poverty cannot be delayed, not only for the pragmatic reason of its urgency for the good order of society, but because society needs to be cured of a sickness which is weakening and frustrating it, and which can only lead to new crises. Welfare projects, which meet certain urgent needs, should be considered merely temporary responses. As long as the problems of the poor are not radically resolved by rejecting the absolute autonomy of markets and financial speculation and by attacking the structural causes of inequality, no solution will be found for the world’s problems or, for that matter, to any problems. Inequality is the root of social ills.

Be a Joseph. Act like a master of the house. Attend to right relationship.

Peace be with you,

Deacon Gerry