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AMERICA Magazine
A balanced Catholic weekly magazine published by the jesuits of the United States for an intelligent Catholic readership. Go online to subscribe.

Liturgy
This link will keep 'parishioners-at-large' in touch with current creative liturgy sources and resources that respect a variety of 'traditions' within the Church.

Voice of the Faithful
A 'movement' of lay Catholics 'inspired' by the abuse scandal calling for greater accountability of bishops to 'Catholics in the Pew.'

Survivos' Network for those Abused by Priests or Religious
A National Network of self-help support groups for people abused by clergy or religious.

Bishop Accountability
Vital information about the disclosure of sexual abuse and related issues affecting Catholics in the pew and the manner in which Bishops continue to exempt themselves from accountability

National Catholic Reporter
A national Catholic lay newspaper covering events not usually covered or presented with a clerical bias in the local diocesan press or but of concern and interest to Catholics.

COMMONWEAL Magazine
A 'lay' Catholic weekly publication with an accent on an intelligent analysis and commentary on curent issues, trends and concerns of interest to Catholics.

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Daily Scripture

+ 7th Week of Easter

We are to be consecrated in truth.

Readings: Acts 20:28-38 Psalm 88:29-30, 33-36 John 17:11b-19

Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they may also be consecrated in truth. [John 17:18-19]

Read the Gospel very slowly and if possible, out loud and if necessary, three times! Although John’s literary style is quite complex, the farewell prayer of Jesus is as powerful as is Paul’s farewell message in Acts.

It is not likely that these passages are the actual words of Paul and Jesus. They are compositions that Luke and John or whoever wrote in their name and are based on the oral tradition of the sayings of Jesus and the preaching of Paul. They were written in the style of farewell addresses of prominent leaders of their times in order to win the attention of early believers to whom the message of truth was entrusted.

The ‘truth’ that is being proclaimed is not from a catechism nor is it a defined doctrine or dogma. It is the core truth about the God who spoke through the prophets and then through Jesus about the universality of God’s love.

During this time of immediate preparation for Pentecost, we are invited to think about our own responsibility to pass on the ‘truth’ of God’s goodness entrusted to us in Christ and how we are to live that truth in our daily lives, each in our own unique way. No one of us can do this alone and so we much join hands literally and figuratively within the community of believers everywhere.

To live the ‘truth’ is to live in the Spirit of Jesus Christ the fruits of which are charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, moderation, self-control, reverence, etc. I’m sure you memorized these ‘fruits of the Holy Spirit.’

These are the true ‘marks’ of our authenticity as believers.

Sabbatical leave for healing... update

Friday October 21, 2011

It’s hard to believe that six weeks have passed since my arrival in sunny, warm and friendly Minnesota. Yes, I’m told that the current weather pattern has broken all records for October in MN. I’ll take it knowing that we will pay dearly for it in the not too distant future.

But more importantly, I think that, notwithstanding the challenge I am facing, I have broken the record on the number of cards and letters I have received since my arrival. I am truly grateful to you for your ‘gift’ of affirmation and prayerful support. Having such a strong support ‘congregation’ at home and across the country has buoyed my spirits immensely. Thank you!

Since my arrival at Guest House, I have come to the conclusion that over time I developed a dependence on alcohol but if so, fortunately, I caught it in its early stages. However not everyone agrees that I am alcohol dependent. Those who know me best say that I am not. My symptoms appear to be a-typical. However, since alcoholism is a progressive ‘disease,’ it is possible that the seeds were sown many years ago even prior to my involvement as an advocate for victims of sexual abuse. No, I was not a drunk – most alcoholics are not. And because my tolerance for alcohol was limited, there was a limit to my consumption. Addiction to alcohol is not based on the amount but on the frequency and the compulsion to take that first sip. I was always conscious of the consequences of drinking which is the reason I sought help as the stress of advocacy increased. It is true that I began to self-medicate with alcohol to relieve stress, but it didn’t work. The anti-anxiety medications was the logical alternative but such drugs are are also addictive and much more difficult to withdraw from when they take hold. I took them as prescribed but I was always conscious of the addictive quotient.

That stated, alcoholism can be a blessing and the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions are a beautiful spiritual formula not only for recovery but also for a way of life that leads to serenity even for the ‘normal’ drinker or non-drinker. They are so consistent with our Christian tradition. I look forward attendance at A.A. meetings – we are expected to attend at least four a week. This week I hit seven! Alcoholism is the great equalizer. People who attend A.A. meetings come ‘from Yale and from jail’ and there are no privileged members. Pride takes a back seat. It’s very humbling to listen the stories of young and old and there is a unique sense of community that emerges from every meeting. “Hi, my name is Ken and I am an alcoholic.”

I had a extended conversation following a meeting last week here at Guest House with a ‘contemporary,’ a 74 year old gentleman (not a priest) and I couldn’t believe how parallel were our symptoms and our stories. I have never attended a meeting during which I have not gained a new insight into the disease and a way to cope.

As an advocate for victims of sexual abuse, I had to be committed to the truth about the reality of sex abuse and what it did to victims. In the process, I became a secondary victim of abuse. And now the same commitment to truth demands that I deal with this new reality as I reflect on the impact of dependence on alcohol and anti-anxiety prescription drugs. Ugh!

Guest House is a place of grace and opportunity that I trust will soon become a house of healing and blessing.

Do you remember my little axiom that I referred to as ‘the salami technique’? It’s just another version of taking life just “one day at a time.” Sometimes it’s just one hour at a time.

The battle with anxiety and depression continues but with the help of therapists, I will in time overcome them and reach that serenity that is rooted in our life in the Spirit. Although I have been told that I am in good company with Mother Teresa, St. John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila, all of whom experienced the dark night of the soul in their spiritual journey, I make no claim to have a place in their league. I am a neophyte in the realm of spirituality.

One of my behavioral counselors have recommended that I resume my website ministry and so this morning I posted my daily reflection on the scriptures of the day. It may be found in the usual place on the right of this page.

I’m not sure I will be able to post something every day, but I will do so as often as I am able.

In the meantime, I will remember you at my prayer chair. Please do the same for me in kind and know that while I may not be able to answer all your letters, notes and cards, I will not forget your kindness.

Father Lasch