Books Worth a Look

  • Little Bee by Chris Cleave - This book is a must read. Better than anything else I've read, it takes you vividly into the life of a person in the 3rd world who has no choice but to escape. It is brilliantly written & works well as an audio book. Often I've sent info about the wonderful refugees I've met in Europe. We know only so much of their plight as it is painful for them to recall much less live through again by recounting it. But over time it is clear what they've lived through. This book is excellent as you discover the horrors of their world. Somewhat how to me, it is like being in Europe near a Concentration Camp. One has an obligation to visit it. 'Never to Forget.' In this case, to have our eyes opened.
  • Garbage King by Eliz Laird - The book is set on the streets on Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia and here lives Mamo and his sister Tiggist. When Mamo's "uncle" offers a job, he soon sets out on a bus to work. Little does he know that he is actually being sold into slavery...

Saturday, January 28, 2012

A Better Life

Last night I had the opportunity to attend the monthly film series offered by St. Ignatius Church in Baltimore, now my Parish. An amazing place - great Jesuit priests & incredible & committed people.

But to the film. Do rent it. "A Better Life," is about a father from Mexico trying to raise his son. Dad is illegal; the son is not. To be sure the U.S. needs badly to reform its immigration policy, but in watching this film, it is impossible for me to imagine how anyone could think that some of the positions of currents pols could ever be justified.

It's not just about my taxes. These are humans & in my view we have an obligation. One that does not stop at lines drawn by men.

Do take the time to see it and reflect on it. Thanks,

REFLECTIONS & ARTICLES

Thoughts on the amazing people I get to meet.

Rich, my 19 year old friend, soon to be Franciscan and recent community member at Haley House in Boston. An article he wrote.

http://www.capuchinfranciscans.org/pdf/2008%2003%2011%20CVO%20Update%20A%20community%20of%20two%20tables.pdf