Somber affairs

Hello:

Like millions of people today, my heart goes out to those affected by hurricane Katrina. The imagery on the front page of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch this morning was horrifying. If you wish to help victims of this disaster through a donation, the Network for Good is a site listing many reputable organizations that can put your generosity to good use.

I can't help but think back to the shameful comments certain people made during the tsunami disaster. In summary, these people (and there were far too many in my opinion) stated that the tsunami was God's wrath being visited upon mostly Muslim nations in retaliation for the 9-11 attacks. I won't delve into the matter any further in this BLOG, but if you are interested in learning more follow this link.

Liguori Publications is owned by the Redemptorist Order of the Roman Catholic Church. I had intended to speak about the Redemptorists (CSsR) at length in a series of upcoming posts, but I need to mention them today because of the hurricane. The Redemptorists maintain a strong presence in New Orleans and several members of the congregation had stayed behind to "ride out the storm". Those members have not been heard from since the storm hit the city. My friend Dave knows them personally and has some insight into the nature of crisis at his BLOG Saintly Sinner.

Today I leave you with Bible Basics: Seeking, Finding, and Growing in God's Wisdom - Job, Wisdom, and Sirach by Marilyn Gustin. This title looks at the nature of crisis and suffering as an element of the human condition. Drawing from the books of Job, Wisdom and Sirach "we learn that people remain largely the same across both time and culture". Marilyn Gustin has published an extensive list of titles with Liguori (including our Bible Basics series) and has developed a style which is readily accessible and easily understood.

It's been an interesting experience writing this BLOG. As wordy as I get, I can only scratch the surface of topics and then have to move right along. BLOGs may be the perfect metaphore for life.

Peace,

P. Del Ricci