The darkness always follows the light just as the light overcomes the darkness.

Many years ago I heard a Chaldean Bishop from Baghdad speak at Marquette University, begging the US not to invade Iraq. He predicted bloodshed and suffering for these Roman Catholics Christians. He admitted life was not good under Saddam, but at least there was a freedom of religion in the then secular state of Iraq. He feared that an invasion by the USA would lead to a civil war in which the Christians would suffer most, in this holy land in which the seeds of human life are thought to have begun. Over the years, since the start of the war in Iraq, I am reminded repeatedly how true his prediction was and is. Someone sent me an article from the New York Times today that reaffirmed the great suffering of all Iraqi persons, especially Christians. At Christmas, Iraqi Christians Ask for Forgiveness, and for Peace.

Many years ago I started praying with a small ecumenical group of persons at the site of homicide victims in Milwaukee. Over the years many of us have seen and pleaded for the changes in our city that would reduce the murder rate. Many agreed with us and talked with us but did nothing. What to do about violence in Milwaukee. The violence, especially with young African American males, continues. Next Sunday we will have a memorial service for all the homicide victims of 2007 in Milwaukee. See Mothers Against Gun Violence Memorial.

Many years ago, when I moved to this house there was a small backyard with just some grass and shrubs. Now in the summer there is a garden of flowers and organic food. The seeds of talk by the Chaldean Bishop and the writings on nonviolence seem not to have been heard or followed. Yet the seeds planted in the garden with the growing power of waste and worm castings has been fruitful. Why can we not learn from nature what really works?

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