I received the following message from a friend. The message goes far beyond the politics involved as it addresses a deeply held concern that is within the purpose and mission of Shem Center. I offer it here by way of choosing not be silent over the deaths of some 400,000 Lebanese children as well as 40,000 Palestinian women and children in Gaza. Yes, we’re talking about children! The depth of suffering of our sisters and brothers and their children is impossible to imagine. Yet knowing about it belongs in the narrative of everyone’s life. The heartbreaking story of the Jewish people is also woven into this story. How we hold these stories and how we choose to act is ours to decide. Choosing to ignore them is wrong.
“One nation under God,“ are words we use in The Pledge of Allegiance. To use words like “blessing” and, “God” is language not-for profit organizations like Shem Center use frequently. Yet, political statements are not permitted by us even though places of worship are often used as sites in which make them.
This is not meant to be a political statement, but rather one claiming the language appropriate to Shem Center, an organization whose message honors all faith traditions and all spiritual paths.
Are you looking to transform your heart and mind through spiritual practice?
Join us to experience the enrichment and community that online contemplation can offer. From Monday to Saturday, our virtual chapel provides nine different opportunities for prayer and reflection.
Whether you choose to participate occasionally or regularly, have an established meditation practice or are just beginning, are affiliated with a church or are spiritual but not religious, you are welcome here.
Pope Francis on Oct. 2 opened the final session of a closely watched Vatican summit on the future of Catholicism, encouraging participants not to use the monthlong meeting to push individual agendas, but to seek unity in diversity in the church so “each person feels welcomed.”
“Let us be careful not to see our contributions as points to defend at all costs or agendas to be imposed,” Francis said during his homily for the opening Mass of the synod on synodality.
Friends,
This astonishing photograph documents what humans are doing to the earth and its waters that we have been given to care for and enjoy. A heartbreaking story. Yet the volunteers cleaning it up show another way to be earth dwellers.
– Joseph Kilikevice
“Do we hear the pain of the millions of victims of environmental catastrophes?”
This is one of the questions Pope Francis asks us in the month of September, as we pray for the cry of the Earth.
“The ones suffering most from the consequences of these disasters are the poor,” who are forced to leave their homes when they are affected.
Did you know Plum Village has an app you can use on your mobile phone to access the teachings and practices of Thich Nhat Hanh? The Plum Village App Team sends this message in the late Summer days of August and September:
Summer is still in full force – a rather hot and changeable one in Plum Village, but we hope you’re all able to keep cool and refreshed through daily practice.
August has arrived and before long we’ll venture into autumn. For many, this summer month is a series of lazy days: a great time to practice mindfulness.
The international religious Dominican order to which the Shem Center Director belongs receives an occasional letter informing its members regarding the brothers and sisters in Ukraine who have chosen to remain with the people during this war-torn time. These first hand accounts add citizen perspectives to the news reports we receive in the media. These members of the Dominican Order of both men and women date from the 13th century, its world wide membership having been formed in its spirit and purpose in very similar ways. We consider ourselves a “family” living within a tradition of many noteworthy theologians, artists, itinerant preachers and those serving God’s people in many different ministries.
The Full Transcript of Biden’s Speech on Ending His Run for Re-election, From The New York Times, July 24, 2024
President Biden delivered remarks from the Oval Office on Wednesday on his decision to abandon his bid for re-election. The following is a transcript of his speech, as recorded by The New York Times.
This message was sent to me as a member of my religious Order, the Dominicans. Our shield shown above sates our motto, Praise, Bless and Preach, that is, preach the Good News of God’s unconditional love for all people and all of creation. We consider ourselves to be “family,” loving and supporting one another and the people they serve. I share this letter with you, the friends of Shem Center.
Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality
708 North Harvey Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 427-9905
shemcenter1993@gmail.com
Photo Credits: Emory Mead, Stephen B. Starr, Joseph Kilikevice
The Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality website is awarded a 2022 American Digital Design Award for excellence in design and user experience.
