Tuesday, October 18, 2011

October: Awareness Month

This morning while driving to work, I was made aware (by a story of a woman being charged with domestic violence for throwing muffins at her husband) that this month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As any follower of football has noticed, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My priest has told us that October is the Month of the Rosary. Searching in wikipedia also reveals that October is National Pork Month, Fair Trade Month, Dwarfism Awareness, Pregnancy Loss and Infant Loss Awareness, and many others. This is apparently the month for being aware of... well, everything.

I became painfully aware of how fragile these vessels of our spirit are by the news that one of my sister's friends had died today. A letter from Benjamin Franklin to his young stepdaughter after the death of her father sums up what we should be most aware of at all times.


DEAR CHILD, PHILADELPHIA, February 22, 1756.

I condole with you, we have lost a most dear and valuable relation, but it is the will of God and Nature that these mortal bodies be laid aside, when the soul is to enter into real life; 'tis rather an embrio state, a preparation for living; a man is not completely born until he be dead: Why then should we grieve that a new child is born among the immortals? A new member added to their happy society? We are spirits. That bodies should be lent us, while they can afford us pleasure, assist us in acquiring knowledge, or doing good to our fellow creatures, is a kind and benevolent act of God -- when they become unfit for these purposes and afford us pain instead of pleasure -- instead of an aid, become an incumbrance and answer none of the intentions for which they were given, it is equally kind and benevolent that a way is provided by which we may get rid of them. Death is that way. We ourselves prudently choose a partial death. In some cases a mangled painful limb, which cannot be restored, we willingly cut off -- He who plucks out a tooth, parts with it freely since the pain goes with it, and he that quits the whole body, parts at once with all pains and possibilities of pains and diseases it was liable to, or capable of making him suffer.

Our friend and we are invited abroad on a party of pleasure -- that is to last forever -- His chair was first ready and he is gone before us -- we could not all conveniently start together, and why should you and I be grieved at this, since we are soon to follow, and we know where to find him. Adieu,


May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen

Monday, October 3, 2011

October 4th: Cher Ami, The Little Pigeon that Could

On October 4th, 1918, the Lost Battalion of the 77th Division was stuck behind enemy lines without ammunition or food. To make matters worse, their own side had started unknowingly to shell their position. This was during World War I and homing pigeons were still being used for communications. The first pigeon was sent back with the message "Many wounded. Cannot evacuate." It was shot down. A second pigeon was sent back with the message "Men are suffering. Can support be sent." It was also shot down. That left one pigeon, Cher Ami (meaning 'dear friend' in French). He was dispatched with the message, "We are along the road parallel 276.4. Our own artillery is dropping a barrage directly on us. For heaven's sake, stop it!"

As the pigeon took off, the Germans immediately saw him and openned fire. The pigeon was shot down, but miraculously managed to retake flight. He arrived back at headquarters, 25 miles, in 25 minutes, saving 194 lives. He was shot through the breast, blinded in one eye, and one leg had to be amputated. He became the hero of the 77th infantry division. When his condition improved, he was seen off by a general back to America. He died a year later from his injuries. He is now on display as part of the "Price of Freedom" exhibit at the Smithsonian (With Sergeant Stubby)



St. Francis Preaches to the Birds

Father Francis and his companions were making a trip through the Spoleto Valley near the town of Bevagna. Suddenly, Francis spotted a great number of birds of all varieties. There were doves, crows and all sorts of birds. Swept up in the moment, Francis left his friends in the road and ran after the birds, who patiently waited for him. He greeted them in his usual way, expecting them to scurry off into the air as he spoke. But they moved not.

Filled with awe, he asked them if they would stay awhile and listen to the Word of God. He said to them: “My brother and sister birds, you should praise your Creator and always love him: He gave you feathers for clothes, wings to fly and all other things that you need. It is God who made you noble among all creatures, making your home in thin, pure air. Without sowing or reaping, you receive God’s guidance and protection.”

At this the birds began to spread their wings, stretch their necks and gaze at Francis, rejoicing and praising God in a wonderful way according to their nature. Francis then walked right through the middle of them, turned around and came back, touching their heads and bodies with his tunic.

Then he gave them his blessing, making the sign of the cross over them. At that they flew off and Francis, rejoicing and giving thanks to God, went on his way.

Later, Francis wondered aloud to his companions why he had never preached to birds before. And from that day on, Francis made it his habit to solicitously invoke all birds, all animals and reptiles to praise and love their Creator. And many times during Francis’ life there were remarkable events of Francis speaking to the animals.