December 2015 Philadelphia Chapter of Pax Christi U.S.A.

All Souls Day

It was a providential gift to be present at the House of Grace Catholic Worker on November 2. Mary Beth Appel and Johnna Berrigan are the generous resident hostesses. We were remembering our departed loved ones on All Souls Day. Bishop Tom Gumbleton of Detroit, longtime friend of the Catholic Worker was the celebrant. Bishop Gumbleton for the past forty-five years has been a creative Spirit filled presence among the American Catholic Bishops. He brought the message of the saintly Pope John XXXIII, Pacem In Terris (Peace on Earth) to the U.S. He was and is a prophetic voice opposing war, be it Vietnam, Afghanistan, Haiti. Bishop Gumbleton was subjected to criticism by some fellow bishops, viewed as too radical in his critique of U.S. foreign policy, an outspoken voice for peace and justice. He was part of the peace movement that helped young Catholic women/men consider Conscientious Objection to War, a rarity for Catholics, more associated with peace churches like the Friends/Quakers.

I have viewed him for many years as a prophetic, holy man, fearless - calling us to be other Christs. This night his homily centered on the Resurrection of our departed loved ones; Jesus to the Sadducees (Matthew 22: 32) “God himself said to you: I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. He is God, not of the dead, but the living.” Jesus speaking to Martha and Mary as he was about to raise Lazarus from the tomb of his burial. “I am the resurrection. Anyone who believes in me, even though that person dies, will live and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11: 25-26. Do you believe this? My yes at times has been shaky.

Gumbleton speaks of the mystery we discover in the living of life to the fullest, which is a sharing of God’s life. We can radiate God’s life, however modestly. For me personally it was old scripture words heard with a new resonance. Resurrection was more believable centered on life in the now - in the mystery of God’s presence in us. The messenger presenting (Bishop Gumbleton) is a man of God who, radiates belief, hope, love. A thankful moment for all present. Discussion among the small gathering after Mass included a married gay couple. … It was reassuring to have the blessing of a holy Bishop confirm and affirm that they are loving members of the Church.

A little history of the Bishop. He is an activist. Back in President Clinton’s tenure, very punitive sanctions were imposed on Iraq, to undermine the vicious leadership of Saddam Hussein. One regrettable consequence of the sanctions was the deprivation of critical medicines, undermining medical care of the very ill, especially children. Bishop Gumbleton carried medical supplies in to Iraq, in violation of U.S. law. It was necessary to fly into a neighboring country and be bused to Bagdad; a dangerous rough ride. Johanna Berrigan joined him in this

venture. They also visited Afghanistan to help war abandoned people. Together they founded the Kay Lasante medical clinic in Haiti, serving the poorest of the poor. The clinic is alive and well. Shortly after All Souls day,

they were off to Haiti for a week of meetings with the staff and Haitian officials. Bishop Gumbleton has been a chief fund raiser to support the clinic. All this at the modest age of 85.

How to stay on track in this walk of life. He suggested living the Beatitudes.

Joe Bradley

Joe is a member of CPF

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice:

for they shall have their fill.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5