On Saturday, December 14th, at 7 PM I am offering the Advent and Christmas portion of Luke Live! — perhaps for the last time as I plan on retiring from my Luke’s Gospel Ministry at the end of June 2025. If you have some time you can tune in on FACEBOOK on the Immaculate Conception Church, Knoxville, TN Facebook page for live streaming:
Or, if, you prefer, you could also access it on the parish’s YOUTUBE page
(33) Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Knoxville – YouTube The link below features my homily on December 9th. However, if you go to this page, the staff will upload LUKE LIVE! at 7 PM or very shortly thereafter.
The video should stay on the parish’s YouTube page for a few days following if you would like to catch it later.
I gave Luke Live! a good 20-year run. I visited almost 250 parishes a week at a time and was in 25 States. I am grateful to the Paulist Community for supporting my missionary work as I am grateful for the opportunity to work in my Ecumenical and Multi-Faith ministries, engage with the Paulist Associates, and collaborate with Saint Paul the Apostle Church in New York’s Laudato Si Team (Environmental Care Initiatives).
Blessings to All as Advent comes to a close and we cultivate, once again, a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Incarnation, marveling at the vulnerability, humility, and honesty of Jesus, whose light illumines hearts ever-ready to be guided by His Holy Spirit.
Here is an Inspiring Overview of Christmas Tree Cultivation and Replacement lovingly tendered by devoted Tree farmers in the USA. The following text comes from a new AI program called Microsoft CoPilot:
Growing, cultivating, and replacing Christmas trees in the United States is quite a fascinating process. Here’s a quick overview:
Growing and Cultivating
Choosing the Location: Christmas tree farms are usually located on sloping hillsides where the soil drains well. The trees need ample sunlight and room to grow.
Selecting the Species: Different species are planted depending on the region and climate. Popular species include Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, and Scotch Pine.
Planting: Seedlings are typically planted in rows during early spring. Farmers often plant them densely at first, thinning them out as they grow to ensure each tree has enough space.
Maintenance: Growing Christmas trees takes time and care. Farmers spend 7-10 years tending to them, which includes:
Pruning: Trees are sheared annually to develop a desirable conical shape.
Weeding: Keeping the area around the trees free of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
Pest and Disease Control: Regular monitoring and treatment to protect against pests and diseases.
Harvesting: When trees reach the desired height (usually 6-8 feet), they are cut down and sent to market. This typically happens from late November through December.
Replacing and Sustainability
Replanting: For every tree harvested, another is planted to ensure a continuous supply. Some farmers plant multiple seedlings in anticipation of natural losses.
Environmental Benefits: Christmas tree farms are beneficial for the environment. They provide habitat for wildlife, help prevent soil erosion, and contribute to air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
Recycling: After the holiday season, many communities offer tree recycling programs. These trees are often turned into mulch, which can be used in landscaping and gardening.
Growing Christmas trees is a labor of love that requires patience and dedication, but it’s also a sustainable and environmentally friendly practice. If you’re ever in the mood to visit a Christmas tree farm, it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and learn more about the process firsthand!
And here is a link to one of my favorite Christmas Songs. My favorite line: “And the shepherds could not tell whether Angels or the Stars themselves were singing.” The song is called CHRISMTAS 1913. Singer John Denver, a prophetic environmentalist, recorded it on his album JOHN DENVER AND THE MUPPETS CHRISTMAS TOGETHER. Here’s a link:
Kareem Irfan introduces Ofram. Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, provided opening remarks during the Third Meeting of the National Muslim and Catholic Dialogue at University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, on March 7. Dr. Rita George-Tvrtkovic, associate professor of theology at Benedictine University, and Dr. Irfan Omar, associate professor of theology at Marquette University, were the guest lecturers. This year’s topic was, “One God, One Humanity: Confronting Religious Prejudice. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
After seven years as Co-Chair, Cardinal Cupich will hand over his role to Bishop Elias Lorenzo, OSB, of Newark, NJ, beginning in 2025.
Participants reviewed key passages from Pope Francis’ Encyclical FRATELLI TUTTI (On Fraternity and Social Friendship) published 3 October 2020 Fratelli tutti (3 October 2020) | Francis and LESSONS FROM Beiuzzamon Said Nursi’s TREATISE ON BROTHERHOOD
This is a link to PhD summary and assessment of Nursi’s Treatise on Brotherhood: 2e.xps (Original text is difficult to find online.)
Consensus from dialogue with both documents:
Cognizant of the conflicts of the past and aware of their historical contexts, we ask God to help us see ourselves anew in the present time.
The necessity of individual and mutual prayer asking God to help us respond to evil with good (Nursi’s Third Principle of the Fourth Aspect of Brotherhood); patience and understanding to illuminate the evildoers suffering as in Luke’s Gospel Sermon on the Plain Chapter 6 vs 27 ff “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you . . .”
Quotes from the Qur’an include:
Q 25:46 God created diversity “so that you know one another”
Q 49:10 “Indeed, the believers are brothers” (i.e., all believers in God)
Participant Jordan Denari Duffner PhD is finalizing a brochure on ISLAMAPHOBIA in the USA for distribution to Catholic Churches. Professor Duffner, a Dialogue writes a blog and conducts podcasts. Go to: Jordan Denari Duffner
FUTURE GOALS FOR THE DIALOGUE:
Collaborate on promoting Educational Resources for Catholics re. the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict
Advance Humanitarian Efforts to the suffering in Gaza through Catholic Relief Services and promote the International Peace Efforts supported by both Jews and Muslims (E.g., I was recently acquainted with the excellent Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue in Jerusalem, Israel)
(Note: this article will appear in my Ecumenical and Multi-Faith Relations Office TOGETHER IN HOPE Newsletter for WINTER 2024-2025)
Guests listen attentively to speakers while under a stunning white and gold Lotus ceiling with the Sun shining its blessings on the event from the windows above.
(L-R) Ananda Vrindavan Dasi and Director Anuttama Dasa accept recognition from Brooke E. Lierman, Comptroller of the State of Maryland.
As a participant in the Annual Vaishnava Christian Dialogue, I was blessed to attend the dedication of a new Hindu Temple and subsequent Dialogue LOVING YOUR ENEMY, convening on the weekend of April 12th through 14th 2024. The article includes my notes on presentations by Professors Patrick Beldio (Catholic), a scholar of comparative religion and theology with a focus on Hindu-Christian studies, and Vaishnava – Madana-Gopala Dasa (Mehul Barot), a Hindu and Kenya native, who serves as the North American Co-Director of ISKCON Communications, focusing on Hindu and media relations.
LOVING YOUR ENEMY – Hindu and Christian Perspectives
Our Dialogue began with two excellent, well-thought-out presentations by Hindu scholar Madana-gopala Dasa (Mehul Barot) and Catholic professor Patrick BelDio. Both asserted the centrality of love for all human beings and all of Creation. All love must be grounded in Love for God as each tradition dictates. Madan-goplas reasserted Vaishanava’s MONOTHEISM, insisting that the various gods, goddesses, and saints, incarnations, or manifestations of THE ONE. [1] In addition, it is important to note that Vaishnava is the dominant form of Hinduism throughout the world.
Patrick Beldio, a Catholic who interweaves his faith with comparable Hindu spirituality, presented Jesus’ statements in the Gospels, e.g.
“Love your Enemies, Do good to those who hurt you, Bless those who curse you, Pray for those who mistreat You”)[2]
He then offered an overview of Church History noting the contradictory behavior of the Church in the World.
Interestingly, while illuminating steps we can take toward loving our enemies, both men referenced the practical needs of self-defense and fighting against an adversary when necessary. With a brief summary of Church History, Professor Beldio asserted his preference for sustaining the “JUST WAR THEORY” — first articulated by Saints Augustine of Hippo (354-430) and later by Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) among others. However, all of the writings Beldio cited emphasized war as a “last resort” –after conflicting parties exhausted all efforts toward peaceful settlements.
Professor Dasa noted the foundational Hindu text Bhagavad Gita which, while emphasizing LOVE ABOVE ALL THINGS, allowed for warfare when the oppressor was inordinate in causing suffering. In fact, the spiritual epic “Gita” for short, opens with the assembling of armies! But a subsequent dialogue ensues between Patha (Arjuna), son of Pandu, and Lord Krishna, provides context:
Arjuna said:
“How shall I
In battle against
Bhishma and Drona,
O Madhusudana,
Fight back with arrows
against those who
are worthy of respect,
O Slayer of the Enemy? “
After a long discourse comprising several chapters, “The Beloved Lord” said:
The Dialogue participants included 15 Christians comprising Roman Catholics, Presbyterian, Non-denominational, and unaffiliated Christians and 11 Vaishnava , including many who practice Bakhti Yoga. Our conversations morphed into a discussions on the concept of Justice, Fairness, and heavenly realities that alone can bring about a perfect reconciliation among peoples. Each tradition made use of the term “GRACE” and/or its equivalents, emphasizing our mutual belief that no good whatsoever comes about without help from God.
Debate ensued as to whether there could be any “just war,” as per recent written letters, reflections, and homilies from Popes John Paul II to Francis. Roman Catholic participants affirmed that our tradition is advancing the consensus that, with all the advanced weaponry and war machinery sequestered in international governments’ arsenals, there can be no “just war.” The devastations that ensue, even at the smallest levels, bring pain and suffering beyond humanity’s ability to heal in the present context or in the future.
Mercy and compassion are Hindu hallmarks that empower the love of enemies. With the help of Krishna, the devout Hindu strives to be ever-loving, even amid conflicts. Nevertheless, one must confront evil and wrongdoing and be ready to act against it–even if violence ensues.
Referencing both ARJUNA in the Bhagavad Gita and Jesus in the Gospels, Dasa reiterated “Love does not exclude violence in some contexts.” He cited this quote from the Bhagavad-Gita 2: 29-39; 36b, “The embodied, eternally indestructible, dwells within the body of everyone, O Bharata. Therefore, you should not grieve for any living being. . .Therefore, rise up, O Kaunteya, acting with firm resolve for battle. Acting the same in happiness and suffering, gain and loss, victory, and defeat, Then prepare for battle—thus you shall not suffer misfortune.” (Graham M. Schweig translation. See footnotes.)
In support of his position, Dasa quoted Jesus in Matthew 10 vs. 34, interpreting it as an acceptance of sin and conflict even in a Christian context: “34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn “‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’[c]
Patrick BelDio summarized his emphasis on Christian perspectives.
Violence is the tragic consequence of sin, which is inevitable in this world. We can only conquer our violent tendencies with God’s grace which, tragically, many reject. Furthermore, situations require self-defense, and even aggression may be justified to stop a greater evil. He also cited. Matthew’s Gospel 10: 34 -36. Jesus: A Cause of Division, while clarifying that the passage does not justify violence (including emotional violence, particularly within families) but recognizes its reality in our fallen state of sin. . 34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. 35 For I have come to set a man ‘against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36and one’s enemies will be those of his household.’ (New American Bible, Revised Edition translation)
The ensuing dialogue acknowledged disagreements in the interpretations of texts cited, at the same time, affirmed a consensus:
It is necessary that people of faith continually discern our own culpability in contributing to seeds of hatred and acknowledge our inward motivations toward violence. Faith requires a personal confession that our attempts at objectivity are forever flawed as all are enmeshed in any given problem and its context. Thorough evaluation of the causes of enmity must be embraced with honesty and humility –both virtues -and all the other virtues — are essential to bring the perpetuation of violence to an end.
Surrender to Grace is paramount and is the foundation of all virtues.
The role of Lament regarding the thoughts and feelings in our hearts and our own actions that have harmed others must be experienced as the first step toward “loving one’s enemies.” Self-scrutiny –seeing other persons, other nations, and their policies within the realm of our own personal, national, and international failings – is required to begin the process of seeing others as fallible human beings as ourselves, and thus capable of “being loved.” All paths to forgiveness, accountability, and reconciliation must be rooted in our common humanity.
“Restore. Repair. Recompense. Reparations” is a good mantra to embrace once people have resorted to violence. It evidences appropriate accountability.
From Pope Saint John Paul II: “There is no peace without justice, no justice without forgiveness.” [4]
[1]Vaishnavism – Wikipedia See also this summary from Microsoft Copilot: “Vaishnavism is one of the major traditions within Hinduism, devoted to the worship of Vishnu and his avatars, particularly Krishna and Rama.
In the context of monotheism, Vaishnavism can be seen as both monotheistic and monistic. Here is how:
Monotheism: Vaishnavites believe in a single, supreme God, Vishnu, who manifests in various forms and avatars. This belief aligns with the concept of monotheism, where there is one ultimate divine being.
Monism: While Vaishnavism recognizes the diversity of deities and their manifestations, it ultimately views them as different aspects of the one supreme reality. This aligns with monistic philosophies that see all diversity as ultimately rooted in a single, unified existence.”
(Note: this article will be the centerpiece of my Ecumenical and Multi-Faith Relations Office TOGETHER IN HOPE Newsletter for WINTER 2024-2025)
Professor Gulen was a devout Muslim Imam committed to Multi-Faith dialogue who fostered a broad education for Muslim youth –girls and boys–under the designation HIZMET (Arabic for “Service”). He began his work in “Türkiye” (natives prefer the pronunciation Tur-key-yeah, not the English “Turkey”) and through his advanced studies and lectures, he inspired the Hizmet movement, establishing schools and Multi-Faith organizations worldwide. Hizmet encourages ongoing conversations at the intersections of Theology and Science as it fosters comfortability in all pursuits of knowledge. Gulen was known for his deep spirituality highlighting Love as God’s essence and as God’s invitation to and for all peoples. His writings and lectures (over 60 published books) reflect his inspiration from the Sufi Tradition and the poetry of the 13th-century Islamic Mystic Rumi. He became an expert on Siad Nursi’s Risale- I Nur, an important work of early 20th Century Turkish thought. [1]
Founder of the Hizmet Educational System & Collaborative Service
After years of study from the early ages of childhood in the Qur’an, Western and Asian Wisdom Literature: History, Novels, and Philosophy, Fethullah Gulen founded Schools of Service (Hizmet) in his native Türkiye. He integrated the insights and strengths found in the various educational currents, encouraging educators to cultivate a “marriage of mind and heart,” an interdisciplinary amalgamation that invites students to acknowledge their spiritual selves and bring their insights and struggles into classes on every subject from math, science, literature, art, and music to Phys Ed!
Hizmet schools were flourishing throughout Türkiye until Recep Tayyip Erdoğan first became Prime Minister and subsequently the nation’s President. Before that, Gulen and Erdoğan had been friends and like-minded citizens,. That changed after Erdoğan’s political ambitions forged more traditional Islamic alliances critical of the progressive exchange of ideas. Gulen came to the United States seeking expert medical attention in 1999. Subsequently, Erdoğan’s growing authoritarian sensibilities and democratic backsliding motivated Gulen to remain in a self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, where he lived, wrote, and lectured until his death on October 20th, 2024.
In 2016 Erdoğan made Hizmet his scapegoat for a military coup attempt to depose him. The accusations were ironic in light of Hikmet’s foundational peace objectives, yet Erdoğan labeled the movement “a terrorist organization” and “Enemy of the State,” imprisoning and exiling thousands of Hizmet professors, students, and sympathizers, seeking Gulen’s extradition from the US. Since then, our nation has welcomed many expatriates of Türkiye while Erdoğan continues to hold over twelve thousand Hizmet in Turkish prisons.[1] You can access more information on Erdoğan’s persecution of Hizmet here: Country policy and information note: Gülenist movement, Turkey, October 2023 (Accessible) – GOV.UK
For the past two years I have interacted with members of Peace Islands of New York and New Jersey, two prominent Hizmet organizations. (See LEGACY section below for more information about Peace Islands.) Emre Celik, Director of Peace Islands New York, invited me to attend testimonies and eulogies honoring Fethullah Gulen in a stadium in Augusta NJ on October 24th. Later in the day, we proceeded to Gulen’s burial place near Bethlehem, PA. Although Islamic Tradition requires burials within 24 hours of a person’s death, Gulen’s family and Hizmet Directors postponed his funeral for three days to allow over a thousand international Hizmet educators and facilitators to travel from their homes to pray farewell and honor their mentor. It was inspiring to witness their steadfast belief in the promise of eternal life for Gulen and all people of goodwill.
Because of numerous, necessary security precautions, Peace Islands instructed me to drive from my rectory in New York City to a designated spot in New Jersey. From the parking lot, I then joined mourners on one of many buses taking us to Augusta. On the way I chatted with a woman educator from Texas who shared her story of exile from Türkiye, her reunification with her husband and children here (she fled first, alone, and unaccompanied), and how they were all adjusting to American life. Once we arrived at the outdoor Skyland Stadium and Entertainment Center, I was taken aback by the large crowd. With long lines of people waiting to get through security, I had the sense I was present at an important moment in history. I met many professors, scholars, and scientists — people from Germany, Brussels, Tanzania, Uganda, Australia, and Canada—along with hundreds of professionals, lay people, and their families from throughout the USA. Each in their own way spoke with reverence for Imam Gulen and how he filled their lives with hope, invigorated their faith, strengthened their quest for lifelong education, and motivated their purposeful collaborative friendships and service engagements with people of many faiths and denominations. I could not find an official tally, but estimates ranged from ten to twenty thousand people. An astounding witness to what these divided United States could cultivate in the here and now!
I appreciated the collegiality and compassion of the many sponsoring Hizmet communities who coordinated the memorial throughout the warm, sun-filled day. Humbled by the way they welcomed this Catholic priest with hugs and bows of respect, I readily returned their affection in kind. Peace Islands New York Director Emre Celik assigned me an attentive host and guide, Mr. Umit Gunebir, President of the Atlantic Institute in Georgia, USA, another Hizmet outreach. (See Atlantic Institute.) So considerate and kindhearted, Umit highlighted the respect and appreciation for another that is central to Hizmet philosophy and that was evident in so many of the interactions I observed.
Mehmet KilicMehmet Kilicand me. Mehmet is President of the Journalists and Writers Foundation, See: https://jwf.org A member of Peace Islands New York, a Hizmet outreach, Mr. Kilic is affiliated with the United Nations Multi-Faith division.
Above all, I was impressed by the sincerity and devotion apparent in all the men who filled the sports field (in Islam, men and women worship in separate groups), as the memorials in Arabic, Turkish, and English were interspersed with the compulsory prayers designated for five specific times throughout each day to keep believers ever-mindful of God.
In addition to the United States, Hizmet schools and initiatives have found welcome home in Canada, Africa, Australia, and Asia. Gulen’s advocates include intellectuals from both Christian (Catholic and Protestant) and Jewish communities, including two noted scholars—Jon Pahl Ph.D. (United Lutheran Seminary) and Ori Soltes Ph. D (Georgetown University). Gulen’s lectures and published writings have inspired dozens of Multi-Faith International initiatives cultivating Multi-Faith friendships and cooperative service projects through organizations such as these:
The Atlantic Institute – fostering a global community through education, interfaith dialogue, and meaningful social experiences. Atlantic Institute.
Although sometimes referred to as “The Gulen Movement,” evolving a progressive and broad-minded Islam, the professor urged his students to claim the term HIZMET in all their undertakings, preferring to be one professor among many. See this article by Jesuit Father Thomas Michel (unfortunately titled “Gulen Movement”) here: Hizmet Schools: A new pedagogy
No organization is without controversy. Because of the political dynamics with Türkiye, there are complexities and critical perspectives regarding Gulen and the Hizmet schools. For further investigation, see:
Dr. Ori Z. Soltes is Goldman Professorial Lecturer in Theology and Fine Arts at Georgetown University. He is the former director and curator of the B’nai B’rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. He earned his B.A. in Philosophy from Haverford College, his M.A. in Classics from Princeton, and his Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Union Institute and University.
MORE ABOUT ORI Z. SOLTES PH.D.
Professor Soltes is the author of more than 130 articles, exhibition catalogues, essays, and books and is the writer, director, and narrator of more than 30 documentary videos. Among his most recent books are Fixing the World: Jewish American Painters in the Twentieth Century; Our Sacred Signs: How Christian, Jewish and Muslim Art Draw from the Same Source; and The Ashen Rainbow: Essays on the Arts and the Holocaust. Professor Soltes has taught and lectured in more than 20 universities and museums nationally on subjects ranging from Symbols of Faith: Art as an Instrument of Addressing God to The Body in Ancient Art. Throughout the United States and overseas, he has guest-curated exhibitions that have focused on diverse aspects of Western art throughout the ages and art from across the world.
frjamesdiluzio 