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Kansas Religious Groups Confront Climate Change

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Heartland Farm near Great Bend is operated by the Dominican Sisters of Peace.

By Brian Grimmett, Kansas News Service

The sisters at Heartland Farm mark just one of several religious communities in Kansas turning their attention to a modern crisis — climate change. Motivated by their religious beliefs, they make a faith-based case for environmentalism.

GREAT BEND, Kan. — The Dominican Sisters of Peace have been farming with their faith in mind for more than three decades.

In the middle of a state where large-scale commodity and livestock farming has transformed the landscape, the order of nuns aim for a lighter touch on the land.

“If you don’t have a life-sustaining planet, you don’t have life,” said Sister Jane Belanger, who’s lived on the farm for about 13 years. “And if I could quote scripture, ‘I came to bring life and bring it more abundantly.’”

The sisters at Heartland Farm mark just one of several religious communities in Kansas turning their attention to a modern crisis — climate change. Motivated by their religious beliefs, they make a faith-based case for environmentalism.

Four sisters live at Heartland Farm. They’re joined by a rotating group of volunteers who earn room and board by helping out with chores. The sisters offer camps and classes on how to grow organic crops and spin fiber. (The raw wool comes from the alpacas the sisters keep on the property). They also sell what they don’t eat at a local farmer’s market.

“That speaks to people,” Belanger said. “We’re not coming in to solve your problems or tell you what to do, but we are offering an alternative way.”

Still, the message can draw opposition. Belanger recalled a conversation she had with a member of Heartland Farm’s advisory committee — someone she described as a “good Catholic man” — who said that as much as he admires what they’re doing, there’s no way he could do it on his farm.

She said people can, understandably, be set in their ways, including doing things that contribute to climate change.

Other religious communities that focus on the environment say they face similar resistance.

“We have some churches that are good at promoting ecological ideas and some that aren’t,” said Helen Mueting, one of the nearly 100 Benedictine sisters at Mt. St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas. “We’re kind of like the squeaky wheel. We have to keep saying it.”

The sisters at the monastery try to live the principles found in Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato sí, which focuses on the environment and its destruction.

The sisters grow an organic garden, harvest honey from several beehives on the property and have installed a 150-kilowatt solar system to help offset their electricity needs. They’ve also issued a statement calling for political leaders to support climate friendly legislation and a transition to renewable energy.

Mueting said those and other actions they’ve taken are driven by faith and a sense of responsibility for all of God’s creations.

“If we destroy the environment, we’re morally responsible for the people of the future as well as for the poor who are most devastated by climate change,” she said.

Making a connection between the impacts of climate change and care for the poor, she said, will be key to convincing more people of faith to act on climate change.

Some religious leaders hope that the moral appeal for action will even help combat theological based opposition built on the idea that there isn’t a need to care for the environment because God gave man dominion over the Earth and that Jesus Christ will one day come and renew it.

“To say it’s all ending anyway or even let’s bring it about, is like, to me, theologically really wrong,” said Cathleen Bascom, the bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas.

Bascom is also part of the left-leaning advocacy group known as Kansas Interfaith Action. It’s members often testify on climate issues to committees at the state Capitol.

“This is shepherding,” she said. “Because I want our children and grandchildren to be able to drink and be able to have crops and we’ve got to see this as holy.”

Religious communities can play a unique role in addressing climate change, said Rabbi Moti Rieber, the executive director of Kansas Interfaith Action. He said people of faith who view climate issues as moral issues are able to reach those that otherwise would only see it through a political lens.

“It’s up to us to demand that our political leaders take this conversation seriously and begin to address these issues,” Rieber said.

And while there’s still a long way to go to convince people of the seriousness of the climate crisis — including getting more religious leaders to talk about the issue from the pulpit and during Sunday school — Rieber said caring for God’s creations is a sacred duty.

“One of the reasons why we do this is because we’re convinced that it matters to God,” he said. “So therefore it should matter to us.”

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March – Celebrating Women and their Accomplishments

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We are excited to share a video on March 8th in celebration of National Catholic Sisters Week.  The video features the practices and ministries of several Benedictine monasteries across the country including the Benedictine Sisters of Florida.  In addition to how catholic organizations honor women religious during March, this is the fifth year that they are part of National Women’s History Month.  While Sisters and nuns do not seek recognition, making them a part of this annual celebration every March is only fitting.

Our country has been served since the early 1700s by Sisters and nuns who established exceptional schools and hospitals and have been remarkable in their out-reach to the poor.  Their history is closely tied to the very development of our nation.  Today there are 45,605 Sisters and nuns who are consoling, inspiring and praying for those who have lost loved ones during the Covid pandemic.  Now as in so many past crises, vowed women are a God-send.

This year’s theme for National Women’s History Month is “Valiant Women of the Vote,” focusing on those who worked for women’s right to vote.  Faith and religion played a significant role in the fight for fairness.  Suffrage was not only a legal issue, but certainly a moral one.  Journalist Elaine Weiss wrote “The Women’s Hour: the Great Fight to Win the Vote,” highlighting the fact that women of various faiths came together to organize and lobby.  They saw suffrage as a matter of divine justice as well as human rights.

 

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Are You Angry Because I Am Generous?

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Growing up I recall my mother speaking from fond memory of her love for all her Benedictine Sister-teachers she knew from Ridgely, MD.  She had been double-promoted from seventh grade into high school.  But, there was no Catholic high school and she didn’t particularly like the public school setting.  At fourteen (14) she did what a lot of young people did.  She dropped out, got a work permit and joined her sister in Atlantic Beach to wait tables.  Later she became a nanny and housekeeper for a family that were loyal to her long after she married at age 33.  At some point I asked her why she hadn’t become a Sister since she obviously loved them – she could name them all from Sister Philomena in first grade to Sister Florentine (for whom she took her Confirmation name) in her last grade at St. Elizabeth’s.  Her answer to my query echoes that of the 5 o’clock men in this Gospel parable: “No one asked me.”  Adding – “I figured I wasn’t good enough.”  (“But, then, I wouldn’t have had you.”)

It strikes me that this Gospel must be a source of reassurance to those that some may describe as “late or delayed vocations.”  When the 5 o’clock whistle blew the men in the parable figured they’d been overlooked again.  “Don’t I look strong enough?  What will I say to my wife and children?”  The parable described these hopefuls as “standing around” but if you have seen day laborers gathered, hopefully waiting for a grove owner’s bus, you’ve seen some of them – already weary before the day has begun – sitting on a bench or crouched on their haunches.  Their experience warning them once again there’d be no room for them on the bus.

So, they’re there – well, into the day – 5 o’clock the parable says – discouraged – AGAIN – picturing their children with hunger in their eyes.  But, (wait) maybe (just maybe) they could pick up a few hours work but dark.  Either way, their ears pricked up when they heard the voice of the landowner, the Master: “Why are you still here?  You, too, go into my vineyard.”

What a surprise a short while later, when they looked into their pay envelopes to discover a full day’s wages!  (Now, unlike the parable of the 10 lepers made clean, Matthew does not tell us how many said “thank you.”)

Is it possible, they discretely peeked in their envelopes, thinking, “He’s usually generous – wonder how much I got – will it put supper on the table?  Mmmm, I better not act too surprised or delighted lest the early birds notice what’s occurred.   I would venture a guess that these “Johnny come lately” guys might decide they better not push their luck tomorrow …  lolly-gag or deliberately arrive late to join the guys on the bench.

(Enough of my imagining.)  The whole Gospel story harkens back to a line from the First Reading from Isaiah: (God speaks) –  “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways” … (God, the Lord or to use the term in the Gospel – the Master, continues emphasizing how far apart God’s thoughts are from ours).  “As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts.”  With that consideration in mind, (that God’s thoughts are a far cry from our earth-bound thoughts) jump to the last line in the Gospel parable: … “Am I not free to do as I wish with my own riches?  Are you envious because I am generous?”  [Has God ever had to ask that question of you?]

Isn’t this exactly Benedict’s point when he reminds his followers (well, he directs much to the abbot or prioress … but even the “grace of office” can’t work a transformation if the one elected isn’t already steeped in these traits.)  As one of the speakers said in Thursday’s evening’s ZOOM presentation on Racism: “A change in attitude doesn’t guarantee in a change in behavior.”

While we are “sitting on the bench we call life” we should not be “standing around idle” waiting to be hired – there is much to be done.  The Rule offers us a good material for a personal check list:

(From RB 2) “Honor all persons.  Show no favoritism, but have respect for all.  (RB 27 and 34) Any favoritism should be shown for the weak.  (RB 2 and 27)   Accommodate a variety of lifestyles; don’t exercise any form of tyranny.  (RB 62)   Follow what you consider better for others.  No favoritism will be given due to rank or status.  (RB 3) Even the youngest should be heard with respect in community deliberations.  (RB 59) No distinction between rich and poor; respect all equally.”

In regard to respect for individual pathways to holiness, Benedict says in RB 73: there is always more you can do.  Those who can do more, should do so.  “As observant and obedient monk, we blush for shame at being so slothful, so unobservant, so negligent.  Are you hastening toward your heavenly home?  Then, with Christ’s help, keep this little rule …  After that, you can set out for the loftier summits of teaching and the virtues, and under God’s protection you will reach them.”

Can you hear the landowner asking: “Why are you standing here idle all day?  Go into my vineyard and I will give you what is just.”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

First Reading Isaiah 55:6-9                 Second Reading   Philippians 1:20-24, 27a
Gospel   Matthew 20:1-16a
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Abbot Primate’s Circular Letter

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This week I offer for consideration an abbreviated version of the “Circular Letter” from our Abbot Primate Gregory Polan, O.S.B.  Abbot Gregory was our retreat director in the summer 2019.  He resides in Rome at Sant’ Anselmo, the Benedictine College.  Shortly after resigning as Abbot of Conception Abbey he was elected to the international position.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica,

Jesus said: Peace be with you.  This Easter peace (that) Jesus gives is not a freedom from anxiety, but a freedom to live amid anxious times with faith in God’s presence, and trust in ways that will open up a manner to face and live into the future.  That is a great encouragement .. in this moment of anxiety and insecurity.  Despite the fears and worries, there is something quietly stirring in (our) hearts.  The Holy Spirit within us guides us in ways that are so simple and good, so touching and transforming.  It is a “peace” that is subtle and quiet, humble and gracious, wise, noble, and advantageous.  This is the mysterious Easter peace that Christ left to us, his Benedictine disciples, and to all who follow the Gospel message.

 How easy it is to name the challenges that have come our way with this pandemic: fear for the present moment, unexpected death, uncertainty about the future, living with an invisible enemy, financial pressures, distance from loved ones, praying in unfamiliar ways, and many more challenges.  But isn’t it important for us, to search deeply to discover the blessings that have come to us? 

 First, we have come to see what a blessing our Benedictine tradition and calling has been for us during these days.  While many people live alone in a small place, isolated and without another human face to encounter, we have been blessed with our monastic community.  The human desire that resides in all of us to be connected with others stands as a distinguishing characteristic of our daily life.  With social distancing, we have been forced to live somewhat apart, but clearly, not alone.  Again with social distancing from one another, there has grown a kind of unique closeness that happens when challenges unite people in a way that bonds them by their willingness to do together what is for the good of all.  Sacrifice is rarely an easy act, but when it is done by a whole community, it possesses a unique character that binds people in a joy that is both satisfying and enriching, and sometimes, life-changing.  While in community our fears actually become moments when courage builds up within us, our anxieties develop into moments of trust because of the strength we experience in the midst of our community life together.

 Second, both our community and private prayer take on new dimensions.  We regret that in most instances, our oblates and friends who usually pray with us are not present.  Yet, their absence fosters a true concern for them in our hearts.  It is easy in our daily intercessions to remember the Church, the world, and our governments; yet now, knowing the challenges which they face for the good of the people they serve, there is a greater sense of the worldwide communion which we share, not only as members of the Body of Christ, but as brothers and sisters in the human family.  Both men and women Benedictines have shown genuine concern for those who usually pray with them.

Third, the environment of our monasteries …  provides us with places to be grateful for the beauty of creation, the gifts of God’s earth, and the opportunity to reflect on how important our care for the earth’s resources really are. … (I share one example) .. Here in Rome, with the lockdown, from our tower, you can see the Mediterranean Sea; that is how clear the air has become in Rome, a city known for its pollution. … During this pandemic, we have experienced a short-term effect of seeing how we can be better … guardians of what has been given us.

Fourth, an element of the monastic life that has intensified during these weeks and months has been part of Saint Benedict’s spiritual doctrine on silence.  Until a few months ago, our lives have been caught up in the fast pace of society, which can have the tendency to diminish the time devoted to silence and reflection.  These weeks have awakened in us the importance of silence and reflection.  We have sometimes come to see how uncomfortable we are with more silence in our lives; and it has taken both time and effort to use the silence that has been forced upon us as something that really is a “gift in disguise.”  The moments of silence and reflection are precious times for communion with God, whether in the practice of lectio divina, adoration, or stillness before the divine presence already within us.  There is no doubt that God has many important things to say to us in the midst of this crisis – what is important is that we can take this time and realize how silence and solitude are “gifts” that are there for us to use wisely even after the time of this pandemic.

Fifth, we are living in a moment of inspiring heroism.  On the larger scale, we have seen the sacrifice of their very lives by dedicated doctors, (and) nurses, vigilant public servants who have all put their lives in harm’s way to fulfill the calling they have received.  Likewise, there has been a more silent, yet still dedicated heroism in the fervent prayer, generous service, and creative ways of assistance through the internet, email, and phone conversations.  The beautiful challenge that now stands before us is to keep this kind of generosity and creativity growing certainly to one another, and to all who come to us as guests, in the figure of Jesus Christ.  The heroism of our lives as Benedictines is often not as well known or widespread yet, it is heroic in the living of our tradition according to the Gospel and the Rule of Saint Benedict with a sense of mission that is vibrant and life-giving for one another and for whomever we may serve.

To each of you, I offer sincere thanks for the ways in which you have witnessed to the monastic spirit of prayer, stability, obedience, charity, generosity, sacrifice, and openness to the movement of the Holy Spirit in this unexpected pandemic.  May our testimony as Benedictine men and women of the Gospel and the Rule lead us forward into the future, yet unknown, yet known in the mind and heart of God who walks with us each and every day.

Sincerely in the risen Christ, our great Hope and Strength,

Gregory Polan, O.S.B.

[Abbreviated for distribution by Benedictine Sisters of Florida]

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Pope Praises Evangelization Through Prayer, Care For Creation, Welcome

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Pope Francis speaks during a Sept. 8 meeting with a group of Benedictine sisters at the Vatican. Forming a community of women from different backgrounds and uniting them in prayer, in care for the earth and in hospitality to others is a powerful witness of Gospel values, Pope Francis said. (Credit: CNS photo/Vatican Media.)

ROME – Forming a community of women from different backgrounds and uniting them in prayer, in care for the earth and in hospitality to others is a powerful witness of Gospel values, Pope Francis told a group of Benedictine sisters.

“Today there are many people in the world who seek to reflect in their lives the tenderness, compassion, mercy and acceptance of Christ,” the pope said Sept. 8. “To them you offer the precious gift of your witness, as you are instruments of God’s tenderness to those who are in need.”

The pope met about 120 Benedictine nuns and sisters from a variety of independent monasteries and congregations participating in a symposium in Rome. The theme was the admonition from the Rule of St. Benedict, “Let all be welcomed as Christ.”

Making a monastery a place of “welcome, prayer and generous hospitality” is an “essential work of evangelization” that always must be expanded and strengthened, the pope told the women.

He also thanked them “for the special care you show toward the environment and for your efforts to protect the gifts of the earth, so that they can be shared by all.”

Many of the Benedictine monasteries are found “in places of great beauty where people go to pray, to find silence and to contemplate the marvels of creation. I encourage you to continue this style and service, so that God’s wonderful works can be admired and speak of him to many persons.”

The life the women live within the monastery walls, lives and relationships that visitors can observe and sense, also is a Gospel witness, the pope said.

“Your life in community bears witness to the importance of mutual love and respect,” he told them. “You come from different places and experiences, and each of you is different, and so the way you accept one another is the first sign you offer in a world that finds it hard to live out this value.

“We are all children of God,” Francis said, “and your prayer, your work, your hospitality, your generosity, all combine to reveal a communion in diversity that expresses God’s hope for our world: a unity made of peace, mutual welcome and fraternal love.”

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