—-∞∞—-
Thundering, blowing rain
A squall
Wind-whipped leaves
Vegetables in the prisoners’ garden
Planted in the housing unit yard
By the fence
While a desolate place
Nurturing rain
Growth
Symbols of life’s hope
Grace overcoming bleakness
Pushing aside despair
Sheltered under an overhang
I watch and wait
Far from the chapel
Where men also wait
Four locked gates away
I watch and wait
© 2017 Thomas W. Cummins
Tags:faith, Nature, poetry, prison chaplain, prison ministry, spirituality
Posted in Faith, Ministry, Nature, Personal, Poetry, Prison Ministry, Spirituality | 6 Comments »
A reflection on Matthew 5:38-48 delivered during a prison communion service
We seem to be living more and more in times of division – deep division. There is a tendency, a human tendency, to group and label anyway. In scriptures we find the bad and the good, the just and the unjust, your neighbor and your enemy, the sheep and the goats.
So if we look at today’s society, we have divisions that are pretty normal. But there seems to be, now, an animosity, a distrust, a disdain, a willingness to judge rather than engage and listen.
There doesn’t seem to be a middle ground in many instances. There are those who love the Packers, but hate the Patriots, love the Cardinals but hate the Cubs, love or hate Democrats or Republicans, love or hate immigrants, refugees, people of color, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, unions, Planned Parenthood, the NRA.
But don’t we live in a pluralistic society with many philosophies, many viewpoints, and many beliefs? Brothers, that should be our strength, not a crack in our foundation. I am reminded of the strength when different entities are brought together. In biblical times, mud and straw made bricks. Today, carbon fiber-reinforced compounds are used to build jet fighters.
Why shouldn’t a society made up of many separate parts be stronger, more effective, more resilient, more growthful, and more life-giving? Sometimes what is needed is more confidence in our own principles and beliefs so that we can respond to differences with more tolerance, more patience, more humility … more love … that we may all reveal ourselves to be children of our heavenly Father.
Tags:faith, politics, Preaching, prison, prison ministry, Social Justice
Posted in Criminal Justice, Faith, Ministry, politics, Preaching, Prison Ministry, Social Justice | 3 Comments »
An article that gives a peek at what I do in prison ministry.
Tags:justice, Missouri, personal, prison chaplain, prison ministry, Social Justice
Posted in Criminal Justice, Ministry, Personal, Social Justice | 5 Comments »
—∞—
Water calm, still Sky clear, cloudless Then A Wave Suddenly Comes Ashore Briefly disturbing what lies there … then Slowly recedes, slowly recedes Water calm, still Sky clear, cloudless© 2014 Thomas W. Cummins
Tags:death penalty, executions, justice, personal, poetry, prison ministry, spirituality
Posted in Death Penalty, Ministry, Personal, Poetry, Prison Ministry, Spirituality | Leave a Comment »
I posted this earlier today on Facebook:
Missouri execution: another death, another grieving family. Is that what balances the scales of justice? Could it be mindless revenge instead? What are we looking for?
Five in a row … uninterrupted. Seems like we’re trying to run the table. Florida and Texas are pulling away in the race.
So, citizens of Missouri, name the man executed in November. What did he do? Then name the ones in December, January, February. What did they do?
Can’t remember? These deaths are being done in your name. Is this whole death penalty thing working for you? Are we safer? Are victims’ families happier? Has grief been dissipated? Are we more respected and admired as a state? Or do we applaud and cheer when the governor gives his “thumbs down”?
Let’s move forward. Dead-of-night and secretive taking of life that can’t withstand the light of day and accomplishes nothing awaits our collective rejection and abolishment.
Tags:death penalty, executions, justice, Missouri, prison, prison ministry, Social Justice
Posted in Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, politics, Prison Ministry | 1 Comment »
—∞—
If I am not for myself, then who will be for me?
And if I am only for myself, then what am I?
And if not now, when? – Hillel
Last evening, at the offender’s request, I was a ministerial witness to his execution. There were only two witnesses for him, and I was the only one who actually knew him. During the past 13 years, we had conversed countless times as I visited the prison where he lived. My role there is as an assistant chaplain.
From what I could tell, my eyes were the only ones he made contact with as he was lying on the gurney. He gave a half smile and a nod in response to my nod.
The above quote bubbled up as I reflect on this morning after.
Tags:death penalty, executions, personal, prison chaplain, prison ministry, Social Justice, spirituality, theology
Posted in Criminal Justice, Ministry, Personal, Prison Ministry, Social Justice, Spirituality | 4 Comments »
Whatever may be our vocation we are called to be witnesses and ministers of the Divine Mercy.
Thomas Merton
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In a dim light...