Mary van Balen

I was a young teenager when civil rights leader, Medgar Evers, was assassinated, shot in the back, while returning home from a community meeting. Fifty years ago, today. His widow, Myrlye Evers-Williams, reflected on the event saying, "We are cursed as human beings with this element that's called hatred, prejudice and racism," said Evers-Williams, now 80. "But it is my belief that, as it was Medgar's, that there is something good and decent in each and every one of us, and we have to call on that, and we have to find a way to work together."( "Quoted in June 11, 2013 AP article")

Today is also the birthday of Anne Frank, famous for her diary, discovered and published after she died in a Nazi concentration camp after surviving for two years in hiding along with members of her family during Nazi occupation of Amsterdam during WWII.

Both Evers and Frank believed that, as Anne Frank wrote, "In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart...I see the world gradually being turned into a wilderness...and yet if I look up into the heavens I think that is will all come right..."

A call to faith. A call to action. A call to work each in our own way, for the common good. Read More 

“THE WORLD IS GREAT WITH GOD” …Bl. Angela of Foligno




(Originally appeared in The Catholic Times, January 13, 2013 issue. © 2013 Mary van Balen)


When my column deadline approaches, I usually look to a number of places for inspiration. I check the Universalis site, one of my favorites, for an overview of the liturgical feasts that come immediately before and after the date of publication. I read morning and evening prayers of those days as well as the daily Mass readings. Sometimes, Mass readings for the Sunday following the column provide a topic. Current news also feeds the muse.

This column falls between two great feasts, Epiphany and Baptism of the Lord. Checking Universalis, I found today’s date surrounded by blanks on the liturgical calendar. No big saints around which to fashion a column. I plunged deeper, using another favorite prayer guide, “Give Us This Day,” published by Liturgical Press.

I found the introductory quote in the “Blessed Among Us” feature, written by Robert Ellsberg, author of “All Saints.” I knew nothing of Angela, a thirteenth century wife, mother, and mystic. A third order Franciscan, she gave herself to charitable works. Her phrase “The world is great with God,” spoke poignantly to me after having celebrated Christmas, when a teenaged woman, great with child, delivered her son.

I continued reading and praying through the week’s readings. Gospel after gospel told stories of Jesus caring for those around him, curing the sick and speaking to those who followed him hoping for words that would help them make sense of life and the world they in which they lived. He fed thousands from their own meager resources, love making them more than enough. Interrupting times of prayer to respond to people’s needs was his way, even walking across stormy seas to calm his disciples as well as the waves. And, when he arrived in his home territory, he went to the synagogue and read from Isaiah: He was here to proclaim liberty to the captives, to give sight to the blind, to grant freedom to the oppressed.

Clearly, Jesus saw the world “great with God” and embraced it. Read More 

Preparing to write my monthly column, I had read today's readings last week. As I sat in the pews at church and listened to them again, I couldn't help but be reminded of the campaigns that ended with re-electing President Obama last Tuesday. I know Jesus was not talking about election funding and stretching the story of the widow's mite to do that may draw criticism. So, I want to be clear that I am not attempting an interpretation of Scripture here. Just sharing what came to mind.

First, an obscene amount of money was spent on this election. I have heard an estimate of 2 billion. I don't know what the exact numbers are, but they are staggering and surely could have been put to better use.

Second, small amounts of money, small investments of time, one person, can make a difference. Over the past few days, a number of conservative spokesmen (most were men...) have pointed to a variety of reasons their candidate lost. Besides accusations of Obama suppressing the vote, hurricane Sandy derailing Romney's momentum, the 47% backing Obama, or the demise of the white majority, the claim has been made the liberals bought the election. (Huff Post Politics Nov. 11 article by Sabrina Siddiqui)

As I pictured a widow placing her two coins on the table beside much larger donations to the Temple treasury, I thought of the money spent on the presidential election. While I am not suggesting the the Democratic Party ran its campaigns solely on small amounts of money given by ordinary people, I do believe that much of their money was raised by small donations given by individuals.

I am proud that a coalition of many people and groups held together to make their voices heard on Tuesday. Big money could not buy the election...either way. People who stood in long lines, who rode buses to polling places, who chipped in $3 countless times when an email arrived in their inboxes, these people helped make the re-election of President Obama a reality. People who wanted their voices heard. The "ground game" involving countless people hitting the streets, making phone calls, driving people to polling places made a difference.

What happens next is more important.  Read More 

On Wednesday, the Nuns on the Bus arrived at the Democratic National Convention and one of them, Sister Simone Campbell, stood on the podium to remind those with ears to hear that the Romney/Ryan budget "failed a moral test," echoing the statement of the United States bishops.

Sister Simone, executive director of NETWORK, and a group of sisters traveled through nine states, spreading their message of concern about the budget adopted by the Republican party, a budget that would cause great harm to those most vulnerable in our country by cutting funding to programs that provide help to those who need it.

In light of the difficulties between the US Catholic Bishops and the members of the Leadership Council of Women Religious, some might have been surprised to hear Sister Campbell align herself with the bishops at the beginning of her remarks. However, on the issue of the Romney/Ryan budget, they agree. As Sister Campbell explained, despite Congressman Ryan's claim that "his budget reflects the principles of our shared Catholic faith," it would hurt those who live in poverty.

She shared poignant stories of individuals she met while on the bus tour: two young boys trying to care for a sick mother, a woman who died of cancer when loss of her job meant loss of health care, a man who depends on food stamps to help feed his family since his employer reduced his hours.

"I am my sister's keeper. I am my brother's keeper," she said.

"Whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me." Those are Jesus' words. Read More 

(Originally published in the Catholic Times, July 12, 2012 © 2012 Mary van Balen)

Wednesday, July 11 was the feast of Saint Benedict of Nursia. Before his birth in 480, the Roman Empire was crumbling and various barbarian tribes had invaded Italy. Benedict studied in Rome during a peaceful interlude, but paganism and deteriorating conditions of the city were too much for the young man who left the city and lived as a hermit for a while in Subiaco. His holiness attracted others and eventually, he consented to become an abbot for a group of monks.

This first experiment did not end well; the monks tried to poison him! But later, Benedict did shepherd a number of small monastic communities, eventually founding the monastery of Monte Cassino. Benedict is most famous for his Rule that guided the lives of the monks. He called it a rule for beginners, but it has become the foundation for most monastic rules in the West.

I have had the opportunity to live near one of the largest Benedictine Abbey’s in the country and spent time joining the monks in Liturgy of the Hours as well as Mass. Benedictine hospitality wraps around visitors and draws us in. After a few days, one becomes accustomed to the slow cadence of praying the Psalms, pausing at the end of each line regardless of punctuation, allowing God to slip into the hiatus.

I took time this morning to reread the Rule. Written so long ago, parts are no longer applicable, but for anyone desiring to grow closer to God, Benedict offers wisdom and guidance. In the Prologue, Benedict uses Scripture (He does so throughout as did Francis in his Rule.) to assure us of God’s desire for us, God’s loving Presence, and the Spirit’s voice speaking to all “…that have ears to hear.” Famously, Benedict’s Rule stresses moderation and flexibility. He aims to “…set down nothing harsh, nothing burdensome…” but “…a little strictness to amend faults and safeguard love.”  Read More 

Readers of this blog know I have found grace and renewal at Saint John's Abbey in Collegeville, MN, Saint Benedict's Monastery in St. Joseph, MN, and the Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical & Cultural Research. The three are closely related not only geographically but most importantly by their roots in Benedictine spirituality, and in the case ofthe monastery and abbey, the Rule of St. Benedict.

Benedict's Rule, while providing stability and orderly creative space to some in the tumultuous times in which he lived, continues to guide many who seek the same today.

In this morning's Huffington Post, St. Benedict vs Rugged Individualism, by Thomas Worcester, offers thoughts on the Rule's relevance for current political debates on healthcare and immigration.

Today the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Saint Benedict, Abbot. I celebrate it, too, rereading some of the Rule, wearing the new St. Benedict Jubilee medal I bought while attending a writing workshop at the Institute last month, and intentionally living the day with the famous Benedictine balance of work, prayer, recreation, and study.

One day this June, while leaving the Abbey church there after morning prayer, I saw buzz of activity around a newly installed statue of Benedict. Sculpted by Br. David Paul OSB, Benedict holds a book and quill and is surrounded by more books and manuscripts. A large raven or crow stands at the saint's feet. Often thought of as a bad omen or a harbinger of death, the crow has a brighter side, and even has a place on the jubilee medal. In Christian lore it can symbolize Divine Providence, bringing food to saints who, for one reason or another , are spending time alone in deserted places. Elijah, for example. Or Benedict.  Read More 

“With all its faults, I am still grateful that I live in this country,” my daughter said as we shared breakfast. “I mean, when I wake up I might wonder how hot it is, or what I should wear when I go outside. I don’t wonder if, once I venture outside my house, if I will return safely. Or return at all. Literally.”

Justin, also visiting for the weekend agreed. “Thanks for Justice Roberts. And you likely won’t hear me say that again!” He laughed. Roberts’ unexpected “yes” vote kept Obama’s healthcare reform alive, and despite Republican posturing and promises to overturn the decision or repeal the healthcare act, they will not achieve their end through physical violence. Read More 

Today is the feast of Saint Katharine Drexel, daughter of one of the wealthiest families in the United States in her lifetime. She was born in 1858 into the wealthy banking family, one of three daughters. When her father died, she, along with her sisters, inherited 90% of his fortune (He had tithed the rest to charitable organizations.)

Katharine shocked the world by founding an order to serve Black and Native Americans. While in some ways politically incorrect by today's standards, she was a woman ahead of her time. She used her fortune to establish schools across the country, including Xavier University of Louisiana. Still in operation today, it was one of the first all black colleges and it trained many teachers who then worked in the schools Katharine founded.

Today, we can look at her example of using what she was given, both her natural talents, spiritual gifts, and monetary resources, for the common good. High society was scandalized by her choices and when she entered a religious order, her decision was front page news.

Almsgiving is a traditional Lenten discipline. Katharine's life challenges us to take a deep look at our own. How do we use our gifts? How do we respond to the poor and marginalized of our time?

Katharine's life story is interesting as is that of her family. Check out my biography of Katharine and other resources to learn more about her journey. Read More 

"And it's a chance to step back for a moment, for us to come together as brothers and sisters and seek God's face together. At a time when it's easy to lose ourselves in the rush and clamor of our own lives, or get caught up in the noise and rancor that too often passes as politics today, these moments of prayer slow us down. They humble us. They remind us that no matter how much responsibility we have, how fancy our titles, how much power we think we hold, we are imperfect vessels. We can all benefit from turning to our Creator, listening to Him. Avoiding phony religiosity, listening to Him." from President Obama's National Prayer Breakfast Address

This morning I happened to be at home when President Obama addressed those assembled for the National Prayer Breakfast. I was drinking a cup of tea and preparing my own breakfast when the news channel began live coverage of the event. I sat down and listened. The opening remarks cited above reminded me of how I have become caught up in the busyness of life and have not taken time to slow down in prayer often enough. If the president can begin his day with prayer and a little Scripture, certainly I can do the same.

The past week an good friend of forty years (can't be!) came by for a visit. We rarely see one another and squeezed in a lot of catching up in the couple of hours remaining until I needed to leave for work. At one point in the conversation she said, "I don't have the time that I used to have to just pray. To just be still and pray. I need that." Read More 

Today's headlines include an AP article about the increase of poverty in the US. According to census figures, 1 in 2 people in the US are poor or low income. The figures are not surprising since the economy has been struggling for years, and government programs that act as safety nets have been decreased. My job, fulltime at a large department store, would put me in the low income range even though I work 35-39 hours per week. It does provide good benefits, and many of those who work there are not the sole income earners for themselves or their families. Still, I am blessed to have other sources of revenue to supplement my pay check. All are not so fortunate.

I am well educated and have a wide variety of experience and a strong social network that gives me support. What about those who have less education? Who have young children to support? Who are single parents? Who have been out of work for years? If I had difficulty finding a job, imagine the plight of so many others. As I said, the figures were not surprising.

What bothered me in the article was a comment by Robert Rector, a research fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation. He questioned whether those classified as poor or low-income in the census report actually suffered material hardship. He thinks the safety-net governmental programs offered to such people have been overdone. His rationale? Some of them have cars, decent sized homes, and widescreen TVs. Read More