Jesus and Justice

 

In the 100th Year Anniversary issue of the New Yorker there is a thoughtful, compelling article by the Texas based journalist and novelist Lawrence Wright. He goes deep into the story of how a group of nuns met and formed a bond with women on Texas death row.  The title Sisterhood gives us a clue about Wright’s broad lens.

Both groups soon realized how similar were their lives of absence and confinement.  The nuns and the prisoners accepted and were willing to learn from one another,  Nice story.  But Wright has more to tell.

The trip to death row is a dark one.  These women are young or have been inside for a long time.  So, the chaos, cruelty and physical damage came fast.  Waiting for them was a twisted

“criminal justice” system.  Lawyers who didn't know what they were doing or didn't care. Botched or fabricated evidence.  Prosecutors who amped up the crime to almost gleefully go for the big one: the death penalty.

Here’s the question that haunts me:  Do we have to live lives of silent contemplation removed from family, work, sex and love to be able to connect with the “other”?  Or does ambition, competition, greed, and “worldliness” keep us in a lonely place?

Time Stands Still

For my baseball class I’m reading an essay by the great Roger Angell. He is sitting next to an old, old timer at a college game.  His companion had pitched for thirteen years in the Majors when the White Sox were black and Ty Cobb was celebrated for his hitting.

As they watch, the veteran reacts to the play on the field and talks about the memories it invokes.  The game is large enough for both.

I’m an old timer now too.  And, I’m watching what’s happening on the field of play.  To our country and our world.  I remember the days I could march, could work for social justice organizations, could cherish Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie.  Imagine.  My life has turned out to be large enough for both.

So many years…and time stands still.  

 

Damn the Torpedos...

Just like they're in the process of explaining the universe, physics figured it out.  And, of course, the Yankees figured it out.  If you change a few places on the bat, it's got a greater chance of getting the ball out of the park.  

OK physics.  I respect you.  But please don't mess with what we love about the game.  Beating out the bunt.  Nailing the runner at the plate with a great throw from center field.  Executing a double play or even a double steal.  And yes, the occasional home run.You get the idea.  The moments you never saw coming when you jump up from your seat in the bleachers or your couch at home. 

Yesterday, the Sox sent Martin Perez to the mound in his first time with the team.  He was pitching six no hit innings when they took him out. Analytics said his time was up.  Wouldn't it have been great if he had gone all the way?