Icon of Franz Jagerstatter

The local newspaper, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today printed my letter to the editor. It was about the use of violent language — suspects are ‘thugs’, punishment is ‘justice served’ — by the media and government officials. They did some minor editing, removing their name and a public official’s name who used violent language. They also wrote a headline “Language can breed violence” that does not fit the message, but I am glad they printed it even though they are one of the media that use violent language.

As I become more aware of how deeply the culture of violence pervades our country and individuals, including myself, I could become more pessimistic about our society. However, with the help of the garden, children, friends and family with a deep faith I can stay positive.

I watched tonight a new video on Franz Jägerstätter, a man of conscience who was not afraid to say No to an unjust war even though it cost him his life. Reading from the letters of Franz in prison you see a man at peace even though he was losing a chance to see his wife and four daughters. Franz certainly lived in a ‘culture of violence’ in Germany during World War II but by his deep faith kept his peace of mind and spoke ‘truth to power’ not so much by words as by his deeds. I need to add Franz to my Wall of Saints.

Today I found out that a friend who had joined us in our resistance to the departments of military at Marquette teaching military values over conscience was now working for Marquette’s Center for Peacemaking that refuses to recognize Marquette’s involvement in promoting war and a culture of violence. Another person to add to my prayer list.

I picked some more flowers from the rain garden to bring into the house. The beauty of nature is certainly a comforting way to keep hope in a culture of violence.

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