To the Journal editor:

Daily we read of evil, pain, violence, immorality, destruction and death. Programs and politicians continually proffer means to curtailing the above, yet we only seem to reap more of the same. War, the basest of human answers to disagreements and injustices, does little more than sow seeds for future wars.

The only true and perfect answer is the pure prayer that nourishes an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. In Matthew 6:6 Jesus invites us “to go into a private place, close the door, pray to our Father secretly, and our Father who knows all secrets will reward us.”

The secret place is our hearts. What happens in that secret place of contemplation is that we come face to face with Jesus and the reward is profound change and intimate relationship. We take on Jesus’ wisdom, compassion and grace and what unfolds in us ultimately unfolds in those around us, change that nourishes renewal and reconciliation rather than furthering regression and retribution.

But we have to be willing to make the journey to the secret place.

An excellent way to begin is to identify a time and place where, for twenty minutes early in the morning and again later in the day, we can silently whisper in our heart, and with each breath, “Jesus, Jesus” or “Abba, Abba” or “Father, Father.”

At some point we begin to experience changes in relationships: first with self, then with others, then with God. And what unfolds in us unfolds in the world around us.

In the beginning I thought, “I cannot afford that kind of time commitment.” Now, having made the journey to the secret place I would not give it up for anything.

Evil is never neutral: it increases or decreases. But so, if nourished, do goodness, truth, justice, compassion and the rest of their family.

What do we want for ourselves, our children and grandchildren and all who follow? Are we willing to commit to the journey and experience the rewards of the secret place? Or, will we stand aside and consent to continually increasing levels of violence, injustice, immorality, war, retribution and all of that mob?

The only true and perfect answer is the pure prayer nourishing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

Chuck Tooman

Marquette