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The big issues play themselves out. Even the players in the big arena have little effect on outcomes. #politics #art

(C) copyright
IMAGE: Pizzaonius addressing novitate monks on the need for small acts of kindness. All images from the Pizzaonian Art Institute collection, Abe Staction,curator

 

The most difficult part of the era we live in is to accept the fact that events have a life of their own and will play themselves out with little help from us.  This may sound pessimistic to most, but this has been the way of events since we began our human journey on this mortal coil. 

Human fraility and egos being what they are, we have a need to believe we can make difference.  If this makes life easier for you - continue to believe it, but always be aware this may well be an illusion. 

If we have no effect on the big issues, what do we affect?  For one, we can make positive changes to ourselves.  Working on ourselves and changing for the better is something most of us take for granted.  We usually presume in our insulated ego existences that someone else causes our problems. This is our folly when we do so. 

The big issues play themselves out.  Even the players in the big arena have little effect on outcomes.  The redeeming feature in our American system is the system itself.  It survives by allowing the powers to be to refuse to die. Eventually this means creating an  economy that allows all to live well.

This is not altruistic.  Spreading the wealth allows the top to survive. When economic events become bad enough the process of renewal begins. It is the cycle of our economic and spiritual existence. It works repeatedly and has from the beginning. 

What then can you do?  For one, weed your own garden.  Most of the good in this world is the combined small acts of good that create their own karma.  This may not sound like much, but it is all you have. 

So when you despair of the larger events of this world, do some small good around you.  It does not have to be a big deal. Any small act of kindness will do.  Then let go and enjoy the moment.  You might be surprised at the result.

Pizzaonious, founder of Pizzaonia (commenting on life in the United States)

Pizzaonian Art Institute - Photo of annual Pizzaonian Christian Atheist Coalition #art #lifestyle

Photo of the annual meeting of the Pizzaonian Christian Atheist Coalition

General Assembly meeting of delegates (Opening meeting, Pizzaonius IV presiding.) (c) copyright

All images are from the private collection of the PIZZAONIAN ART INSTITUTE - Contact Abe Straction, curator, for more information" Pizzaonian@yahoo.com     copyright - (C) all rights are the exclusive property of the Pizzaonian Art Institute and images cannot be reproduced without written permission.

 

#art - PIZZAONIAN EASTER, By Pizzaonius, founder of Pizzaonia,cira 323 PET

By Pizzaonius, Pizzaonian Easter, cira 325 Pizzaonian Entenial Time

All images are from the private collection of the PIZZAONIAN ART INSTITUTE - Contact Abe Straction, curator, for more information" Pizzaonian@yahoo.com     copyright - (C) all rights are the exclusive property of the Pizzaonian Art Institute and images cannot be reproduced without written permission.

Pizzaonian Institute on Worldonian (aka United States) affairs will address issues from the perspective of portalized Pizzaonians.

Sister Veronica announced today a new seminar series on Worldonian affairs to inform Pizzaonians of the increasing influence of Worldonia on Pizzaonian lifestyles.

"Since we exist in a beta-world country that survives without government or wars we feel it is important to keep Pizzaonians informed on developments in Worldonia, especially from the perspective of the differences in our two cultures," said Supreme Pizzaonian, Sister Veronica

Increased portalization has become an issue with many Pizzaonians who feel that Worldonian influences are seriously eroding Pizzaonian culture.  This tension is new to Pizzaonia, a culture famous for its inclusiveness of all ethnicities and religions. Pizzaonian Monasteries are well known for their diversity and includes atheist monks among its many members.

The series will include a number of editorials from former Supreme Pizzaonian, Brother Giovanni, Head master of all Monasteries, Brother Franco, Monk Giorgio DiAugustino, Head of Bakery Operations and representative of pizza conglomerate, Pizza digogo DiVinci, and Sister Veronica, Supreme Pizzaonian.

“Many of our subjects will be considered controversial and could cause concern in both worlds; however, each contributor is free to write on any subject they choose, and we look forward to their comments," concluded Sister Veronica.

 

Submitted by Pizzaonian New Network, PNN

Brother Franco to rededicate the Miracle Margarita Pizza to all Pizzaonians: First letter to the Pizzaonians

Storm clouds on the Pizzaonian horizon .......

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FROM:  MONASTERY PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE

Contact:  Publicio Relationio at the Monastery office of Public Relations at Pizzaonian@yahoo.com

SUBJECT: Brother Franco to rededicate the Miracle Margarita Pizza to all Pizzaonians:   Anniversary of First Letter to the Pizzaonians 

My fellow and beloved Pizzaonians, 

I am proud and honored to rededicate myself as headmaster.  I am pledged to serve you and never to lose sight of the Pizzaonian mission to discover our humanity in the creative symbol of Pizza. 

To that end, I ask you to stand firm in your faith.  We live in a perilous time and find ourselves challenged to defend our moral and spiritual principles. As our beta-world becomes more connected to the real world, we face the ultimate test of our faith. 

I am convinced that large scale portalization is inevitable. Our challenge is to be true to our ecumenical concepts despite the pervasive influence of the narrow and myopic views of our real world neighbors. 

To that end, we must simplify our beliefs so that we can be more persuasive in our example of holy and humanistic life styles. To accomplish this I will continue to focus our attention and energy on the production of the most simple and elegant pizza of them all, the Margarita. 

Our Miracle Margarita is an inspired food handed to us by our Creator.  In our alliance with Pizza digogo DiVinci and the continued inspirational direction of our advertising agency, John Frank Associates, I know we are moving with the hand of Providence on the tiller. 

We are blessed by the support of our sister monk and Supreme Pizzaonian, Sister Veronica.  We pray that our Creator will continue to bless her inspired leadership. 

The road ahead will be hard and I ask again  for continued sacrifice from all Pizzaonians including myself.  However, never forget, we are blessed with the presence of our Miracle Pizzas as a reminder of our providential mission. 

My blessing upon all Pizzaonians everywhere. 

Brother Franco

Reduced cattle flatulence secret to Pizza digogo DiVinci's Miracle Mozzarella Pizza!

Monastery gardens adjacent to diary pastures 

Released as a public service to all Pizza lovers everywhere

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FROM:  MONASTERY PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE

Contact:  Publicio Relationio. PR Director, Pizzaonian News Network, Pizzaonian@yahoo.com 

Pizzaonians to market Pizzaonian Miracle Margarita Pizza as the purest, organic pizza produced.

Former Pizzaonian Bakery Chief, Sister Veronica,(now Supreme Pizzaonian) who rose to fame with her discovering of the Brother Timothy miracle pizza apparitions, claimed today the mozzarella cheese now being produced from the monastery dairy herds is the richest and creamiest mozzarella ever made. 

She attributes this to the reduced cattle flatulence produced by the herds when the monastery decided to apply for the coveted “es” designation administered by the ICPM.  In order to be awarded this rare designation, the monastery had to cut in half all ammonia and nitrogen emissions released by their cows.  After a long and persistent effort, this was successfully accomplished at the end of last year.

“There is no doubt about it, our cheese is the creamiest mozzarella ever made. Our new Pizzaonian Margarita Pizza is the purest organic pizza produced in the beta-world,” said Sister Veronica.

She also added a very pleasant side benefit is the reduced aroma now coming from the monastery cattle pastures.

 

We seem to accept the absurdity of life today without so much as a second look.

OBSERVATIONS FROM A PORTALIZED* PIZZAONIAN AMERICAN ON OUR AMERICAN LIFESTYLE …

 

Do things make sense anymore?  Have we reached the point in our evolution that it is no longer necessary to have life make some sense?  On the other, did it ever -  or was that simply a comfortable illusion?

Regardless, we seem to accept the absurdity of life today without so much as a second look. 

Here are four of our commonly accepted absurdities: 

We expect our elected officials to be bought.  It is so common we now participate in the process by helping our side buy the election.  We don’t seriously question the process; it is easier to go along and see if your side can make the best offer.  If you are lucky you might buy a qualified candidate - but that is only a plus if it happens. 

Life is supposed to be hectic.  Where did that come from – probably by employers who pay by the hour?  Frenzied lifestyles are now a national disease with no let up in sight. 

What you do is important.  I guess we need this absurdity to give our lives meaning.  No question we are important to some people.  However, we need to keep our perspective on what the real issues are and how to deal with them.  There are too many things to die for today.  Try to cut the list down to three or four if you can. 

The need to clutter your life with unnecessary things. This absurdity is necessary to make our economy work.  I know many of the things we collect are fun for a while, but necessary?  I don’t need to name them for you.  Just look around and they will be everywhere. 

That’s enough for awhile.  I will leave you with this saying from our ancient Pizzaonian sage, Pizzaonius, founder of Pizzaonia. 

“There is no fool more dangerous than the fool who becomes king.” 

Brother Giovanni

 

*Since Pizzaonia is a beta-country, immigration is by portalization only.  Portalization is an energy field that transports matter as energy particles.

“Supposedly, people believe in me, and when I show up they think we are all crazy.” Another letter from Jesus http://giovanniandfranco.com

Just received this letter from Jesus and wanted to share it with you.  Brother Giovanni

Giovanni, 

I am sorry for being away so long without writing.  I have spent some time on the east coast of the United States and I am now heading west again. 

I am told our visits and exchange of letters is causing some problems for you.  Amazing, so many folks supposedly believe in me, and then when I show up, they think we are all crazy.  Get used to it.  

This God thing gets a little weary at times.  Somehow, expectations have been created that leaves everything to me and no one else.  What else is new?  It has been this way from the beginning. 

And what about this self-righteousness that seems to go on with all spirituality, particularly in the United States?  

All of your so-called religions, organized or not, believe they hold some divine right to the truth. Ironically, even those who believe there is no truth act as if they have been divinely inspired!

Where did all this come from?  As for Christianity, any resemblance to what we started to what is here now is coincidental at best. 

And your politics - the blind eye each side has for its glaring faults makes religious intolerance look mild in comparison. 

Forgive my complaining, but my human side cannot resist. Give me the Italians every time. Their faithful and passionate indifference is inspiring compared to what I find here. 

It is easy to see why Gabriel is anxious to blow his horn. It is hard to believe, but if I may say so, it might just take a God to straighten this all out. 

Have to go now. Thanks for the chance to vent.  I am looking forward to stopping in the smaller, rural towns - gives me a chance to calm down before the Christmas rush.  Till next time … your friend, 

Jesus

Christian relevance - real or myth? - and how would we know anyway?

11/8/11

The most difficult concept for Christians to accept emotionally is the need for equal relevance.  We live in a culture where we feel the constant need to make a difference, to be relevant and to find meaning. 

As a Christian, certainly not one as often described from a secular church perspective, but more from the authentic vision of the itinerant carpenter that we choose to worship, we are as heirs to the kingdom, already as relevant as we need to be. 

Now this is difficult to accept emotionally, from the perspective of self, and from the perspective of how we choose to see everyone else in the world.  Because if I am relevant simply by being, so is everyone else.  And by everyone, it means everyone, from the homeless beggar to the President.  Now where does that leave us?  I believe as equals regardless of position or station.  And this is where the trouble begins. 

Most of us are agreeable to the notion that we are equals in a spiritual way.  Equally relevant in this world, I think not.    Judging from the state of Christianity today, I think somehow we have missed the central Christian point of equal relevance for all. 

Which leads to another issue and that is the question of how important is Jesus in today’s world.  To paraphrase Andrew Greeley from his book, the Jesus Myth, if Jesus is not relevant to society at large today it is nothing new.  After all, Jesus was not very relevant to the society he lived in.  They did crucify him as a common criminal.

 So somewhere along the way the notion of relevance and meaning, as defined from the original Christian perspective, became seriously perverted.  It has been said many times, the Good News is simply too good to believed.  

The idea that to love your God and to love your neighbor as yourself takes care of everything else, including making your life immediately relevant and meaningful, is simply too simplistic to be real.  Then again, how would we know?  Judging from the state of the world most of us have never tried it.

 

Brother Giovanni “thoughts while “hanging out with Jesus”

One caveat: If you feel your spiritual belief system is the Truth because it seems inclusive, you are already suspect.

Conjectures of a recovering dilettante – the insidious nature of spiritual belief systems.

 

I wonder how many of us are aware how we try to a make ourselves elite through our spiritual and religious beliefs.  This can be a very insidious form of spiritual malaise because it always masked itself as a virtue. 

Symptoms of Spiritual Elitism. 

     You feel superior because of your beliefs.  Any belief system that makes you better than everyone else should be suspect. 

      You are not willing to explore the sameness that all belief systems share, particularly those that make you the most uncomfortable. 

      You believe you have found the Truth and there is no other way. 

Many will wonder why anything is wrong with feeling strongly about each symptom I have listed. 

I would suggest that spiritual belief systems by their very nature should be inclusive not exclusive.  If they are not, some serious introspection is in order. 

One caveat:  If you feel your spiritual belief system is the Truth because it seems inclusive, you are already suspect.

 

Brother Giovanni -- from a memo sent to all novitiate monks