Spending time this Advent with Mary, and women in general, we can discover women are powerful. We would not know that power from today’s Old Testament reading. It promotes atonement, meaning it promotes “sin” and “guilt.” The Gospel reading does not promote atonement but does address it. It does so via John in the desert … Continue reading “Women Are Powerful”
Category: Communion
Women Are Adventurers
If we spend time this Advent with Mary, and women in general, what might we discover? Today’s Advent readings lend themselves to discovering women are adventurers. The Old Testament addresses “wanderers”, but it is a rebuke. People have wandered far from their family of origin, the tribe with its law and traditions. Such ventures prove … Continue reading “Women Are Adventurers”
Changing the Narrative
The stories of the Old Testament are replete with militarism’s warriors and their glory. That truth is reflected in this Sunday’s Psalm, “Who is this king of glory? The Lord, strong, mighty in battle.” (#24) That narrative changes with the Gospel which tells us the story of a baby, Jesus, and his parents, Mary and … Continue reading “Changing the Narrative”
Called to Community
Jesus is filled with the Holy Spirit. In the midst of rulers who spawn division and hatred, Jesus is on a Spirited mission for community and love. “As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew.” “He said to them, “Come after … Continue reading “Called to Community”
Journeys of Holy Families
An angel said to Joseph in a dream, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod… is searching for the child to destroy him.” Who would want to destroy a child? What must be the anguish, the horror to be a parent who fears for … Continue reading “Journeys of Holy Families”
Inside Edition: Joseph
I think sometimes I shall never have a son. I’ve wondered why I am forsaken. I am forsaken of my legacy, a bestowing of my self, my property to an heir. How then shall I live on? How shall I show I made a difference in this world? What will be my mark, if my … Continue reading “Inside Edition: Joseph”
Inside Edition: Prophets
My senses bring in so much. I see the beauty of people and the verdant landscape. I see too their suffering and its depletion. I hear words of love spoken and laughter exclaimed. I hear too the cry of the poor their sobbing cascading. I feel the softness of skin and flowers. I feel too … Continue reading “Inside Edition: Prophets”
Inside Edition: Mary
I have wondered if I am all alone in these feelings. Is it only me who feels suffocated? I struggle to breathe in this enclosure the world constructs for me. It feels like a tomb. They lay me in it from early on and expect I shall live in it, forever. But there is no … Continue reading “Inside Edition: Mary”
Inside Edition: Baby Jesus
Lately, I’ve had the sense I’m upside down. No one has told me this, I just have the sense I am. Shall I be so forever? Will this existence here be my existence forever? Shall this home be my only home? I think not. I can conceive of so much more, for I keep changing. … Continue reading “Inside Edition: Baby Jesus”
Elder Esteem
Why does Jesus tell followers to lessen esteem for their parents? In today’s Gospel he says, “If anyone comes to me without hating father and mother…they cannot be my disciple.” Jesus is undoing the esteem given for worldly position. Unfortunately, Paul, in the second reading reasserts such esteem and thus reasserts its paternalism and slavery. … Continue reading “Elder Esteem”