Controversy....

It's been a while since I've had time to blog, and since something really struck me in a way that really pushed me to say something, but I've been reading about this issues with the Vatican and the nuns in America.  I just read an article that said some things that both angered me and encouraged me. You can read the full article here http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/nuns-accused-of-promoting-radical-feminist-themes-1395883.html?showComments=true&page=2&more_comments=false
There are two things about this controversy that really bother me. One is that so many people are so quick to accuse the Vatican of doing the wrong thing.  The other is that there seems to be quite a few people within the clergy and the religious that are rallying people against the Vatican and to their purpose.

First of all, the Vatican has a job to do.  There have been times, many times, that the Pope and the Bishops have been accused of NOT acting quick enough or pushing things aside.  Fair enough...but when they DO choose to act accordingly, they are criticized for that, too.  With this situation, there has to be an action.  Anytime an organization speaks against or teaches aside from the Church, it is the job of the Vatican to find out what's going on and how can they fix it. It is no great secret that Catholicism has a structure. Everyone is so quick to revel in the glory of the Church when all is well, but at the first sign of friction the Vatican is being unfair.
Secondly, it is absurd that these nuns are publicly speaking against the Church and making such an issue of this that people will be lead astray and will leave the Church as a result. Should they have a voice? Yes, but they should be a bit more tactful in how they use it. The way to petition for positive change within the Church isn't to rally people against the Church itself.  That was part of the problem in the 1500's when Martin Luther presented his theses against indulgences.  The Church was willing to listen...until he began teaching and pulling people against the Church. There has to be a line drawn. Everyone should know what the Church teaches about contraception, homosexuality, etc.  It is also important to know why they teach what they teach. It is very enlightening, and, in the case of birth control, very much in favor of the female.  You see, we live in such a materialistic and relativistic society that people are so "it's all about me" that they can't see past it long enough to find out what is really best for them.

As with any issue of authority, there will always be people who want to push the limit and speak out against it. In some ways, that is a good thing, but there should be a level of respect. When you say things like this guy...John Richardson of Dayton said he feels ashamed, at times, of being Catholic: “The Vatican and current Pope have destroyed the Catholic Church with their treatment of nuns, not adapting where appropriate, protection of pedophiles, and a blind eye to urban Catholics.” 

Not adapting where appropriate? Sure, let's adapt to society and do away with our teachings on the dignity of life...why? Because it's all about me.

We Are the Brothers and Sisters

"The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house.   
Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him.
A crowd seated around him told him,
"Your mother and your brothers and your sisters
are outside asking for you."
But he said to them in reply,
"Who are my mother and my brothers?"
And looking around at those seated in the circle he said,
"Here are my mother and my brothers.
For whoever does the will of God
is my brother and sister and mother."-Mk 3:31-35

This passage used to make me crazy.  First of all, before becoming Catholic, I was taught that this was proof of the fact that Mary had other children after Jesus (along with passages that call James Jesus' brother).  Aside from that, it seemed almost mean to me.  I would read it and think, "Wow, he totally just blasted his mother and family."  And then, of course, as a Protestant, there was that problematic statement about doing the will of God.  You know, with the understanding of "once saved always saved" and "faith alone" I was good to go regardless of doing God's will.  

Now, I almost chuckle when I think of how much it used to bother me, because today, reading this passage, I rejoiced!  It seemed so fitting to me that this reading was  chosen along with the Old Testament reading of David dancing before the ark, and praising God with the people.  David's joy was in being a child of God and doing his will.  Shouldn't ours be the same?  

In today's Gospel, Jesus gives us a big clue into that, and into how to be sons and daughters of God.  First of all, Jesus wasn't being mean, he was using the introduction of his family to make a point.  As a teacher, we call those "teachable moments."  Jesus was the master teacher, so of course he used whatever came along to his advantage in his teaching.  Secondly, in the Jewish tradition, anyone who is related to you, and often even those who live within your community, are called your brothers and sisters.  This is something that many people still do today.  There is absolutely no proof that Mary ever had other children.  As a matter of fact, there is actually more that proof that she didn't!  And last, Jesus wanted us to be his brothers and sisters as well.  

When he teaches that "whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother," what he is saying is that he wants all of us to be adopted sons and daughters of God.  How do we do that? We obey God's will.  We accept the gift of grace and faith, and we allow God to work through us.  Faith alone? No.  I think not.  Jesus NEVER taught faith alone.  He taught that we are to "do" and to "obey" and most important to "love."  What good are teaching and commandments  if they aren't necessary.  Jesus didn't say "do this because it is the nice thing to do."  

So now, when I read this passage from Mark, I rejoice. Why? Because I now understand that what Jesus wants is me as his sister.  That he is leading me to do God's will so that I might share in the inheritance of the Kingdom along with him and the saints that have gone before us.  There is no greater joy.

Enlightened by Dogs

I was watching my dogs sleeping on my bed just now. I reached down to pick up my hoodie that Lulu was resting on, and she barely opened her eyes to see what I was doing. Both of them lie curled up on my bed in the warmth of the house.  They are both well fed, healthy, clean, and pretty well trained.  Each of them has their own  blanket, and we have three dog beds in various spots in the house for their comfort (in addition to sharing the bed and couch with them).  I was kissing them on the heads and telling them how much I could stay home and curl up with them instead of getting ready for work, when I had an epiphany.
The thought crossed my mind, "What I really want is a dog's life..." and realized something.  What I provide for my dogs, is everything God wants for us.  I know that may sound crazy, but hang with me on this for a minute.  Fellow animal lovers will know exactly what I'm talking about!  We love our animals unconditionally, we provide everything they need to be warm, safe, and healthy.  My dogs are so secure in my love for them, that I can run in the room and jump on the bed, and they both barely move to see why.  They know I won't hurt them, I protect them.  Even though I have to be the disciplinarian, they trust me in my love for them.  Is this not exactly who God wants to be for us? He promises us his unconditional love.  He begs us to have faith in this love enough to know that no matter what scary things come along, he is right there to protect us He may have to allow us to be taught something from time to time, but He does it lovingly and we should trust enough in his love to accept the "training" and be better people. He has given us everything on this earth that we need to be fed, warm, healthy, safe, and happy.  People who love their animals like I love mine, are really only providing the basic necessities of life for them, and we add love to the equation and it becomes phenomenal.  That is what happens when we open ourselves to God's love.  The basics of life become something fantastic.
My dogs enlightened me today to the fact that what God really wants for us is a "dog's life."

Being called...too bad God doesn't text

This week's theme, for me, has been all about being called.  During class, we have been discussing the call of St. Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.  Paul was an avid and well taught Jew.  He was a persecutor of the Christian church, and on his way to Damascus he was knocked off his horse by a vision of Jesus. Jesus called Paul to bring the gospel to the Gentiles.  Some things changed about him then. He was baptized as a Christian, he no longer persecuted Christians, he left his home in Jerusalem to travel throughout "the world" to teach the Gentiles. But he was still Paul. He was still a Jew.  He was still the same man, but with a new perspective and a mission.
Today's readings focus on being called.  The Old Testament reading tells the story of Samuel sleeping in the temple, and hearing someone call his name. Finally, upon realizing it is the Lord, he answers, "here I am."
In the Gospel reading, Jesus is calling his disciples.  When Simon comes to him, he gives him a new name, Cephas (Peter).  He is still the same man, but now he has a calling and, eventually, a very strong mission.
What is awesome about all of these stories, is that these people heard and/or saw the the Lord.  Bam! There he was, calling them to be in service to Him. Today's calls aren't always so easy, are they?
How many people do you know that can say, "I saw Jesus, and he said my mission was...." or "Yeah, I was sitting there, and clear as day I heard God say..."? Now, I'm not saying it doesn't happen. It still does, but it is not the rule, it is the exception. However, it is those stories that make us stop and go, "Wait...why haven't I been called to anything important?" How do you know you haven't? Are you listening?
Think about it...would you notice? With everything we have going on in our lives today to distract us from the one thing we should be focused on the most, how would we hear it? We have cell phones, tablets, flat screen tv's, satellite radio, ipods, computers, video games, etc. in our face and blaring in our ears 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Sometimes, I realize that just sitting in my home during the day it can be so loud!  And I don't just mean noise, I mean overall distraction.  We don't hear God calling, because we don't ever stop allowing ourselves to be distracted! When we pray, it is all about us...what we want, what our plan is...how we want God to work in our lives.  That doesn't work.  He isn't going to listen and text you later with an answer.  God isn't going to email you your task.  You have to stop. You have to shut up, and shut out the world around you.  God will speak, he will lead, and if you don't listen, he will find a way to get through, but will you notice?
We should all be praying for God to speak to us and through us. We should be waiting for that call, because it will come.  We may not be called to go out to other countries, or to be another Mother Theresa, but our mission will be just as important, or he wouldn't call us to it. So, listen, and when you hear God call you, answer "Here I am."

Ordaining Women? Good Grief...

I have been hearing a lot of buzz in the last few years about this issue of "why can't women be ordained as deacons?" First of all, I will begin by saying that I don't know the "legality" of that issue within the church, but I do know that so far it is something that the church will not do, and that decision is based on years of tradition and scriptural understanding (as far as I know.) That really isn't the issue to me. The issue is this: Why, women, is there this constant need to prove somehow that "if a man can do it, so can we"? Let's get over it, please! I mean, really. Think about it.
God made men and he made women. If there wasn't a difference, and if there didn't need to be, he would not have created two distinct genders. Some may say that he "had" to for reproductive purposes. Ok, fine. But he is GOD. HE created the reproductive process. If there didn't need to be a difference, he wouldn't have created us that way!
Secondly, let me bring in another perspective. Why is our role in the church not enough? Do you think that Mother Theresa didn't make a big enough impact because she wasn't a priest? Look at the long list of saints who are women who did amazing things for the kingdom. Look at the women in your parish who lead various ministries and teach in various capacities. Are they not influential because they aren't wearing a collar?
What it really boils down to, I think, is pride. It has become a "women's rights" issue that has only to do with certain women feeling that they have been cheated. It has nothing to do with a God given call or desire to be in priestly ministry. It has nothing to do with what is best for the communities. It has EVERYTHING to do with women feeling some sort of personal need to fill and official role of power. Not at all different than that of being CEO or President. The deaconate and the priesthood have become another leadership position that isn't "fair" because women can't be there.
Is it not enough that we are mothers? We are the nurturing ones in the community. We are those that are called on at this point for almost every aspect of ministry within our church communities. Look around you. Who really has the most influence in your parish on a day to day level? It isn't an issue of it being a "man's world". It is an issue of it being God's world, and he has given us each our differences so that we can be strong together. Men and women were meant to work in a way that is compatible and in a way that allows us to take advantages of each other's strengths. There are numerous communities of women religious throughout the world that need members. Join them, teach in a more active capacity in your parish or archdiocese.  Get involved in Catholic Charities.  Believe me, if what you are feeling is a "call" to dedicated lifelong ministry, there are PLENTY of places you can be where the difference you will make is huge.
Let's stop wasting time, money, and energy whining about what we "aren't allowed" to do, and start working in the capacity God intended for us so that we can be who he made us to be.

Keeping the Commandments

How often do we hear passages from scripture that tell us to follow the commandments...to keep to the teachings? Today's reading from I John tells us quite plainly what we must do to have "the truth" in us. Not only how we can know, but also how others will know. I often have the debate with some of my Christian friends that nothing is necessary on our part, because Jesus paid the price and sealed the deal for us. While it is absolutely true that Jesus paid the price, and that he is the "expiation" for our sins, it is also true that we have to do something! It is not something we have the ability to do on our own, or something we can do to earn heaven, but what we do to show that we have placed Jesus as the Lord of our life. How does it happen? How do we keep the commandments when we can't will ourselves to do it? We put Jesus in front of ourselves...we ask for his unending grace...we acknowledge that we can't, but that, through his love, we can and will.

In the Beginning

The Bible begins with these three words, "In the beginning..." I think it is a great way to start a story. Of course, we are more accustomed to "Once upon a time..." I think it is interesting to think of the difference between the two. You could begin any story with "Once upon a time" couldn't you? I mean, everything is once upon a time! Anything that has happened in history could begin that way be it fact or fiction. 
But you can't begin just any story with "In the beginning..."can you?  How many beginnings do we have, really? You could say "in the beginning of...", but you can't just start with "in the beginning." 
This phrase is found in Genesis 1:1, and again in John 1:1.  We have, "In the beginning God created..", and we also have "In the beginning was the Word..."
John 1 is probably my all time favorite book of the Bible in the literary sense.  I have other favorites, for other reasons, but John 1 is just beautiful. Take, for example, simply the first four verses--
       

         In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and Word was God. The same was  
         in the beginning with God. All things were made by him: and without him was made nothing that
         was made.  In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

So, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth..." and "In the beginning was the Word..."
Jesus, the Word of God, the Word made flesh, was in the beginning with God, and "without him was made nothing that was made."  That is just awesome!  Every time I think of the connections between the creation story and Jesus as the Word, I get chills.  We shouldn't even be able to think of creation without the acknowledgement that the Word was there with God from the beginning.  John goes on to say, in John 1:14, "The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us..." The Word that gave life in the beginning to ALL of creation...THE Word...became flesh and dwelt among us. The Word that gave light and life.  The Word that spoke light into the darkness. The Word that gave us the very ability to live.  God...became flesh and dwelt among us.  "In him was life, and the life was the light of men."  And he lowered himself to become one of us. 
Let's really sit and contemplate that for a moment.  THE one..THE Word..THE creator...GOD lowered himself to become flesh.  Without Him, we would have had no "In the beginning...". Without Him, we have had no light to pierce the darkness.  Without Him, we are NOTHING.  And he came to dwell among us, so that we might be reconciled with God and live as sons and daughters.  So that we might call out "Abba, Father."  He was born of a woman, raised by an earthly family, and hated by the very people he came to serve.  He was tried, convicted, and executed for committing the crime of being the truth and the light.  All of that, so that we could have our "In the beginning..."
Without the Word, and without the Word made flesh, our "In the beginning" came to an abrupt end a LONG time ago with the first sin.  Thanks to Jesus, our story continues with love and light and hope.
Why? Because "the darkness has not overcome it."