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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint Book by Nadia Bolz-Weber, A Down to earth, Fun and Spirit-filled Woman Pastor!


  1. Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner and Saint
  2. Book by Nadia Bolz-Weber
  3. Now a New York Times bestseller, Nadia Bolz-Weber takes no prisoners as she reclaims the term "pastrix"(pronounced "pas-triks," a term used by some Christians who refuse to recognize female … 

  4. Bridget Mary's Response:The opening lines of the book grab your attention:"Shit", I thought to myself, "I'm going  to be late for New Testament class." Here I was at holy hour, hoping that as I chuckle quietly to myself the lady behind me is not distracted.
  5. But then after reading a few chapters, perhaps, it would be good if a lot of Christians read this eye-opener, down to earth book, full  of raw emotion ,truth-telling and a lot of wisdom. Notice the tatoo of St. Mary Magdala on her arm!
The following quote should be on every door to every church! "Welcome to the House of All Sinners and Saints. We will disappoint you."
"Every human community will disappoint us no matter how well intentioned or inclusive... but "the grace of God will come and fill the holes left by our community's failures."

Each chapter shares her experiences of "bullshit" moments that brought her closer to God's grace in her own life as well as in the lives of those she serves. 

Amen, Nadia, not only are words true about all human communities, but they provide wise insights into   human relationships. Until we accept our own flaws and others failures, we will be disappointed and disillusioned.

We hurt one another by our failures to love. But the good news is that the grace of God fills the holes left by our own and others' failures, foibles and sins. And this grace is always at work.  All we have to do is open our hearts to Infinite Love dwelling within us  and find the strength to ask and receive forgiveness, here we journey to a deeper consciousness of the healing power of love that makes us one and keeps us connected. 

Nadia's words remind me of a gutsy woman saint who became a  Doctor of the Church, and who during her lifetime, challenged a corrupt papacy and hierarchy for many abuses.. You could say Catherine told the Pope off and she is credited with Pope Gregory's return to Rome from Avignon.  St. Catherine of Siena, whose feast we celebrate on April 29th,  once said, , “Cry out as if you had a million voices, she urges.  It is silence which kills the world.  Proclaim the truth and do not be silent through fear.”

Amen, Sisters!
 Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP, www.arcwp.org


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