Homily at Holy Spirit Catholic Community, 3rd Sunday of Advent, Dec. 14, 2014 by Beverly Bingle, RCWP

Today’s gospel puts Jesus squarely in the tradition of the prophets
and at the same time foresees that he will surpass
all the prophets and healers who have gone before.
The question of the day is Who are you?
Isaiah of Judea, who are you to be saying that?
John the Baptizer, who are you to be doing that?
Who are you, Jesus of Nazareth?
_________________________________________
Who are WE, 21st century Christians,
to be saying what we say
and doing what we do?
It’s a dark world—war, genocide, greed, starvation,
refugees, disease, human trafficking,
violence on our streets and in our homes.
Slavery is still here!
It’s knit into the fabric of our society,
and we are faced with pulling the oppressive threads out,
one by one,
while trying to hold the good threads of our society together.
Our Congress members remind of us of the image of Nero
fiddling while Rome burned.
Toy guns look so real that police kill kids on playgrounds.
Typhoons and hurricanes grow stronger and more frequent
because our way of life
is raising the temperature of the oceans.
_________________________________________
We read Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians
and ask how we can “rejoice always.”
How can we “give thanks in all circumstances?”
Paul must have thought
that the Thessalonians were posing that same question,
so he gave the answer:
Test everything,
keep what’s good,
stay away from evil.
_________________________________________
We try to do that.
We hear the day’s news and the events of our lives
and ask what makes sense,
what is good
and what is not.
_________________________________________
We look at the steady stream of deaths by gun.
We ask what makes sense, and what is good.
We write and phone our legislators
to pass the kind of sensible gun laws
that have worked in other states and other countries.
And we keep vigil for the victims and their families,
taking part in the National Gun Violence Sabbath Weekend
commemorating especially
the 20 children of Sandy Hook Elementary
who fell victims to gun violence
two years ago tomorrow [today].
_________________________________________
We look
at Israel’s systematic bombing of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip
and the river of Christian refugees seeking asylum,
and ask what makes sense and what is good.
We pray for a solution to the crisis.
We sponsor journalist Alison Weir’s presentation on the situation
so that we can hear Palestinian perspectives on the battle.
We stand with the Northwest Ohio Peace Coalition
with our signs pleading for peace.
_________________________________________
We look at the wealth gap in this country,
and the education gap,
and the inequities in the criminal justice system.
We look at the systemic racism in our society.
We ask what makes sense and what is good.
We pray for justice, for tolerance, for civility, for freedom for all.
We join the Toledo Community Coalition.
We take part in Dialogue-to-Change talks
with people of other races and ethnic groups.
_________________________________________
We look at the projected impact of climate change
on our grandchildren
because of our habits of waste and using more than our share.
We ask what makes sense and what is good.
So we pray for wisdom and temperance.
We plan to plant trees to lessen the impact.
_________________________________________
That exuberance in Isaiah—
The spirit of God is upon me!—
Justice will spring up before all the nations!—
that determination comes out of Isaiah
just as the Chosen People
are straggling out of the Babylonian captivity
and trudging back to their shattered land.
He sings out the glad tidings—the good news to the poor—
that their hearts and minds will rejuvenate
with the strength to rebuild and renew the nation.
_________________________________________
That joy comes out of Paul
just as the Roman slaughter of both Jews and Christians
lies heavy on the land.
Rejoice, give thanks, he says, the God of peace is with you.
_________________________________________
That expectation of the dawning of a new day
comes out of John
just as the oppression of Pax Romana—the Roman peace—
threatens annihilation of the people.
John is confident and hopeful: The light is coming!
They ask him, Who are you?
He answers: The voice of one crying in the wilderness!
The question comes to us today:
Are we making straight the way of God in our time?
Do we show such mercy and love and joy—
carry such good news to the poor—
that people will see us and ask, Who are you?
____________________________________________
Yes!
We are God’s people,
showing mercy and love and joy,
carrying good news to the poor,
so that, when we hear the question,
we have a ready answer:
The Spirit of God is upon us.
We are a voice crying out in the wilderness,
doing our best to make straight the way of God.

--
Holy Spirit Catholic Community
at 3535 Executive Parkway (Unity of Toledo)
Saturdays at 4:30 p.m.
Sundays at 5:30 p.m.
www.holyspirittoledo.org

Rev. Dr. Bev Bingle, Pastor

Fr. Tony Flannery-" Hope with the Pope and Women Priests From the Irish Times: Marginalised Catholics ‘very hopeful’ about papacy of Francis

http://judyabl.wordpress.com/2014/12/09/fr-tony-flannery-hope-with-the-pope-and-women-priests/

Fr. Tony Flannery gave an excellent presentation to over 100 Catholics about his " silencing" by the Vatican and an overview of issues of church renewal and conscience  in Sarasota on Nov. 11th, 2014 which our local ABC television station covered. 

Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP, www.arcwp.org

..."Those who do not give up entirely often respond by setting up their own small communities, where they come together to pray, read the scriptures, and celebrate the Eucharist, with a married priest, with one of the Roman Catholic women priests or with no priest at all.

Love of God

The official response is excommunication, but the people I was meeting are not concerned. They don’t believe that a decree from any human person can cut them off from the love of God, which they say they experience deeply in these small communities.

The Pope Francis effect is significant among them. They are very hopeful as they see him returning to the teaching of the Second Vatican Council. They follow church affairs closely and showed significant interest in the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops in Rome.

They are able to debate knowledgeably where Francis is trying to lead the church. They are uplifted by some signs of hope among US bishops – for instance Archbishop of Boston Cardinal Seán O’Malley, in a recent television interview, stating that the Vatican investigation of the US women religious was a “disaster”, or the new Archbishop of Chicago, Blase Cupich, stating clearly at his consecration that he fully supported Pope Francis.

In the US church context, that was a political statement, nailing his colours to the mast, leaving people and bishops in no doubt where he stood.

Many people I spoke to believe the church as institution is in the process of collapse, and is beyond recovery. That may be true. All institutions are under pressure today, and it is impossible to know what shape things will take. But fragmentation is a danger in the US church."

"Attitude Shift - Six Years Through Apostolic Visitation"

http://globalsistersreport.org/news/trends/attitude-shift-six-years-through-apostolic-visitation-16466#.VIhuTAr05BY.mailto

"....The view of women religious toward the Apostolic Visitation changed dramatically in the six years of the Vatican’s investigation, a panel of authors said Monday, but that happened because of their own spirit, not because of anything that occurred in Rome.

Ten of the 11 authors and editors, as well members of a group formed to gather data on the Visitation, gathered at Loyola University in Chicago to promote their book, Power of Sisterhood: Women Religious Tell the Story of the Apostolic Visitation.

Many spoke of how their attitudes changed over the six years of the probe into religious life, which was launched in 2008 by the Vatican’s Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. The report from the investigation will bereleased Dec. 16.,,"

An Apostles Creed by Jan Phillips

http://www.janphillips.com/acreed.html

Homily at Holy Spirit Catholic Community, Second Sunday of Advent by Rev. Beverly Bingle, RCWP

Our readings for this second Sunday of Advent
make clear how the early Christian writers
continued the practice of reinterpreting their ancient texts
to serve as a lens
through which to understand their own times.
Jewish history, from one perspective,
is a repeated pattern of bondage and exodus to freedom,
every step taken in the presence of God,
sometimes felt and sometimes not.
So Mark paraphrases Isaiah:
Make straight the path of God, he says.
Prepare the way!
He takes the story of slavery and freedom
and frames the memory of Jesus in that same pattern,
with John the Baptizer as the messenger—
the voice in the wilderness—
and with Jesus as the one to come,
the one who will lead the people once again out of bondage.
___________________________________________
At the time that Mark wrote,
probably shortly after the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD,
imperial Rome was merciless in murdering the Jews.
The continued resistance
by the people of this backwater colony to Roman rule
brought massacre and destruction;
as Peter’s second letter tells us,
the elements dissolved with fire,
the earth and all upon it burned up.
That letter was written after the year 100,
by which time Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity
were becoming more and more distinct from one another,
but the followers of both
remained equally targeted by Rome for annihilation
by dint of their refusal to accept Roman rule.
Both the Jews and the Christians felt caught
between the Roman Empire and despair.
___________________________________________
Since there’s no way out, that second letter of Peter asks,
what sort of persons ought you to be?
The answer for those Christians was to wait for,
and to do what they could to hasten,
the coming day of God,
who promises a new heaven and a new earth
where righteousness will dwell.
Again, it’s the paradigmatic story of Israel—
out of bondage into freedom.
___________________________________________
We’re caught in that same dilemma today.
Violence and war, terrorism and genocide, oppression and slavery
burn across our world.
Here at home
it’s not just physical violence;
it’s political and corporate violence:
racism, sexism, classism.
The United States now has a greater wealth gap by race
than South Africa did during apartheid.
From City Councils to Congress,
politicians pass laws that help the rich
and discriminate against minorities and the poor.
Corporations—granted the rights of human persons—
bombard us with materialist messages
that assault our values and bury our hope for justice.
Looking around at our friends, neighbors, and family
as we prepare to celebrate Christmas,
we’re tempted to despair that things can ever change for us.
How can we make God’s path straight in this crooked world?
___________________________________________
Down at Claver House this week I listened (eavesdropped!)
while my friend George, the Korean War vet,
told another guest about not getting down on himself. Sometimes, he
told Dave, you don’t know what to do next.
Don’t know what’s coming.
Everything looks bad,
like there’s no place to go, no place to rest.
But you gotta keep on, George told him.
Just keep trying, doing the best you can, no matter what.
You’ll get there, and when you look back,
you’ll see that you got through, you made a way.
He went on to talk about jobs he had when he was young,
about getting drafted out of Kentucky State University
and signing up for the Navy—
had to go, but they let you choose how, he said.
May not be what you wanted,
but make it be the best you can do with what you have.
The conversation went on for at least 15 minutes,
with George saying how he got from there to here
even though he had hoped to go some other way.
Dave is 35 years younger than George.
I could see Dave perking up, beginning to smile,
losing that hang-dog expression he had walked in with.
George was John the Baptizer for Dave,
the messenger in the desert,
calling him to make a path
and trust that God would make it straight for him.
___________________________________________
It’s like that for all of us.
We head off in one direction,
and it feels like we’re lost and alone on a dead-end street
and nothing’s ever going to be right again.
What does this path of God look like?
How can we recognize it?
The Israelites in the desert didn’t see it.
They complained to Moses about their wandering about.
Jesus’ disciples didn’t see it.
They thought they should pick up swords and fight.
They ran away.
Argued with each other.
I didn’t see it, either, that path of God.
My life seemed to wander in a random way,
from teaching to politics to government to business to writing…
it didn’t make sense to me at the time,
not at all a path to anywhere.
As George told Dave, you just keep going,
keep doing what you know is right,
and you’ll end up in the right place.
It’s a deep faith that man has.
___________________________________________
Malala Yousafzai was 12 years old
when her diary was published anonymously.
She wrote a blog about struggling to get an education in Pakistan,
where the Taliban had banned girls from attending school. Three
years later the Taliban found out who she was
and tried to kill her.
She survived and, continuing on that path,
Malala works tirelessly for the cause of education for girls. She’s
17, a Nobel Peace Laureate, and still on a path
that could not have looked straight to her along the way,
especially as she lay in the hospital with a bullet in her brain.
When the conservative priest Oscar Romero became bishop,
he could not have seen the path he was heading down.
The assassination of Fr. Rutilio Grande,
who had been creating self-reliance groups among the poor,
had a profound impact on Romero;
he said, "When I looked at Rutilio lying there dead I thought,
'If they have killed him for doing what he did,
then I too have to walk the same path.'"
Romero began to speak out
against poverty, social injustice, torture, and murder.
Dorothy Day could not have thought her path straight at all.
An atheist, a journalist writing for Marxist papers,
she had an abortion followed by an unhappy marriage.
How could she have ever seen the path ahead,
that she would co-found and head up
the Catholic Worker Movement
in a life committed to the struggle for social justice?
Those straight highways don’t look straight when you’re on them.
____________________________________________
And there are not-so-famous people
who keep doing what they think is right,
not seeing
that they are building a straight path through the desert.
There’s the student who gets teased
but continues to do homework
and becomes the class valedictorian with a full scholarship.
There’s the executive
who ruthlessly walks all over anybody and everybody
to climb the corporate ladder
but takes a different path
when she sees how she has destroyed a colleague.
There are the 5,340 ordinary people here in northwest Ohio
who volunteered 23,167 hours
during the Compassion Games—
who would have thought we’d end up
rated the second most compassionate people in the world?
___________________________________________________
Franciscan Sister Maryann Mueller
quotes the Chinese author Lu Xun:
Hope is like a path in the countryside.
At first there is nothing,
but as people walk this way again and again,
a path appears.
Sister Maryann says that
“Every kind word in response to unkindness,
every prayer for those who act with violence,
every action we take that respects people and the Earth
helps create the path of hope.
Every e-mail to a legislator,
every petition we sign or call we make to our legislators
helps create the path
to the just, nonviolent, and peaceful world
that we call the ‘Kin-dom of God.’"
______________________________________________
At Holy Spirit we try to do what’s right and just,
confident that
the seemingly directionless and random steps we take
are making straight the pathway for our God.

--
Holy Spirit Catholic Community
at 3535 Executive Parkway (Unity of Toledo)
Saturdays at 4:30 p.m.
Sundays at 5:30 p.m.
www.holyspirittoledo.org

Rev. Dr. Bev Bingle, Pastor
419-727-1774

Pope tells Vatican theological commission to respect diverse views Joshua J. McElwee | Dec. 5, 2014

http://ncronline.org/news/theology/pope-tells-vatican-theological-commission-respect-diverse-views#.VIKNNBlpNXs.facebook

"...The diversity of viewpoints should enrich catholicity without damaging the unity," he said. "The unity of Catholic theologians stems from their common reference to one faith in Christ and is nourished by the diversity of the gifts of the Holy Spirit."The pope also praised a "healthy pluralism" of views and said various theological methods "cannot ignore each other, but in theological dialogue should enrich and correct each other.""The work of your commission can be a witness to this growth, and also a testimony of the Holy Spirit, because it is he who sows these charismatic varieties in the church, different points of view, and it is he will make the unity," the pope said. "He is the protagonist, always."The pope also said he wanted to note "the increased presence of women" on the theological commission, which currently has the most women it's ever had serving at one time in its ranks. Five of the 30 theologians are women.That number, the pope said, is "not so many." The women, he said, "are the strawberry on the cake, but we want more."The presence of the five women, the pope said, "becomes an invitation to reflect on the role that women can and should play in the field of theology.""By virtue of their feminine genius, [female] theologians can detect, for the benefit of all, some unexplored aspects of the unfathomable mystery of Christ," the pope said. "I invite you, therefore, to take the best advantage of this specific contribution of women to the intelligence of faith."...

Bridget Mary's Response:  Pope Francis is affirming the mystical oneness that we share in Christ and the diversity of gifts of the Spirit present in the church. He is taking a positive step in challenging the patriarchal bias that has infected the institutional church for centuries,  and opening up to the gifts of women by increasing the number of women theologians in this commission, In order to move forward, Pope Francis  recognizes that the church must reflect on the Gospel in the light of women's experiences of faith, spirituality and service to the church. Now I wonder if that will take him toward a change in church teaching that will embrace gender equality for women in all areas of church life including a renewed model of priesthood in an inclusive, egalitarian communities of faith. That is the holy shakeup we really need in order to follow Jesus' example of Gospel equality! Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP, www.arcwp.org

Second Sunday of Advent at Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community with Kathryn Shea and Katy Zatsick Co-Presiders

Kathryn Shea, ARCWP Candidate Gives Homily Starter for Dialogue Homily

Homily Opening

December 6, 2014

So, I have to admit, I initially had a tough time with today’s Readings.  At first, all I heard was fall-redemption theology.  We better repent, repent again, and again because there will be a second coming of Christ and only the truly holy ones will be saved.  The Readings speak of death and destruction to make way for a new world of heaven and Earth where truth and justice prevail.  We again look for divine intervention to God to save us.  But the more I thought about this I decided to re-frame the message.  I do think the message is more about New Beginnings.  We have an opportunity to create a new world where we live in peace with gospel equality and take delicate care of our Mother Earth.  I’d like to share a Hopi elder message that I think speaks to today’s readings.

"You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour, now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour.  And there are things to be considered . . .

Where are you living?
What are you doing?
 What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader."

Then he clasped his hands together, smiled, and said, "This could be a good time!"

    "There is a river flowing now very fast.  It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.  They will try to hold on to the shore.   They will feel they are torn apart and will suffer greatly. 

    "Know the river has its destination.  The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above water.   And I say, see who is in there with you and celebrate.  At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally, Least of all ourselves.  For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt. 

    "The time for the lone wolf is over.  Gather yourselves!  Banish the word struggle from your attitude and your vocabulary.  All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration. 

    "We are the ones we've been waiting for."

We are indeed the ones we’ve been waiting for.  We are the second coming, an ongoing evolving manifestation of the Divine, here to live the Good News.    

A Blessing of Janet Blakeley on Her 80th Birthday "Blessed Are These Hands" by Sally Brochu ARCWP

Deacon Janet Blakeley, ARCWP blesses Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community 

Janet, please come and stand before us and receive our blessing that is filled with love and gratitude for your 80 years of being the Body of Christ in our world.

Our hands are capable of so much and are a means of showing our love for others, and yours, Janet, enriched the lives of so many people, including myself and your grandchildren some of whom are here with you today. You have also blessed the members of this community.

Your hands have reached out to many people - friends, strangers, the struggling and have remained open to life. They have written letters of love and encouragement, have typed many a post graduate paper for others in order to earn extra money. Even the latest technology hasn’t intimidated you……. texting helped you keep on touch with grandchildren!

Your hands have cradled children, and hugged those you love. Your hands reached out to the poor of this country and Haiti. These same hands have brought comfort to many.

For 76 years you brought delight to so many by playing the piano and you have deepened and enriched your own spiritual journey. Playing becomes prayer.  

One of your greatest gifts to people is your generous hospitality and your ability to make everyone feel so special and welcome. Your superb cooking is a labor of love and those who sit at your beautifully set table are fed, both physically and spiritually. This is sharing Eucharist.

So we thank God for your full life, your goodness and your openness to life.

And so we pray: (Please raise your hands in blessing) Generous and loving God, we thank you for the full life with which you have blessed Janet. Continue to bless her with good health, life-giving friends and family. May she be filled with the continued awareness of your deep love for her. Amen

Left:Janet Blakeley, Right: Sally Brochu reads blessing for Janet's birthday

Blessing with oil: Janet, may the God of love bless you and bless your hands that for 80 years expressed God’s love through your love of all. God, may these hands continue to be your hands in our world for these are woman’s hands and they are holy, just as we are holy. Amen

Janet, you have now reached an age of wisdom, would you give us your blessing?

"Montreal Massacre Remembered: Dec. 6, 2014 by Barbara Billey ARCWP

Montreal Massacre Remembered: Dec 6, 2014

It was a cold, drizzly day on December 6^th, 1989 when a young man brandishing a firearm burst into a college classroom at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal, Canada. The 60 or so engineering students had little time to react before the men were ordered from the room and the gunman began shooting the women. Six female students were killed instantly, while three more were left injured.

The killer, 25-year old Marc Lepine was armed with a legally obtained mini-14 rifle and hunting knife: he had earlier told a shopkeeper he was going after “small game.” Lepine had previously been denied admission to the Ecole Polytechnique and had been upset, it later transpired, about women working in positions traditionally occupied by men. Before he opened fire, Lepine shouted: “You’re all a bunch of feminists, and I hate feminists!”

The gunman then moved through the college corridors, the cafeteria, and another classroom, specifically targeting women to shoot. By the time Lepine turned the gun on himself, 14 women were dead and another 10 were injured. Four men were hurt unintentionally in the crossfire.

In Canada, December 6^th is a Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Michele Birch-Conery, Priest and Barbara Billey, Deacon stood in solidarity with other men and women on the campus of the University of Windsor, Canada to protest violence against women and to remember the tragic demise of the women killed in Montreal. As the feminist writer Andrea Dworkin said: “It is incumbent upon each of us to be the woman that Marc Lepine wanted to kill. We must live with this honor, this courage. We must drive out fear. We must hold on. We must create. We must resist.” 

"Pope Francis, Don't Talk to Me About Human Rights" ... Until I See Some Real Gestures Toward Gender Equality" by Mindy Townsend

..."First, he could take steps toward the ordination of women. After all, there is a human right to not be discriminated against on the basis of sex. According to a Quinnipiac poll from last year, this wouldn’t be too controversial. (However, that poll just covered American Catholics. The Pope has to represent Catholics worldwide.)

It would take some political bravery on his part, but the ordination of women would go a long way toward showing that women aren’t just some weird, biological necessity with no other value. In fact, if Pope Francis really want to focus on economic justice, equal treatment of women and men in the Church is arguably a necessity:

The struggle over women’s ordination isn’t a culture war issue. It is a movement that shines light on the truth that the Roman Catholic church’s denial of the full equality of women has global consequences. It seeks to dismantle the poverty, abuse and violence that are intricately tied to the systematic belief that women and men are not equal.

Women’s ordination isn’t simply about making women priests. It’s about helping church leaders recognize that if they were to include women in their leadership as their equals, they could truly be a powerful force for economic and social justice for women and children throughout our world.

Or, you know, at least stop excommunicating priests who advocate for such a change. Sheesh.

Second, Pope Francis could signal that it’s OK to ease up on shaming women for using contraception. If a theme to his papacy is mercy, then this seems like a no-brainer. Not only is access to contraception good economically – which could help raise people out of poverty — it also decreases the abortion rate by preventing unwanted pregnancies to begin with.

This can also save women’s lives. According to the World Health Organization, poverty is one of the main causes of maternal mortality. It can also insulate women from unsafe abortions that account for about 8 percent of maternal deaths..."

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/pope-francis-dont-talk-to-me-about-human-rights.html#ixzz3L8sJEkTm

New York Last Night: Protests- " I can't breathe, I can't breathe" by Denise Menard Davis, ARCWP

My dear sisters and brothers....
Oh how my heart aches today.... yearning to find words to express itself,
and so I share these with you. 
In today's reading from Isaiah, this is written: 
"He lays (the lofty city) low to the ground, 
casts it to the dust. 
The foot tramples it,
the feet of the poor,
the steps of the needy" (26:5-6). 

I heard those footsteps last night, the footsteps of protesters who 
marched down Broadway, chanting, "I can't breathe; I can't breathe," as they 
bemoaned the brokenness of our system, a system that allows unarmed Black men,
especially, to be killed by those ordered to protect, with no 
accountability. 
There I sat, along with the thousands of others in the apartments 
surrounding mine, safe and secure, unaffected - we assume - by that broken system.
Oh, we know it's wrong - and some of us even understand why "they" are so
upset, but yet, but yet.... "we" are safe. 

Today's Gospel might reveal how blind we are. From a selection taken from 
Matthew 7:21, 24-27, these were the words not included: "Not everyone who 
says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one 
who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 
'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your 
name, and do many deeds of power in your name?' Then I will declare to
them, 'I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.'" 

And what is that will of our beloved Creator? It seems that many in our 
midst do not know it.... 
And so I am reminded yet again how important our mission is.... and those 
of our sisters and brothers around us who also know, really know, our 
Beloved's will. Last night at Riverside Church as we ended our prayer service,
while holding candles and each others' hands we sang these words:
"I pray for you; you pray for me. I love you; I need you to survive." 
Yes, we need all to survive.... but this I will add: we need all to thrive
as well for only then will God's beauty in all truly shine forth...
Gratitude wells in me as I know once again that I am in the midst of 
people called to break through the oppression so many of us face in so many very
different ways.... 

Much peace to all.... denise 

=

Calling on Faith to Defend Women's Rights Religious leaders, scholars, and activists from several continents participated in a human rights forum at The Carter Center in June 2013 to explore the role that religious leaders can play in ending gender-based violations of human rights

http://www.cartercenter.org/video/Default.aspx?youtube_id=4Zj30a10S8Q&category=Peace&filter=Human%20Rights

Zainah Anwar, a Muslim activist said " God cannot be God if God is unjust... If we are equal in the eyes of God, how come we are not equal in the eyes of man." 
Sister Simone Campbell stressed that we must hear from women's lived experiences if we are to engage as equals in the world. 

Advent Two: Reflections with Rev. Chava and Rev. Judy

http://judyabl.wordpress.com/2014/12/03/advent-two-reflections-with-rev-chava-and-rev-judy/

There is something about advent that quiets us down in our spirits and helps us to reflect on the essential meanings of the coming of Christ. Florida is known for its long and bright days even in winter. But still the darkness comes earlier and evening is longer than we like. Activities stop earlier and there is time to think and reflect on the beautiful prophetic readings about the long awaited messiah, Deliverance, Emanuel,God With Us. The reading from Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11 is particularly moving to me. The early verses in this Scripture herald John the Baptist who is the voice, the thundering voice, in the wilderness making straight the way of our God. The Gospel,Mark 1:1-8 has John thundering his message to the people. Turn yourselves around, turn back from your way to God’s way, to loving God with all your being and your neighbor as yourself, turn back to a life of justice and peace. Turn back to Love.  The last time I preached on this text I dropped a huge book on the floor with a great clamor. Speak up, speak up with God’s message!  This is not a time to mumble! The best news is coming, announce it. God’s love and justice has been born among us and we will learn to live love and justice as we follow the way of Christ.

Isaiah 40:11 speaks to our congregation growing from the bottom up, full of children, mothers, youth and new Christians. On Sunday we had 21 children with us, including six that have been coming for just a few times.  “Like a shepherd you feed your flock,gathering the lambs and holding them close,and leading mother ewes with gentleness.”  The same strong and gentle God who holds the little lambs close, the God with Mother/Father arms to embrace,protect and comfort, sends his own Beloved child as a helpless baby to be cared for and loved.  With this same God love and faithfulness will meet and justice and peace kiss each other and embrace(Psalm 85:10). And God will help us when we just cannot get this right. I think of the mothers in my flock who carry the heavy load alone, sometimes near breaking. I think of those who have been beaten,used and exploited in the name of “love”. I think of the children who do not have what they need to grow materially, physically,intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. I think of the children being raised by other relatives and foster parents who have lost both parents to drugs, alcohol, violence death and illness. I think of those living with those types of caregivers here and now in our midst. Then I think of the one parent who faithfully rounds up all of the children in her neighborhood to bring them to church.  We will hold them close and treat the ewes with tenderness. But it will take more than us to turn this around.  I am sickened by the violence all around them. Our little nine year old who lost his five year old cousin to a drive by shooting a few weeks ago now has a husky eleven year old telling him “watch your back, I’m going to get you”. And that happened right after church so I could intervene. But it will take God to keep him safe and to bring justice and peace to his world.

And so my heart resounds with Rev. Chava’s reflection on her little flock. She is so right that the number in the flock is immaterial, God is there for each one, carrying each in God’s ample arms. And sometimes God’s arms are our own tired limbs. Sometimes they help someone change out of soiled clothes, and sometimes they help people step out of soiled lives and take on new life.  Rev. Chava’s love holds them close and her passion for justice never tires, although I know she does. I sometimes join her in wondering “shall we continue?” “Are we doing enough”? And even CAN we continue? This shepherding is hard work! And justice is so far off. I rejoiced with Rev. Chava as her young man from Mexico was granted his wish of a Voluntary Departure in a speedy way as someone spoke for him-and was heard, miracle of miracles. Someone representing justice. I was glad in an immigration system where there is little justice that some little justice did happen. I was glad last week when President Obama made some definite beginning steps in repairing that broken system and can only pray that partisanship can finally be put aside to serve the needs of all concerned for we need the labor as much as the workers need the work and the recognition of their families. Perhaps that is a “Hail Mary” but we can pray for it.

As we face the coming of the Christ-child, let us hold all children close and work and pray for justice.

Rev. Judy Lee,Co-Pastor The Good Shepherd Community

And here is Rev. Chava;s lovely reflection:

Oscar Romero Inclusive Catholic Church
Bulletin for Sunday, November 30, 2014
First Sunday of Advent

Dear friends,

Happy Advent! May the peace and stillness of this waiting time fill your
soul, and balance the sometimes frantic energy of the weeks that lead up to
Christmas.

We had a lovely Advent Mass at St Romero’s this morning, with a surprise
visit from Ann and Nancy who visit about once a year from Penn Yan. Bob
McBride is almost always present these days. He’s the member of the St
Joe’s community with responsibility for our overnight shelter. Another
woman came in as well. It’s usually like that – Bob, and one or two people
who come once or twice. Last week there was a man who is part of the
Sanctuary Village under the bridge, and Carol who is one of our regulars.

Every now and then I ask God if it’s time to stop the Sunday Mass. In the
past, any time I asked that question a dozen or so people would show up for
Mass. For us, that’s a crowd! Lately the answer to that question has not
been numbers, but a deepened appreciation for what we offer in this simple
Mass. There are some people who come back over and over, for whom I think
our Mass is a place where they are known and loved, no matter how long they
have been away. There are others who come once and are never seen again,
but the moment when they were here was a blessing. I’m thinking of a time
when it was just one man from the street, and me. His faith was so deep!
After communion he asked if he could sing something, and made up a song on the spot about what a blessing it was to be worshipping together.

We have tossed around the idea of looking for another place for Mass on
Sunday mornings.  Some folks who live at St Joe’s have said they would come if it didn’t feel so much like work – and that’s a reasonable thing for
them to say, because in fact Sunday mornings can turn into a sort of extra
hospitality time. We try not to do that but sometimes there’s an emergency,
like the Sunday a woman came in who had soiled her trousers and needed
sanitary supplies. Most of the Mass time was devoted to taking care of her,
and I was awfully glad we were there to do it. Then she and I had a lovely
Mass together.

I don’t think numbers are important to God. God loves us one person at a
time, and I think it’s enough when we do the same.

In the migrant ministry it was an interesting week, as I accompanied one
young man to court. Ironically, he wants to go back to Mexico – he has been
here ten years and misses his family. A year ago he wanted to go back, but
his court date got postponed for a year. So he found a job in a dairy farm
and has been working. Finally his court date came around. He quit his job
and moved in with his aunt, making plans to go to Mexico a few days after
his court appearance. He was hoping for Voluntary Departure, in which one
pays one’s own way out of the country, and has no deportation history to
prevent coming back at some later time.  Either way, he knew he was going
back, and he’s ready!

So we went to court. His lawyer, Richard Link, told the judge he wanted
Voluntary Departure. The judge checked with the government attorney, who
said there was no obvious bar to his being granted that. “Okay,” the judge
said. “We’ll schedule him for a hearing. Next available date is in April
2016.”

My heart sank! Richard said, “Ah, your honor? He was hoping to go back to
Mexico this weekend!” And to the judge’s credit, he found a way to schedule
the hearing that very afternoon. Richard and I made phone calls and
rearranged our days, and the three of us went to lunch and then returned
for the hearing.  Our young friend was put in the witness box. “Have you
ever been arrested?” the judge asked him. “No.” “Have you ever done
anything for which you could have been arrested?” again, no. Actually, this
young man is the sort of person we ought to be begging to stay! But he was
granted Voluntary Departure, and should be able to get his bond money back,
as well.

I tried to explain the meaning of the word “irony” but couldn’t do it.  The
next day, he and his aunt and uncle came over to my house for Thanksgiving
dinner, and we said goodbye. If all goes well, he will be back with his
family by Christmas. Please pray for him as he journeys home.

Much peace to you this Advent. You are always welcome at Sunday morning
Mass!

Love to all
Chava

Oscar Romero Church
An Inclusive Community of Liberation, Justice and Joy
Worshiping in the Catholic Tradition
Mass: Sundays, 11 am
St Joseph’s House of Hospitality, 402 South Ave, Rochester NY 14620
A member community of the Federation of Christian Ministries

A Blessed Second Week and Second Sunday of Advent!

"Living Nightmare for Detained Immigrants in Georgia"

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/civil-rights/225058-living-nightmare-for-detained-immigrants-in-georgia

Bridget Mary's Response: This is a gross violation of human rights. We need to do everything possible to get Congress to close this horrific prison. It is a scandal to our country. Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP, www.arcwp.org

"Reports are mounting of a living nightmare in Lumpkin, Georgia, at Stewart, a 1,750-bed detention facility housing immigrants facing potential deportation. According to multiple interviews with detained immigrants at Stewart, they are dealing with maggots in food, improper medical care, sweltering temperatures, and in many cases no communication with staff due to no translators on site. The Corrections Corporation of America operates the facility for profit, adding fuel to an already roaring fire of opposition. ...

Advent Prayer by Jay Murnane

Advent Prayer
by Jay Murnane (Jay, who is now deceased, was the spouse of Mary Theresa Streck, ARCWP and  a priest in the Diocese of Albany.)

Living One, you are continually creating the universe,
continually giving birth to all of us.
We sense the need to do the same,
to set ourselves free from a sense of emptiness and barren hopelessness.

The signs of our times are frightening
and often we hear only the confusing sounds of Babel -
all the lies and the anguished cries
of a wounded earth and its wounded creatures.

Your wisdom invites us to draw on our tradition,
as old as the stars,
shining through Sarah and Abraham,
shining through your prophets in every age and every culture,,
shining through
Miriam of Nazareth.
If we can blend that enlightening, enlivening tradition
with what we are,
we can risk fidelity to a dream:

Filled with your spirit, we can give birth in our day
to your living word,
for the sake of hope
enfleshed in
creativity and confrontation,
healing and reconciliation,
justice,
universal and unconditional love.

Let it be!

Sarasota Graveside Service in Memory of Jean Donovan on the Anniversary of her Martyrdom in El Salvador

About a dozen people from the Sarasota area gathered today for a Memorial Vigil at Jean Donovan's gravesite.

Jean was a missionary and martyr for justice who worked with Dorothy Kazel distributing food for the poor and the refugees and carrying out family education programs.
"Two weeks before she was murdered, with the bloodbath already begun, she wrote to a friend in Connecticut: "Several times I have decided to leave El Salvador. I almost could except for the children, the poor bruised victims of this insanity. Who would care for them? Whose heart would be so staunch as to favor the reasonable thing in a sea of their tears and helplessness? Not mine, dear friend, not mine." 
The destinies of Maura Clarke, Ita Ford, Dorothy Kazel and Jean Donovan were joined together in just the last months of their lives. Murdered together by National Guardsmen in El Salvador on Decemer 2, 1980, their deaths became martyrdom for a church of the poor in El Salvador and for thousands of Christians in the United States. Their deaths are understood as martyrdom because the women did what Jesus of Nazareth did, and what he told us we should do to show we are disciples in this world- they loved the poor, and laid down their lives for them. In this way, they became friends of Jesus."
All: May they rest in peace, may she rest in peace; may the martyrs reign on high!

Memorial Vigil at gravesite of Jean Donovan on Dec. 2, 2014

Jean Donovan's Gravesite in Sarasota, Florida

(Photos by Jim Martin)

Black Friday Special: From Pope Francis/Indulgences!

http://questionsfromaewe.blogspot.com/2014/12/black-friday-special.html

  ...On Black Friday, Francis announced “Get out of Purgatory Free” 

cards, 

otherwise known as plenary indulgences. 

For those unfamiliar with the term, “Purgatory” is where one’s soul is 

excoriated until it shines brightly enough for heaven. 

Though the sacrament of penance forgives people of their sins, 

forgiveness in the Catholic dogmatic style does not include 

freedom from punishment.  

The Catholic Church teaches that people commit sins, and 

God forgives them using priests in confessionals as conduits, 

but then God will still exact at least a pound of flesh in punishment,

 typically in this quaint place called Purgatory. 

 It’s kind of like saying, “I forgive you for eating my cookie, but trust me, Bucko, 

I’m still going to make you pay for doing it.”  

This might sound to the inexperienced as a non-forgiving 

form of forgiveness but let us not get caught up in pesky details 

lest we miss out on Pope Francis’ Black Friday special...."

"The Good Cardinal's Revealing Interview" by Tom Fox, National Catholic Reporter/Cardinal O' Malley on Sixty Minutes

http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/good-cardinals-revealing-interview

...."It was in 1976 the Pontifical Biblical Commission released a study examining the exclusion of women from the ministerial priesthood from a biblical perspective, stating: "It does not seem that the New Testament by itself alone will permit us to settle in a clear way and once and for all the problem of the possible accession of women to the presbyterate."

When presented, the few arguments for the ordination ban seem unconvincing to many, resting mainly on past precedents and adverting to vague ideas about gender imagery and complementarity that imply women and men must have different vocations for service in the church. Services that involve total inclusion of authority and total exclusion of authority. This has given us a distinctly two-tier church. 

Meanwhile, appeals to constant teaching continue to fall flat. The church has changed its "definitive teachings" repeatedly -- in regard, for example, to liberty of conscience, Jews, the Crusades, slavery, usury and torture, to name a few.

The road to an inclusive church, one in which all are equal, all are blessed, all are called, will not come easily. O'Malley has again affirmed this reality. But distinctions that set people apart, into classes of greater and lesser authority and power, cannot last, cannot withstand increased access by laity, including women, to education, particularly theological education. In the end, the ban will fall because it misreads the teachings of Jesus. "

Liturgy for Advent/Christmas at Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community, Sarasota, Florida/Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP

Liturgy for Advent/Christmas

GATHERING SONG AND GREETING

Opening Song

Advent: Carol At The Manger,

Marty Haugen

Christmas: "O Come All Ye Faithful"

OPENING PRAYER

Presider:  Nurturing God, you became human in Jesus and showed us how to live life fully. You know what it means to laugh and cry, to walk and talk, to love and be loved. We know that your mothering presence is always with us. May we, like Mary, rejoice as we give birth to God within us, and may we give birth to God in everything we say and do.  ALL:  Amen.

ALL:  Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.  O loving God, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.  O Jesus Christ, holy Child of our loving God; You fill us with joy in your presence. You who are with our God, receive our prayer.  For you alone are the Holy One; you alone are Messiah.  You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ; with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God.  Amen.

LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading: 

Second Reading: 

Gospel Acclamation:  ALLELUIA!  (sung)

Gospel:

Reader: A reading from the Gospel according to ...   ALL:  Glory to you O God.

Reader:  The good news of Jesus, the Christ!

ALL:  Glory and praise to you, Jesus the Christ!

Dialogue HOMILY

Profession of Faith:  ALL:  We believe in God who is creator and nurturer of all. We believe in Jesus, the Christ, who is our love, our hope, and our light. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the breath of Wisdom Sophia, who energizes and guides us to build caring communities and to challenge injustices.  We believe in the communion of saints our heavenly friends, who support us on life’s journey.  We believe in the partnership and equality of women and men in our church and world.  We believe that all are one in the community of creation. We believe that God who calls us to live fully, love tenderly, and serve generously.  Amen.

GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

Presider:  For a deeper coming of Christ in our world, let us pray.  

Response: Nurturing God, hear us.

Presider:  That we may experience the coming of God anew in our lives, we pray.  R.  Presider:  That people who suffer from destitution and despair may experience the mothering comfort of God we pray.  R.

Presider:  That the sick and suffering may receive the nurturing, healing love of God, we pray.  R.  Presider:  That those who have died may rest in God's eternal embrace, we pray.  R.

(Other Intentions)

PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS

Presider:  Blessed are you, God of all life, through your goodness we have bread, wine, all creation, and our own lives to offer. Through this sacred meal may we become your new creation. 

ALL:  Blessed be God forever.

Presider:  God is with you.  ALL: And also with you.  Presider:  Lift up your hearts.  ALL:  We lift them up to God.  Presider:  Let us give thanks to our God.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

Voice One:  Mothering God, you brought forth all creation from your Life-Giving Womb. O Love of the Ages, we praise you and leap for joy in your presence.

Voice Two: Holy One of ancient Israel, you revealed yourself in Mary's womb, in a shining star, in humble shepherds, in a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. You embrace us with infinite love in every situation and relationship. You dwell in the depths of our hearts.

Voice Three: We invite you this day to deepen our awareness of your boundless love as we gather around the table of abundant life. With grateful hearts, we proclaim your praise:

ALL:  Holy, Holy, Holy, Creator of heaven and earth.  All beings are pregnant with your glory. Hosanna in the Highest. Blessed are you who  dwell in all things. Hosanna in the Highest.

Voice Four:  Praise to you, all-giving God, born of Mary. You are the body and blood of woman. We glorify you, nurturing God for the dawning of the sacred promise of God's Anointed, fulfilled in Jesus, the Christ.

Voice Five: We celebrate the birth of Jesus, our newborn Emmanuel , who came to give us the fullness of life. During this holy season we share the bread of freedom and lift the cup of salvation.  

(raise hands toward bread and wine for Invocation of the Holy Spirit)

All:  Come Holy Spirit deepen your Presence within us and in these gifts of bread and wine, that they may become the Body of Christ.

Presider:  As Jesus gave birth to the New Covenant, he took bread, gave thanks, broke the bread, and shared it with all those present saying:

ALL: Take this all of you and eat it. This is my body.

Presider:  Then Jesus took a cup of wine, blessed you, Loving God,  shared the cup with all those present saying:

ALL: Take this all of you and drink from the covenant, poured out for you and for everyone. Do this in memory of me.

Presider:  Let us proclaim the sacred presence of our nurturing God:

ALL: Christ, by your life, death and rising, you have blessed us with abundance that will never end.

Second Invocation of the Holy Spirit: (Place hands on each other's shoulder)

All: God of all people, You call us "beloved." Give us courage to accept your faith in us and to live your compassion in the world. You infuse us with Sophia, Holy Wisdom, to serve you in the last and the least.

Voice Six:  As we wait with joyful hearts for the fulfillment of your loving presence in our lives, we remember the prophet,martyrs and saints who have gone before us: Deborah, Isaiah, Mary of Magdala, Peter, Martha, Bishop Oscar Romero, Ita Ford, Maura Clark, Jean Donovan and all those we remember as heros and heroines in our church who inspire us today. (Community names mentors whom they want to remember, living and dead. This list is only partial. Each community needs to create their own according to custom and culture.)

Voice Seven:  God of our dreams, may we give birth to the Word Made Flesh in us everyday. May we give birth to the church of our dreams and hopes. May we give birth to a deep reverence for earth and live in harmony with all creatures on the earth.

ALL:  Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, all praise and glory are yours, Holy God, through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

THE PRAYER OF JESUS

ALL:  Our Father and Mother ...

THE SIGN OF PEACE

Presider:   Let us join hands and hearts and pray for peace in our world as we sing “Peace is flowing like a River”, love, joy, alleluia…., or other suitable hymn

LITANY FOR THE BREAKING OF BREAD

ALL:   Loving God, You call us to speak truth to power.  We will do so.  Loving God, You call us to live the Gospel of peace and justice.  We will do so.  Loving God, You call us to be Your presence in the world.  We will do so. 

Presider:   This is Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, loving us forever. All are invited to partake of this sacred banquet of love.  ALL: May we be who we are the Body of Christ.   

Presider:  Let us share the Body of Christ with the Body of Christ!   ALL:  Amen.

COMMUNION

Sing a favorite Advent or Christmas song such as "Silent Night" or "Away in the Manger" etc.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Presider:  God of new beginnings, thank you for nourishing us in your sacrament. May your tender presence continue to open our hearts to the daily miracles of life that surround us each day, through Emmanuel, God-with-us.

ALL: Amen.

CONCLUDING RITE

Presider:  Our God is with you.

ALL:  and also with you. 

BLESSING

(everyone please extend your hands in mutual blessing)

ALL:  May our loving God fill us with radiant joy.  May our liberating God fill us with  deep peace, and may our compassionate God bless us always with strength to serve the broken and excluded.  Amen.

DISMISSAL

Presider:  Let us birth Christ anew in our world today. Go in the peace of Christ.  ALL:   Thanks be to God.

CONCLUDING HYMN

Advent: "0 Come, 0 Come Emmanuel" , Joy to the World, Go tell it on the Mountain

 by Bridget Mary Meehan with edits by MMOJ Liturgical Ministry Team on Nov. 29,2014,www.marymotherofjesus.org

Liturgy Resources for all seasons from Association of Roman Catholic Woman Priests- worship aids

www.arcwp.org

http://bridgetmarys.blogspot.com/