"What the____ is going on? I can't believe this? Really"? If you are distressed about our current situation the threat of nuclear war, the plight of the poor, sexual harassment, political chaos, to name a few of the issues we face, perhaps, like me, you may have uttered these words or something similar. Yet, when I reflect on the darkness and turmoil, I am drawn into the light, and I believe we were created for times like this. The Gospel of the Fourth Sunday of Advent speaks to my soul. The inspired words of Luke tells the story of Mary's encounter with an angel who said: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. .. for nothing will be impossible for God." (Luke 1:28-38) Mary was distressed like anyone would be, and questioned the angel. In this mystical encounter when she became aware of divine presence dwelling within her and her role as a vehicle of God, she said, "Yes." Like Mary, the words of the angel are addressed to us. "Do not be afraid." Yep, no matter what happens, angels are close by and at least one angel has got you covered. I bet you could share some times when you "felt" divine intervention in your life. Each of us is the beloved of God, that is what highly favored really means. We are loved infinitely every day of our lives whether we feel it or not. The divine heart beats within us filling us with love and energy for creativity and new life. With every breath we take, the Holy One breathes within us. The take-away is that each one of us is called to be the face of divinity in our world everyday! We are called to make everyday Christmas by our love and service, our work for justice and spiritual transformation, equality and empowerment. Let the angel's words to Mary echo in our ears and sink deeply into our souls: "Do not be afraid... Nothing is impossible with God." We were made for times like this. Really!
Today's first reading, from Second Book of Samuel, is one that should put us all in our place. King David has been doing very well. He had conquered all his enemies, he built himself a nice house (probably with a swimming pool), and was feeling rather pleased and happy with himself, to the degree that he even began to feel a bit guilty.
So David goes and has a few words with Nathan the prophet. He would be like a spiritual director. He tells Nathan, effectively, "Here I am, living in a nice, fancy house, and poor, old God is stuck in a humble tent." That would be the Ark of the Covenant, or in contemporary terms, the Tabernacle in the Church.
So David, to appease his guilt, comes up with the idea of building a house for God so that both he and God will have a house. Cool, says Nathan. But that night, God speaks to Nathan thus—basically saying, "Who does David think he is to build me a house to live in?" In another translation of this reading, God says, "I have never lived in a house, but I've always led a wondrous life in a tent."
God is indignant, basically protesting. "Don't lock up in a house. I go with my people. Wherever they wander, I go too." God is saying, "I am the one who takes care of you, not the other way around. I will build you a house, a place of security. I will protect you. I will give you rest."
Now, given our contemporary reality, that is a message of great comfort for us today. We live in a violent and scary world. Scientists talk of our era as in danger of being the world's sixth greatest extinction. Over fifty percent of our wildlife has disappeared since the 1970s, and our flying insect population has plunged by three-quarters in the last 25 years. Global nuclear arsenals are being expanded at a cost of one trillion dollars a decade.
Understandably, people are afraid. But this time of global darkness is the very time that we must remember the reading from Samuel today. God is in charge. Our security is to be found in God, who is with us and wanders with us, simply incapable of leaving us. God is loose, not tied up, not in a house. God is here, with us, wandering with us wherever we go. Knowing that, believing that, in this time of great fear and uncertainty, we must not be afraid.
In today's Gospel from Luke, the angel Gabriel appears to Mary, inviting her to say yes, yes to new life, yes to new possibilities. And Mary didn't really get it initially and was hesitant and unsure. How can this be possible? How can this possibly be, given her reality? Like us, Mary was afraid. But Gabriel responds, "Do not be afraid"—words which are repeated 366 times in the Hebrew Bible.
The message to Mary, like the one we read about in Samuel, is that God's in charge. It's okay. God's in charge, always offering the miracle of new life to us when in the face of all improbability, we say yes to the spirit of God. The spirit who, according to the Book of Wisdom, wanders the streets for those whose hearts are open so that she might make her home in them.
And Mary, her heart now open and faith-filled, responds to the angel, "Be it done unto me according to thy word." Indeed, may it be done unto us according to God's word. May our hearts, like Mary's, be open to the new birthing that this holy time of Advent, no matter how dark it is. May we know that God provides for us, walks with us, wonders with us, and waits to fill us with new hope and possibilities. And may we, too, like Mary, be expectant of the new birthing.
The Lansdowne Madonna, one of two versions of “Madonna of the Yarnwinder,” by Leonardo da Vinci and an unknown artist.CreditUniversal History Archive/Getty Images
Image
What is Christmas about, anyway? Can I be a Christian if I doubt the virgin birth? Can a woman become a cardinal? What would upset Jesus today? I put these blunt questions and more to Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, who was appointed by Pope Francis and is in his mold. Here’s our conversation, edited for space and clarity.
KRISTOF Merry Christmas! Let me start with respectful skepticism. I revere Jesus’ teachings, but I have trouble with the miracles — including, since this is Christmas, the virgin birth. In Jesus’ time people believed that Athena was born from Zeus’ head, so it seemed natural to accept a great man walking on water or multiplying loaves and fishes; in 2017, not so much. Can’t we take the Sermon on the Mount but leave the supernatural?
CARDINAL TOBINPeople are, I guess, free to take whatever they want. Just like there’s wisdom in non-Christian religions that Christians appropriate.
The most mind-boggling miracle is the incarnation. We believe that the Creator of the Universe, the one who existed before time and before anything else, became one of us. If you accept that, then there are a lot of other things that don’t seem to be quite as unbelievable. It’s not a magic show. All of the miracles were not isolated or simply altruistic events. They were actually pointing toward who God is, and who this carpenter from Nazareth really was.
One area where the Catholic Church seems to me antiquated is gender. If Jesus trusted women like Mary Magdalene, if Phoebe could be a leader of the early church, then why can’t women be priests or cardinals today?
Image
Cardinal Joseph Tobin at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican last year.CreditAlessandra Benedetti/Corbis, via Getty Images
Those are two different questions. Regarding priests, it really is a stumbling block for people, and especially in this country and in this culture, as all areas of life are opening up to women that this particular ministry in the Catholic Church is not. So I understand the consternation. I have eight sisters. I know for some women this sort of stumbling block takes them away from the church.
As for cardinals, most are bishops but not all of them. As recently as the 19th century there were lay people who were cardinals.
So will we see women cardinals soon?
Maybe my theology isn’t sophisticated enough, but I don’t believe that there’s a compelling theological reason why the pope couldn’t name a woman cardinal.
Pope Francis has promised to find a more incisive role for women in the church. There are isolated incidents of women being appointed to fairly influential posts in the Roman Curia. I think it’s got to be more than that.
I have huge admiration for Catholic nuns, priests and laity working on the front lines all over the world to fight poverty, disease, injustice. Those people are doing exactly what Jesus talked about. But, so often, religious leaders, including those in the Vatican, seem less focused on the needy and more on issues that Jesus never breathed a word about, like gays, or abortion, or family planning.
It’s fair to say Jesus did not make pronouncements on those three hot-button issues. I think, though, that he gave us an ethos and a moral direction, so we don’t have to sit down and say, “Jesus, what do we do?” Catholic tradition didn’t fall out of the air and decide something capricious. It’s based on all sorts of lived experience of people trying to follow Jesus closely.
Can I ask about prayer? I accept that prayer has spiritual, healing value, but why is it that God answers prayers only in ambiguous situations, such as curing cancer, but never to, say, regrow a leg?
It’s interesting you mention that, Nicholas. My dad grew up strong and big, played football for Boston College, went into the service and lost his leg in World War II.
One night he was looking at his prosthesis. He said: “I was thinking I’ve had that thing half my life now. But if I didn’t have that, I wouldn’t have your mother, and I wouldn’t have you.” So he discovered something in that tragedy. Faith got him through it.
Sometimes I think when I don’t receive an answer to what I’m praying for, maybe what I’m asking for actually is something that could be harmful for me. I do believe God hears all prayers, and I believe God answers in some way.
In previous Q. & A.’s, I asked Rev. Tim Keller and President Jimmy Carterwhether a skeptic like myself, who admires Jesus’ moral teachings but doubts the virgin birth and any physical resurrection, counts as a Christian. Basically, Keller said “no,” and Carter “yes,” so you’re the tiebreaker. Am I a Christian?
I would think that if you haven’t completely closed the door on the possibility that God has more to say to you, then I think you’re in the tent.
Let’s turn the tables. Anything you want to ask me?
Can I ask a favor? I’m really worried about this country for a lot of reasons, but I’m particularly concerned about refugees and immigrants. I really think this present administration is moving clearly toward a mass deportation. My people are already terrorized. I am so afraid that unless we can find a way of changing hearts, they’re going to go ahead with it.
So is that God’s work here on earth? Is that what Jesus would be criticizing today?
I never hear Jesus going out of his way to point an accusing finger at people who are oppressing the poor. What he does criticize in very stark terms is the ones who don’t see them, who don’t see them as they are. I think that’s what happens. We’re developing a national cataract.
Thanks! And for all my skepticism, this I believe: Merry Christmas!
We feel the darkness all around and need to see some light. We feel hopelessness every day and need some hope. We feel despair for our nation’s life and future and need to see and hear some truth. We see authoritarian political leadership on the rise, a White House that literally puts democracy at risk, and feel the need to make clear where true authority lies.
But Christmas says:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:2-7)
We see the dominant political party planning to cut programs for the poor to cut taxes for the rich — and we fear the devastation of the vulnerable and low-income families. We see our massive economic inequality growing, and virtually every policy decision by those currently in power sides with the rich over the hungry and poor, for the powerful over the lowly. We long for the turning of things upside down.
But Christmas says, Mary’s Song of Praise says, her Magnificat promises:
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. (Luke 1:46-55)
"Let this time of empowerment for all women and children be such a time again."
Amen, this is the vision of our international Roman Catholic Women Priests Movement. We are living the dream now in inclusive communities of equals, celebrating sacraments that welcome all to the feast of divine love. Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP, www.arcwp.org, sofiabmm@aol.com
President's Message Christmas 2017
Last month, I took a leap that I had wanted to for some time. I went through the process of changing my name. I decided to return to the name that I had at birth-Sullivan. This is not a change that I took lightly. In fact, I put it off because it was going to be such a hassle. Then my daughter reminded me that women do it all the time. The name that I carried before, Edgar, was that of my stepfather who adopted me when I was ten. However, he was extremely abusive. I survived broken ribs, concussions, chipped teeth, and bruises the size of saucers at his hands. I also endured emotional and psychological abuse, even after I became an adult. So this is a big step in healing for me. I now shed myself of all that and reclaim my identity. What stands out for me is a tough recollection. My siblings and I recently discussed an article we found online. The article described how "everyone knew" of the abuse the writer and her mother suffered but kept quiet. We had the same experience. Everyone knew that we were abused, including the Catholic community of which we were members. As long as we looked like the good Catholic family on Sunday, with all the children who were so well behaved, no one cared. How could a faith community that claims to follow the Prince of Peace allow such a thing?
ARCC has always promoted a message of rights. Primarily, we emphasize the rights as they are presented in Canon Law. Let me suggest that we should also advocate for human rights-those that are God-given. We have a right to peace in our homes. We have a right to basic human dignity, that which is derived from the fact that we are all children of God. Yet, we have allowed the abuse of children and women over all the centuries. The continued preservation of patriarchy only facilitates these abuses. This system is premised on the idea of hierarchy. Much of the concept of hierarchy can be seen arising from the Genesis story. The emphasis on a "fall" in Genesis 2 and 3 projects the idea that there is this order. It has come to be viewed as God, angels, man, woman, animals, and plants. What if there was no fall? Anne Primavesi, in her bookFrom Apocalypse to Genesis, makes just such a point. She suggests that the consumption of the fruit was not a fall but a choice for free will. Since the tree is identified as the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, it would seem rather paradoxical that one could sin prior to this knowledge. By assuming that there was a fall, we find ourselves submerged into the hierarchy:
This step [the fall] demands that we consider the mechanisms which turn us into unwilling co-authors of this sin. It is not just outside us, we are part of it: we are its accomplices. This is one clear fact which emerges time and time again from ecological studies of environmental problems with their quota of death, destruction and suffering. One of the mechanisms is the relationship between us and hierarchical law, including religious law. There is an inertia involved in living under the rule of law, in which sins are by omission, by going along with the policies of exploitation against "them." Women know this only too well. Hierarchical government sanctions the rule of "power over" at the cost of power-from-within. It sanctions sins against the Spirit, devaluing and destroying diversity which creates ecological community and fills the earth with glory. (Primavesi, 1991, 236)
This same hierarchy is incorporated into all our lives, even into our families. Parents continue to have ownership of their children and men have continued to claim ownership of women's bodies. Now, we are witnessing an incredible cultural phenomenon in the#metoomovement. Women are boldly claiming their voices and exposing this systemic sin. This will likely continue to have a tectonic impact on our society. I cannot begin to say how much I am in awe of these powerful women. It is time to shake the hierarchy, especially as patriarchy, at its very foundation. When Jesus of Nazareth declared to the disciple "here is your mother,"(John 19:27) he was not just telling him to care for her. Rather, he was commanding that he view all women as he would his mother. To honor her and follow her example. As we prepare to celebrate the Incarnation, let us remember who it is that says, "let it be done unto me" (Luke 1:38) for all of us. This was an incredible act of faith that transforms all of us. Let this time of empowerment for all women and children be such a time again. I hope that all of us will support these brave women so that we may bring about a world that we wish for our daughters.
My leap cannot be compared to that of the courageous women or of a young Miriam. But I can relate to the need to shed the power of the hierarchy and reclaim my name-both as one who refused to be governed by violence and as a beloved child of God.
We at ARCC have experienced a year of discernment which, I believe, has brought about a re-energizing and a newness at the same time. We are more committed than ever to promote the rights of Catholics in the church. We are also committed to providing resources to continue that mission. I hope that all of our members and those who read our newsletter will find the knowledge they need to claim their voice. We will also be launching some online courses so that anyone can learn more about the sources of personal empowerment. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to grow in the Spirit, the source of Wisdom.
I know many of you have benefitted from our message and that we have opened eyes to the richness of our faith tradition rooted in human dignity. If we have touched you in any way, I hope that you can find it in your heart to support us and tell others. We no longer send out membership notices because we found that it wasn't particularly effective. Nevertheless, we still need your support. As the year comes to a close, consider giving to ARCC. For those who can give generously, we rely on you to continue our work.
Merry Christmas to you all,
Patrick B. Sullivan, DPA, M.Div. President, Association for the Rights of Catholics in the Church Director. Professional Development Center State of Montana
Today we played the Fifth Day of the Ninth of Aguinaldo.
"There were shepherds in the same region who lived in the countryside and took care of the flocks during the night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and said: "I bring you good news that will be a cause of joy for all the people" Luke 2: 8-10.
° God chooses to announce the new way of relating to humanity, the work place of the poorest group of Jewish society. From then on, the place to find God is the human reality, the whole human reality beginning with its place of work.
1.- What has daily life meant for you, especially the work place of every person, that is, the life that every human being carries? What value have you given him? do you see it as a worthless routine? Why? Do not you realize that it is there where the person receives what will mark her all her life?
2.- Illuminate this reflection with the word of the Lord:
Luke 2: 39-40 and 51-52
What kind of human life did Jesus have for 30 years?
What does the way Lucas describes, the ordinary and normal circumstances in which he lived it?
° How this illuminates what you have reflected. How the Lord reveals himself to you there. What lessons do you get to live and announce your faith?
3.- Community prayer.
Advent and Christmas, it is an invitation to change. If we change there will be no Christmas.
GRAPHICAL REPORT OF THE NINTH IN THE FOUNDATION
HAND EMBROIDERY.
The parents got up early to the Foundation, to arrange the room and make the sancocho. There were 25 girls, 25 boys and two babies, accompanied by the grandmothers, and the mothers.
Socorro and Maria have not stopped working to get the sancocho ready.
On the street, the stove was improvised for the sancocho. Children, do not come here ...
It seems that lunch is already here!
Mom serving the lunches.
In the small room, we patiently wait.
Humm, how delicious we'll have custard and donuts.
Daniel, he wants to read the Novena, and he's happy to be able to do it.
Olga Lucia invites reflection :. Where were the shepherds, what were they doing?
Rosita, invites us to a game. "Tingo Tingo Tango".
All very rich. When do they give us the gifts?
Dieguito says: this is mine, what will it be? I open it or I keep it?
The best gift my sister!
Isabelita, do not lose opportunity to applaud. Is happy!
What happiness! and how attentive they are! What a trial, in such a small space.
Wow! We had not seen the colorful bombs on the roof!
