World-Renowned Author Matthew Fox in Sarasota, Fl., Addresses "A Spirituality for 21st Century "and Co-Presided at Liturgy with Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP

Matthew Fox, international speaker, author and theologian

 Over 200  enthusiastic people attended an all-day program  on Feb. 22nd at St. Andrew United Church of Christ sponsored by Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community, Call to Action and St. Andrew UCC. Dr. Marilyn  Jenai, a member of Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Community and a friend of Matthew Fox gave a warm introduction of her  spiritual  mentor and colleague.

Dr. Marilyn Jenai introduced Matthew Fox

Matthew Fox presented a thought-provoking program on the profound need for developing a mystical heart in the 21st century. Like Nero who fiddled when Rome burned, Fox said we live in times where institutions are failing to deal with modern day challenges  confronting our Earth including governmental, financial, and religious, and political bodies.

Our planet is in crisis and we need to take action now. 

 Matthew Fox  pointed to Via Negativa and recommended practices to help us on our journey such as fasting  and meditating  which can help expand our hearts so we can rewire our species and refire our civilization. Matthew observed that the poets like Mary Oliver point out that we must:  1. Pay attention, 2. Be astonished and 3 Share astonishment. 

Matthew Fox addresses over 200 in Sarasota, Fl. 

Observing that Florida is the playground for retirees, he said that retirement should be a time to refire and rewire to help us live our passion and to help make our planet liveable again. 
He cited saints and prophets in the Christian tradition like Hildegard of Bingen, Meister Eckhart,Thomas Aquinas, and contemporary mystics like Thomas Merton, Thomas Berry, and Mary Oliver. All are spiritual guides who provide wisdom for the journey into an expanded heart where we can  experience the marriage of the divine feminine and sacred masculine in our interior lives, relationships and worldview. 

St. Andrew United Church of Christ is full of enthusiastic spiritual seekers for Matt Fox Presentation

 He quoted  a poem by Mary Oliver who said we must:  1. Pay attention, 2. Be astonished and 3 Share astonishment. 

In the afternoon session, Matthew interviewed his co-worker Skyler on his journey as a young person into the meaning of contemplation and community. There are some young adults who are finding deep meaning in living in community, sharing spiritual practices and reflections. This is not only happening in ashrams but in contemporary dwellings such as the one where Skyler and several spiritual seekers share in San Francisco.

Dialogue between Matt on right and Skyler on left

Skyler accompanies Matt on wilderness retreats and a rich diversity of communal reflective exercises that appeal to young adults today. He also organizes the Cosmic Christ Masses that incorporate reggae and other contemporary arts and music in worship.

3 Meditation Chants we "tried on" as spiritual practices:
chant ah, then the names of God.
Chant "Kingdom of God is within you, and/or the Queendom God is among us. "
Chant "do to the least, you do unto me."

We concluded our day with a beautiful liturgy  where all were invited to receive Communion at he Banquet Table and where the entire community shared the Eucharistic Prayer. Sheila Carey led liturgical dance, Linda Lee Miska and Mindy Simmons led musical chants and meditative music that celebrated our mystical oneness and call to be the compassionate face of God by living life fully.Matt and I co-presided at the Table.

Bridget Mary welcomes all to  inclusive Eucharistc Table

Congregation Prays Consecration with Extended Hands

Matthew Fox on left and Bridget Mary Meehan on right co-preside at liturgy

Sheila Carey, liturgical dancer, leads assembly in sacred dance and gestures

Sheila Carey leads community in liturgical dance and movement

Mindy Lou Simmons and Linda Lee Miska played music on guitar and piano for liturgy. 

Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan joins hands with Joan Meehan as congregation dances out of church in the light of God!

Dr. Michael and Imogene Rigdon, co-pastors of Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community and leaders of Call to Action Peace River, 

Dr. Michael Rigdon

with a team of  generous volunteers, from MMOJ and CTA  spent many hours preparing and working to make this day such a major blessing for so many who attended. We are also grateful to Lee and Carol Ann Breyer, a married priest couple form MMOJ coordinated the liturgy. Thanks to Judy and Kevin Connelly for their generous contributions and coordination of the meals. Special thanks to Pastor Phil Garrison for his presence, dedicated service and photos above.  He is the pastor who gives and gives and gives! A word of appreciation to Nancy Haines who took some of the photos above.
We will never forget this day of blessed refiring and rewiring with Matthew Fox, a prophet and mystic for the 21st century! 
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
www.arcwp.org
www.marymotherofjesus.org