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Friday, January 22, 2021

Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community Liturgy “Seeking Wisdom for our New Year 2021 In the Time of Covid and Political Unrest” Linda Lee Miska-MMOJ, Katy Zatsick ARCWP January 23, 2021


Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community Liturgy on Zoom
on Saturday.


Zoom link for video- 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85108095506?pwd=Y3IyS0xkaWZ1WGRUOXlZMm5qcE1Fdz09

ID 851- 0809-5506

Password 1066

Photo by Bahram Bayat on Unsplash


Katy:  Welcome to our Zoom liturgy at Mary Mother of Jesus, an inclusive Catholic Community, where all are welcome.  In these difficult times, it is now more important than ever to gather together to support one another as “companions on this journey,” a journey into our unknown future as individuals, families and as a country.  Our theme asks us to reflect on Holy Wisdom’s journey with us in 2021 during times of political unrest and pandemic. We are challenged and confused; where do we find Sophia Wisdom, how do we listen to her and how are we called to be transformed as citizens and as a country? 


Linda Lee: We invite you to light a candle and leave it burning throughout our liturgy. We invite you to pray the liturgy and respond where it says, ALL. All participants will be muted during the liturgy except for the presiders and readers. Our readers today are Andrea, Denis, Jan and Michael Rigdon.  Our ITs are Peg Bowen and Bridget Mary. During the shared homily we ask you to unmute yourself to contribute your thoughts and when you are finished, re-mute yourself. Please have bread and wine/juice in front of you as we pray our Eucharistic prayer. If you are attending our liturgy for the first time, we offer you a space to introduce yourself after Communion. 


Katy: All: (arms outstretched)Infinite God in whom I live and move and have my being; (hands in Namaste position, bowing to person across from you) Holy Spirit Sophia in every person and all Communities; (hands crossed over heart) Inner God, my brother Jesus: I am your light for the world  Amen. 


Opening Song: Send us Your Spirit O Love, Sung by Linda Lee




Opening Prayer. 

Denis and All: Jesus, you became human to show us Holy Mystery’s Path of Love. You so loved the world that your every deed was inspired by the Holy Spirit.  Your mission was God’s mission of human spiritual evolution, and you gave your life to fulfill it.  Teach us to listen to Holy Sophia in our hearts, souls and minds.  To experience her presence in our families, communities and country. Help us to love as you have loved us, that we may continue your mission of being Compassion for all in our time and place.  May we continue your mission of challenging unjust structures in society, culture, politics and faith communities. Always we ask this in the name of our Wise Elder Brother Jesus. Amen. 


Transformation Rite: Linda Lee Composer Chant 



https://youtu.be/4-Per-MLyro
 


Katy: In these challenging times in our country, we ask transformation of any negative or confusing thoughts, feelings, and actions toward ourselves, others and our communities whether political, social or religious. May we use the spiritual energy of Wisdom within us to create a sustainable world for all life and to change every unjust system to meet the Common Good needs of all. 

Katy-All: Raising hands in blessing 

I love you, I am sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you


 Glory to God: All: led by Linda Lee 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgn_8q1UWwk&feature=youtu.be


Andrea-First Reading: Pope Francis “The Gift of the Risen Christ” (Pope Francis Speaks to our Hearts; Words of Challenge and Hope pg. 49)

 

“The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for Me” (Gal 2:20) What is this life? It is God’s own life.  And who brings us this life? It is the Holy Spirit, the gift of the Risen Christ.  The Spirit leads us into the divine life as true children of God, as sons and daughters in the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Are we open to the Holy Spirit? Do we let ourselves be guided by (Sophia Wisdom)? We give thanks for this reflection of Pope Francis and affirm his words by saying All: Amen


Response: Blessing to the World-Linda Lee


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QOj0lyia-M&feature=youtu.be


Jan R- Second Reading Wisdom-Sent Messiah, Naming God “Spirit” (Prayers to She Who Is by William Cleary, pg. 52)


Spirit-Sophia, with the co-operation of Mary and Joseph you guided the messianic Jesus of Nazareth through his early years, then led him into the desert for his trial by fasting and revelation; you inspired Jesus to quote from Isaiah in his career-opening words in his hometown synagogue, anointing him to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.


Infinite Wisdom, you inspire each of us to find our own messianic mission, to live out our part of the Cosmic Christ, -searching our own hearts for the guidance you give us, -finding evidence of your creative light in the events that made us who we are, and in the stories of those around us with meaningful lives: we await your coming to illuminate our darkness. 


Come, Holy Spirit, Wisdom, Fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle within us the fire of your divine light. Send forth the creative breath of your Spirit that we may be newly created. Renew through your coming the face of the earth. We affirm these inspired words by William Cleary saying All: Spirit-Sophia, guiding, caring, freeing, in you we live and move and have our being. 


Celtic Alleluia:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1rc7ojQtJU


Denis: The Good News of Jesus our Cosmic Christ from Luke, John and the Acts of the Apostles 

Luke 3: 21-22 When all the people were baptized, Jesus also came to the be baptized. And while Jesus was praying, the skies opened and the Holy Spirit descended on the Anointed One in visible form, like a dove. A voice from heaven said, “You are my Own, my Beloved. On you my favor rests.”

Luke 10: 21 At that moment Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I offer you praise, Abba, ruler of heaven and earth, because what you have hidden from the learned and the clever you have revealed to mere children.  Yes, Abba, you have graciously willed it so.

John 14:16-17 Jesus teaches: If you love me and obey the command, I give you, I will ask the One who sent me to give you another Paraclete, another Helper to be with your always—the Spirt of truth, whom the world cannot accept since the world neither sees her nor recognizes her; but you can recognize the Spirit because she remains with you and will be within you.

John 16:13-15 Jesus teaches: When the Spirit of truth comes, she will guide you into all truth.  She won’t speak on her own initiative; rather, she’ll speak only what she hears, and she’ll announce to you things that are yet to come.  In doing this, the Spirit will give glory to me for she will take what is mine and reveal it to you.  Everything that Abba God has belongs to me.  This is why I said that the Spirit will take what is mine and reveal it to you.  

Acts of the Apostles 2:1-4 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they all met in one room.  Suddenly they heard what sounded like a violent rushing wind from heaven: the noise filled the entire house in which they were sitting. Something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each one.  They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as she enabled them.    

We give thanks for Sophia Wisdom’s Presence in the life of Jesus and his followers. We affirm her presence by saying All: Amen


Celtic Alleluia


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1rc7ojQtJU


Reflecting on the Word

  

Meditation Interlude:  Linda Lee


https://youtu.be/9fnOG6jyIJo


Shared Homily: 

What did you experience/hear during the meditation? What do I need to hear from our Sophia Wisdom to guide me in 2021?

What message of wisdom do I seek from Sophia for our friends, family and community? 

After listening to Sophia Wisdom what words of wisdom from citizens do our elected officials need to hear from us in the time of political unrest, new administration, and Covid?


Profession of Faith.

Michael and All: We believe in God who is creator and nurturer of all. We believe in Jesus Christ our brother, template for humanity’s relationship with God. Jesus Beloved Son of God who is our faith, hope, love, and our light. Born in a stable, Jesus now resides in our souls.  We believe in the Holy Spirit, the breath of Wisdom Sophia who energizes and helps us make wise decisions and guides us to rebuild caring communities and to challenge injustices.  We believe in the partnership and equality of women and men in our church and world. We believe that all are ONE in God’s Community of Creation. We believe that Holy Wisdom calls us to pray always, live fully, love tenderly, and serve generously with Christ’s Compassion and never count the cost. Amen.


Linda Lee: Always mindful of God’s love and care for us, we bring the needs of God’s people to our loving Creator and Renewer of Souls

Response: Jesus, fill our souls with your Sophia Wisdom   

Jan R: That the Biden-Harris administration and Congress and the States will work together to quickly provide Covid-19 vaccinations for all ASAP. Response

Andrea: That the Biden-Harris administration and Congress and the States will work together to address the economic needs of all citizens. Response

Michael: For all persons, medical professionals and communities suffering from Covid: financially, physically, spiritually, mentally Response:

Denis: We pray for healing for all Covid patients and for the families who lost a loved one to Covid or violence. Response.

Linda Lee: That all citizens in the USA will dedicate ourselves to work for a sustainable planet and economy for all, we pray. Response

Michael: That we will re-dedicate ourselves to build a country and world where equality, justice and peace are established for all. Response: 

Katy: For what else should we pray…

Katy and All: Holy Mystery, we know you hear our prayers; those we speak and those we keep in our hearts. Fill our community with your Holy Wisdom, Compassion and Love as we begin our new year in the time of Covid. Amen


PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS

Linda Lee: (lifting up the bread) Blessed are you, O God, Lover of all.  In this time of Covid, our bread is your MMOJ community gathering together bringing our faith, hope and love for our country, and all brothers and sisters as gifts for you.  Through your divine providence, we have this bread to offer, it will become for us the Bread of life.   ALL:  Jesus, Fill our hearts with your Spirit Sophia

  

Michael: (lifting up the wine) Blessed are you, Holy Mystery, Creator of all.  This wine is our desire to live following your Way of reconciliation, healing and peace asking you to send your Sophia Holy Wisdom to guide us.  Through your divine providence, we have this wine to offer, it will become our spiritual drink.  ALL:  Jesus, Fill our hearts with your Spirit Sophia  


Katy and All: Blessed are you, God of all life, through your goodness we have this bread and wine and our own lives to offer as our gifts to you as we listen to Sophia Wisdom in our New Year. Through this sacred meal and the gifts of Sophia Wisdom may we become your Presence for all. Amen. 

Eucharistic Prayer.


Holy, Holy- All sing:


https://youtu.be/orKBBIj5LZA
 


Denis and All: Come Holy Spirit and settle on this bread and wine. Fill them with the holiness and wholeness of our Brother Jesus our Cosmic Christ living in the center of our souls today.  Holy Spirit we ask that you fill us with your Wisdom as we participate in your Divine meal with our brothers and sisters of our community and your People of God throughout the world. 


Remembering Jesus.   (All: lifting up the bread, hand extended in blessing)


Andrea: On the night before Jesus died, while at supper he took bread, broke it, and sharing it with family and friends, saying, “Take this, all of you, and eat. When you gather in my name, I am present amongst you.” (Pause)


Jan R:  (All lifting up the cup, hand extended in blessing)

Then Jesus took a cup of wine and sharing it with those present said, “Take this all of you and drink. This is the cup of my eternal covenant with you. Do this in memory of me.” 


Linda and All (2nd Invocation of Spirit, with hand raised in blessing): Come Holy Spirit to rest on us. Refreshed from our worship together and joined with Jesus our Brother may we extend your Compassion, Love and Peace to all we meet in this time of Covid and unrest. 


Katy and All: Lift up the bread and wine and sing 

The Great Amen:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sDDgwZlijc&feature=youtu.be
  Led by Linda Lee


Prayer of Jesus 

Katy: Jesus knowing each of his disciples and through the centuries, followers of his Way would be tested mightily to “Love God” and to “Love your neighbor as yourself” with non-violence toward all. Jesus in his Love for us taught those who believe and follow his Sophia Wisdom this prayer: 


Katy and All: Heavenly Mother, Heavenly Father, 

Holy and Blessed is your true name.

We pray for your reign of peace to come,

We pray that your good will be done,

Let heaven and earth become one.

Give us this day the bread we need,

Give it to those who have none.

Let forgiveness flow like a river through us,

From each one to each one to each one.

Lead us to holy innocence

Beyond the evil of our days.

Come swiftly Mother, Father, Come!

For yours is the power, the glory, and the mercy—

Forever your name is All in One. Amen          (Parker Palmer, Quaker Writer and Teacher, WI)


Katy: Jesus knowing humanity needs to continue to evolve into his Compassion for all, gave to his followers his own Spirit Sophia bringing of peace. We accept Sophia Wisdom and we now extend the Peace of Christ to all Americans and to all peoples and life of God’s planet Earth. 


Peace is Flowing Like a River: 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrLnCPq1GJk&feature=youtu.be
  Sung by Linda Lee  


Litany Before Communion

Jan R: Loving God, you invite us to know deeply Sophia Wisdom dwelling within us. All: We will do so! 

Denis: Loving God, you call us to live the Gospel of equality, peace and justice for others and earth. All: We will do so! 

Katy: Loving God, you call us to be your Compassionate Presence in the world. All: We will do so!


Linda Lee: (lifting up the bread and wine) This is Jesus born in a humble stable who has gifted us with Sophia Wisdom who liberates, heals and transforms us and our world in the time of Covid and political strife. All are invited to partake of this banquet of love and to live as the Heart and Hands of Christ’s Compassion in our time. All: We are the Body of Christ.


Time to share our Body and Blood of Christ with the Body of Christ. 


Communion meditation: Sanctuary 

Sung by Linda Lee 


Reflection after Communion

Katy: 

May we individually and collectively discern the will of Sophia Wisdom which remains ever fresh and new. At this very moment, you and I are being called to something entirely new, a spiritual evolutionary step deeper into the Wholeness, Holiness and Compassion of Christ.  Just what that is for each of us, our country, and all our communities; where this “something entirely new” will take us is part of our spiritual evolution that Holy Mystery unfolds as we participate in co-creating it.  We need have no regrets as the normal of this present world fades into history. Let us follow Holy Wisdom’s will for us, and the future will be forever bright as God’s gift to the 7th Generation.  All: Amen


Prayers of Gratitude from community.  Introductions.  Announcements


Final Blessing. 

Michael -All (hand extended over community): 

May Sophia’s Light encircle you

May Sophia’s Love enfold you

May Sophia’s Peace encourage you

         May Sophia’s Hope fill your heart and soul.

May Sophia’s Presence enrich you

As we listen for Sophia Wisdom’s words in our souls. Amen 


Linda Lee and Katy: In this new year of many challenges for us personally and as a country; let us go in the peace, joy, and hope of Sophia Wisdom. Let our ministry and service for others continue through all of 2021!  All: Thanks be to God.


Closing Song:  “The Spirit is moving all over this land”



https://youtu.be/WPI8x8AOl5Y
 
with Linda Lee


St Teresa of Kolkata: There is a terrible hunger for love.

 We all experience this in our lives---the pain, the loneliness.

 We must have the courage to recognize it. 

 The poor you may have right in your own family.  Find them. Love them.


If you want to add an intercession to our MMOJ Community Prayer book,

please send an email to katyrcwp@tampabay.rr.com


If you want to invite someone to attend our liturgy, please refer them our website at MaryMotherofJesus.org  

or to www.BridgetMarys.blogspot.com for Zoom link and liturgy of the day scheduled to begin at 4PM every Saturday. 


To support our community, please send your check to:

Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community

St Andrew UCC, 6908 Beneva Rd, Sarasota, Florida 34238

 

 









Reclaiming the Presence of the Divine Feminine in the Ancient Practice of Praying the Rosary Today by Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

Unsplash: Chelsea Shappouri

Like people of all faiths and walks of life, I have returned to the  sacred practice of praying the rosary. This ancient meditation makes me more aware of  spiritual energy within me to heal my body in my battle with endometrial cancer. 

In a ground breaking new book, The Way of the Rose-The Radical Path of the Divine Feminine Hidden in the Rosary,- Clark Strand, a former Buddhist Zen master and Perdita Finn, his feminist wife, describe the hidden wisdom of this  sacred practice to foster deep communion with Divine Presence and to transform lives and the planet in an age of ecological collapse. They share their spiritual encounter with a Mother whose loving presence is "as close as the ground beneath their feet, whose message is the rosary is My Body, and My body is the body of the world. Your body is one with that body. What cause could there be for fear?"

The authors make the connections between praying the rosary in the  pre-Christian tradition, Middle Ages and modern times.   In Medieval times, the rosary refers to garlands woven from roses and offered to the Blessed Mother in the Spring. This devotion was rooted in  people's experience of the healing power of the goddess in ancient times. They  called Mary the Great Mother of Life, Star of the Sea and Queen of heaven and earth, the same words their ancestors used to address Inanna, Isis and Venus. Bead practice, they point out, transcends Church dogma and  patriarchal control by religious authorities.  Church official have downplayed Mary's appearances in Egypt, Japan, Bosnia, Venezuela, Rwanda and the United States in the hope that she would go away. But, our ancestors believed in the loving presence of a Great Mother, and so do many believers today.,

The gathering behaviors of women as multitaskers who collected seeds, nuts and berries  -chatting, muttering, moving  about and communing with others.-  continues today as "grandmothers gently hold the beads around their fingers sneaking in a prayer or two between the dishes and the laundry. Children can be tended, old people cared for, the carrots chopped for dinner, all while staying connected with the Lady." 

The rosary is a way we can hold the Divine Mother in our hearts, and  explore a beautiful mystical path for spiritual renewal.   As the authors emphasize,  praying the rosary, "gives us a way to reclaim our devotion to that Mother, get our feet on the ground again and find our way back to the garden of Eden."

I  recommend The Companions 'Rosary- Praying the Rosary in Original Blessing Theology by Debra Trees.  The Companions Rosary is an attempt to combine the prayers of the rosary with the contemporary theology of original blessing. A description of the Companion Rosary can be found on this link: https://bridgetmarys.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-companions-rosary-praying-holy.html


Wednesday, January 20, 2021

55 Years of Struggle for Women’s Ordination in the Catholic Church by Ida Raming RCWP- Reviewed by Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Ida-Raming/dp/364391265X

(Translated from German to English by Dr. James A. Turner)

This book is a must read for anyone interested in women’s ordination and the  historical foundation of the Roman Catholic Women Priests Movement. Theologian Ida Raming presents a comprehensive collection of historical documents about  the 55 year struggle for women’s ordination. This book is a treasure trove of information, documents and footnotes from 1962 to  the present time. 


Ida Raming, together with her friend Iris Mueller, were pioneers for the admission of women to priesthood and to all church ministries. She recounts enforced manipulation and brainwashing by the Vatican to stifle open dialogue including their attempt to pass on this discriminatory teaching as dogma binding for all times. Dr. Raming  states  that Vatican resistance to women priests has no theological justification.


 One of the major issues for the all-male hierarchy is the question of power. She writes: “Men do not want to share the power that is associated with ministries and service…I am not giving up, because I trust and believe that “Truth will overcome- the truth will prevail in the end- and not lies!” 


In order to achieve gender justice, Ida  believes that women will need to challenge the unjust law. This happened in 2002 when several women from Austria and Germany, including Raming and Mueller, decided to be ordained by a Catholic bishop, contra legem. The women involved “in illegal ordination, she believes,  are a “prophetic sign of protest  against discriminatory teachings and laws.”


According to Dr. Raming, Pope Francis’ theology of women is a major obstacle in the struggle for equality in the Church.  His theology of women- his vision of the church (‘she is a woman.’) is a paradox because the Church is represented only by men in ecclesial office. 

 

I love Ida’s passionate challenge to Catholic women to affirm the dignity of women, their human rights and work for full equality of women in all ministries in the Church: “Hear my call my dear Sisters! Embrace your responsibility for this important task."


All of us in the international Roman Catholic Women Priests Movement owe Dr. Raming a depth of gratitude for her brilliant, articulate advocacy for  gender justice.


My Prayer For Our Country on Inauguration Day by Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

 


 https://youtu.be/5nB8GMYByZk

I pray for wisdom for President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and the new administration on this Inauguration day.

I pray that  there will be new birthings of the  Spirit as we work together during this time of pandemic and political upheaval

for the safety, health and well- being of all people.

I pray  for strength in the midst of  pain  and loss. 

I pray for mutual respect  to promote unity in diversity

I pray for the creation of new networks and structures to promote equality and justice for all and healing for our earth

I pray that each of us will  be a blessing to our nation and the world. 


Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests

https://arcwp.org

People's Catholic Seminary

https:pcseminary.org


Sunday, January 17, 2021

This is no Ordinary Time by Rev. Richard Vosko January 17 ,2021

Riot at Capitol- Getty Images


In mid-week a new president and vice-president will take office. They promise to restore our nations credibility worldwide, to make health care a human right, to create jobs so everyone can live with dignity, and to lift up our pride in being an American citizen.


The Catholic Church is now in a period called Ordinary Time.” It is an interval on the liturgical calendar when no particular event of the mystery of Christ is celebrated. However, on our daily calendars this is no ordinary time. 


The events of the past fortnight are filled with both fear and hope. There was the dastardly breach of our nations Capitol, the historic second impeachment of President Donald Trump, and the upcoming inauguration of Joe Biden, whose 1.9 trillion dollar rescue plan aims to curb our economic and public health emergencies. 


While we await nationwide vaccinations against SARS-CoV-19 we worry about continual threats against democracy and national security triggered by crazed mobs and specious conspiracies. The FBI considers, for example, the QAnon conspiracy a domestic terrorist threat. Although a majority of Americans believe QAnon is bad for this country many Christians strongly believe its theories.


What is hard to understand is why so many Christian people continue to accept these deceptions and a defeated president who intentionally abused women, separated children from their parents, shamed persons with disabilities, disregarded the Constitution, and mocked veterans for serving in the military. 


A president who has consistently eschewed core Christian teachings, not to mention legal statutes, can hardly be called pro-life.” More intolerable are the large numbers of Christians and their leaders who believe the outgoing president was appointed by God to be the savior of this nation if not the entire world! They are such loyal followers they have become complicit in embracing and promoting the shallow but dangerous agenda of Mr. Trump


James Martin SJ wrote last week: The invasion of the U.S. Capitol was seen by many rioters not simply as a political act but a religious one, in great part thanks to the moral framework fostered by too many Christian leaders. Christians in the mob probably did not consider themselves criminals as much as prophets.


What are good, well intentioned people supposed to do? In the first biblical text for today (Samuel 3:3b-10, 19) the aging high priest Eli said to the teenager Samuel, son of Hannah, if you hear God calling you, you had better reply ASAP. Unlike Elis sons, Samuel did not yet know about God. Further, he did not realize God was calling him to be an important prophet.


The gospel (John 1:35-42) offers another example of readily answering the call. We read about Jesus recruiting people to follow him. In this passage Peter is called by Jesus but, perhaps like Samuel, he did not understand what he was being asked to do nor did he grasp the significance of his calling. Some scholars think Peter never understood. 


We, too, have been hearing this same biblical mandate over and over. We cannot ignore the call. Just as the world did not become an egalitarian sphere as soon as Jesus was born or when he died, neither should we think that our thirst for social justice will be quenched overnight. There is work to do. 


In his sermon No Surprise, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, preached about the traumatic and dispiriting event in Washington as an example of what happens when unchecked leaders rule. He urged, There is no one moment when dissent dies.” Cosgrove continued to say that redemption does not happen all at once but takes one step at a time. The dawn beckons,” he said.


What explains the dangerous behavior of the Trump cultic following? What locks ordinary people into a frenzied loyalty to crazed incendiaries like Jim Jones, David Koresh, Charles Manson, or Keith Raniere? Chris Jackson, a pollster with Ipsos commented: Increasingly, people are willing to say and believe stuff that fits in with their view of how the world should be, even if it doesn't have any basis in reality or fact.


We cannot forget that Jesus, like his cousin John the Baptizer, started a cult with a goal in mindAnd, yes, Jesus, an itinerant Jew, did excite his disciples and others with his stirring speeches and radical actions. Christians today are baptized into that same cult and are called to rally, protest, attack, march against what we believe are grave injustices. 


The difference between Jesuss call to action and the maneuvers of egregious cults deluded by a demagogue is that Christians, along with people of other faith traditions, are committed to seek justice by peaceful means and without acts of violence. We do not stir up barbarity. We move about in society using immeasurable kindness and truthful conversation as agents of reconciliation and peacemaking. 


This coming week we begin with the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. on a National Day of Service. Undeterred, and true to his calling, King challenged unbridled bigotry, racist structures and, specifically, a White supremacist, homophobic culture. Kings prophetic voice still resounds. In his Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech he said: “ …Faith can give us courage to face the uncertainties of the future. It will give our tired feet new strength as we continue our forward stride toward the city of freedom.”  


It is no small task. We are all beckoned to do something, anything, to work harder for reconciliation and justice. Like the invitation to Samuel and the disciples of Christ we need to answer the call ASAP. This is no ordinary time.