Through Darkness to Light, the Glory of God Shines Through You by Bridget Mary Meehan from A Promise of Presence by Bridget Mary Meehan and Regina Madonna Oliver

Unsplash: David Cantelli

Then the glory of God shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together.

Isaiah 40:5 (NRSV)

Mary and Tom met and fell in love during their last year of college. Swept up by romance, they spent as much time as they could in each other's presence, dreaming of a bright future. Theirs would be the "ideal relationship"-open, honest, intimate, lasting. They wanted children, a comfortable home, successful careers, lots of money, and good health to enjoy it all.

They married three months after graduating from college,

and everything went according to their plans. Tom obtained a good position in a law firm, and Mary developed her skills as a budding artist. When their first child, Susan, was born a year after their marriage, they bought a lovely home in a neighborhood they liked.

Then Mary's mother died suddenly. It was a shock for the family. Mary, who had been extremely close to her mother, was overwhelmed with grief and began to suffer from depression. Because Mary refused to get out of bed in the morning, Tom began taking Susan to a day-care center on his way to work and picking her up on his way home.

Before long, Mary's health broke down completely, and for the next year she was in and out of hospitals, taking prescription drugs, and receiving counseling. Tom did his best to care for Susan and Mary. Every time he felt like he was at the end of his rope, a neighbor or friend would call, deliver a meal, or offer to babysit Susan. Tom instinctively felt that someone was praying for his family.

Then one night, Tom had a dream. He dreamed that his family was walking down a road and, although everything near them seemed to be covered in darkness, there was a beautiful golden light in the distance. With each step they took, the light grew more brilliant. Finally they were completely drawn into its dazzling beauty. When Tom awoke, he felt a new sense of peace.

When Tom shared his dream with Mary, her eyes lit up and she smiled for the first time in months. As Tom gazed into his wife's eyes, he experienced more love than he could ever describe.

It was as if God's love had reached out to them both and lifted them into each other's arms. The days that followed were still difficult, but Mary and Tom grew closer. Together, they struggled to recover health and happiness one day at a time.

Like Mary and Tom, we all have great plans and we all experience disappointments.  The Scripture passage at the begin­ning of this reflection reminds us that we can see the glory of God shining through even in our darkest hour-in times of tribulation, failure, sickness, grief or pain. Sometimes it takes dark valleys to awaken us to new dreams or fresh perspectives about what is really important in life. What seems to be a tragedy can actually be a threshold through which we can walk together from darkness into light.

In the darkness of despair, despite our natural human sense of hopelessness, we can gaze up at a crucifix, see Christ's out­ stretched arms open wide to embrace us, and hear Christ speak deeply within our hearts: "I love you! I love you! I love you!" There in Christ's presence we can feel at peace and let divine strength fill us. When this happens, the glory of God will be revealed to us. It will be a dream to remember forever-a dream that will draw us closer to one another in the heart of God.

DAY 1

Sit quietly and breathe  slowly. Be aware that your life is gift. You

are full of potential, full of promise. See yourself as a reflection of God's love made visible in the world. What are you doing? Who are you becoming? How can you live this dream today? Let this be your prayer.

DAY 2

Open yourself to the wonders of Earth. Lie on the grass and feel God's dream for creation. Delight in the sacred connection that joins you with all things. Kiss Earth with tenderness  as you would a cherished friend.

DAY 3

Do one thing today to give birth to your dreams. For example:

* Repeat the loving words the Holy One is saying to you, "My beloved, this is my dream for you."

* Eat slowly, remembering to nourish your body and soul as you live your dream to become a radiant reflection of God.

* Read an inspirational book about a favorite mentor or saint who lived her or his dreams.

* Talk to a friend or spiritual guide about your dreams.

DAY 4

Kneel or sit before a crucifix, and bring to mind some recent disappointment, failure, weakness, sin, hurt or pain. Observe Jesus' outstretched arms embracing you. Listen as Jesus says over and

over again:  I love you. Make this your prayer today:

Holy One, in the darkness, may I shine your radiant light of reconciliation, healing and transformation.  

DAY 5

Quiet yourself inside and outside. Slowly take several deep breaths. Be aware that Jesus wants to heal anything in you that keeps you from living your dreams. Be conscious of any fears you have that keep you from living fully as an image of the Divine in your life. Imagine the healing love of Jesus embracing you now in this area of your life, bringing you through darkness to light. See yourself whole and healed, living with the vitality of the Spirit fully and passionately.

DAY 6

Make this your prayer today:

My Beloved, thank you for the times you have revealed your glory through me. Blessed are you for the many ways you are present in my life (name specific relation­ ships, events or occasions in which you manifest God's pres­ence). Today I give you my dreams for my future (name  them).  All that I am, all that I have, all that I will become, belongs to you. I carry your dream, Holy One, in my heart.

DAY 7

Make this your prayer today:

Heart of Tenderness,

aware of your presence within and all around me, may i awaken to ways I can treat myself with gentleness. May I discover beauty in the chaos and messiness of life. May I find you close to me in the topsy-turvy of spilled milk, lost keys, screaming children, grumpy people (make your own list) and all the other things that make me crazy. Or, if that is not possible, may I be able to simply smile and laugh at myself. Amen.

BMM

"Pope's comment on gay unions stirs conversation" by Elizabeth Johnson, Daily Reflector, Oct. 25, 2020, See Commentary by Woman Priest Ann Harrington ARCWP

Unsplash: Stanley Dai

"An apparent endorsement by Pope Francis of civil unions for same-sex couples won’t change the church’s teaching on homosexuality, a local priest said, but the statement has people talking.

The newly released documentary, “Francesco,” includes a clip from a 2019 interview with Mexican broadcaster Televisa in which Francis said that gays deserve to be part of the family and that he supported civil unions, or a “ley de convivencia civil” as he said in Spanish — to give them legal protections, the Associated Press reported.

Father Ian Vanheusen, a priest with the Diocese of Raleigh assigned to the East Carolina University Newman Center and St. Peter Parish in Greenville, said Pope Francis was not offering official teachings during the interview and the statement does not change the church’s conservative values about homosexuality.

“I think some people are dismayed, not because of what the pope said, but because of how the media has spun it, that people are spinning this as a victory for a liberal agenda, that he’s changing the church’s teaching on same-sex attraction, which there is no indication of that,” Vanheusen said.

About midway through the film, director Evgeny Afineevsky recounts the story of Andrea Rubera, a married gay Catholic who wrote Francis asking for his advice about bringing into the church his three young children with his husband, the Associated Press reported.

It was an anguished question, given the church teaches that gay people must be treated with dignity and respect but that homosexual acts are “intrinsically disordered,” the AP reported. The church also holds that marriage is an indissoluble union between man and woman, and that as a result, gay marriage is unacceptable.

In the end, Rubera recounts how Francis urged him to approach his parish transparently and bring the children up in the faith, which he did. After the anecdote ends, the film cuts to Francis’ civil union comments in the Televisa interview.

Vanheusen said the larger Catholic community has split views about the pope’s statement based on their political views, he said. Some people believe it is a victory for a liberal agenda, which Vanheusen has not seen among local parishioners, he said.

“Some people have been disappointed because they view it as going against traditional values, and what I would say to either folks is the church teaching has not changed on how the Catholic Church views same-sex attraction,” Vanheusen said.

Same-sex couples cannot get married in Catholic churches and he said he does not foresee that changing. Vanheusen said the Catholic church helps those who struggle with same-sex attraction by praying with them, helping them with their relationship with the Lord and to understand the church’s teachings.

“Absolutely, 100 percent, pastoral care and loving folks with the struggle of same-sex attraction is a huge priority for us. We accept all people, we try to call them to chastity, we try to call them to live the virtuous life,” Vanheusen said. “Throughout the years I’ve worked with many people that struggle with same-sex attraction and helping them to integrate the church’s teaching on sexuality and it’s always been an important ministry.”

The Diocese of Raleigh released an official statement in regard to the remarks. The statement said a documentary is not a typical or appropriate way to offer definitive teaching on matters of faith and morals.

“Regardless, the pope’s affirmation of the dignity of all people and his call for respect of all people are rooted in Catholic teaching. These recent comments cannot, however, alter in any way what the Church has received from our Lord, namely that, the marriage covenant, by which a man and a woman form with each other an intimate communion of life and love, has been founded and endowed with its own special laws by the Creator. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1660),” the statement said.

A conservative response by the church is not surprising to The Rev. Ann Harrington, a lifelong Catholic who is part of the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests and founder of the Free Spirit Inclusive Catholic Community in Greenville. The Catholic church does not recognize women as priests like it does not recognize same-sex marriage.

Harrington agreed the pope’s comments had been taken out of context. She said she believes people take quotes from powerful people and use them for their own agenda. She said families will talk about the pope’s comments, and in talking, people often find who God calls them to be.

“So when he says something he means to make a point. Now I think in his wisdom, he knows he can’t control the message, that the message is controlled by the Holy Spirit,” Harrington said.

Harrington said she hopes the pope’s comments change the church’s view on homosexuality. She said growing up she was taught that the church was the hierarchy, but the Church is actually the people of God.

“The church decides, not the hierarchy, even if they think they do, but clearly the people have already decided, I think, to embrace, most Catholics, to embrace their LGBTQ loved ones,” Harrington said.

She said it’s difficult for her to know the general reaction of the local Catholic community to the Pope’s comments. “I can speak for my community, we are delighted that the Pope would make more positive statements towards LGBTQ people,” Harrington said.

The Vatican as of Friday had not responded to the film or reports that portions of Francis’ interview with Televisa were never aired in 2019, the Associated Press reported. Cardinal Raymond Burke, Francis’ frequent nemesis on matters of doctrine, said the pope’s comments were devoid of any “magisterial weight” and would “generate great bewilderment and cause confusion and error among Catholic faithful.”

Harrington said none of that mattered in her opinion. “It’s out there now. Like I said, I think the strongest thing is, it is out and the Spirit will use it and the Spirit and Jesus was all about healing,” she said.

Greenville’s Catholic population is small compared to other faiths. There are two churches in Greenville, compared to dozens of Protestant congregations. ECU Religious Studies Professor Calvin Mercer cited a Pew Research Center survey that says Catholics make up about 9 percent of the state’s Christian population, with most living in larger metropolitan areas.

Mercer said the Pope’s statements likely won’t have much influence on religious traditions that make up the vast majority of the local population because Christian denominations have their own history, internal struggles, and position statements with regard to a host of social issues.

“The impact of the Pope’s statement on something like this is important, however, in that it reflects a general trend in society toward inclusion and acceptance. And that general trend over time can help shift specific religious communities and society at large,” he said.

Indeed, it is very encouraging to see a prominent leader of a faith community affirm LGBTQ lives and relationships, said Mark Rasdorf, senior associate director of the Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center at ECU.

Rasdorf said the LGBTQ community is not a monolithic community. People come from all walks of life and faiths, he said.

“I would say his message may resonate with some in the LGBTQ community, especially those who identify as Catholic, as the leader of the Catholic faith, to hear the pope deliver such an affirmative message about our relationships, those we love, it offers hope,” Rasdorf said.

"I Call You by Name" by Bridget Mary Meehan from A Promise of Presence by Bridget Mary Meehan and Regina Madonna Oliver

Unsplash: Kristin Wilson

I have called you by name, you are mine.

      Isaiah 43:1 (NRSV)

During a time of transition,  when I was on a leave of absence from my religious community, I applied for a teaching position with the Archdiocese ofWashington,  D.C. Several days later I received a phone call informing me that a job opening was available way out in Maryland. This posed a dilemma for me, because it was a long distance from home and I wasn't sure I could manage the daily commute. So I told God that there was no way I would do the job unless God got me a ride to the door. This is how I usually talk to God and God doesn't seem to mind. The authors of the psalms prayed this way, too- right to the point.

A few days later I received a phone call from a teacher at the new school whose home was located five blocks from my home. She wanted to know if I would like to ride with her to school each day. There it.was; I took this as a pretty strong indication that God wanted me there, in that place. (In fact, as a result of this association, the Bernadine Sisters who taught in the school referred me to a spiritual director who became a guide on my spiritual journey.)

Another time, I was looking through my Dad's copy of Columbia, the official Knights of Columbus  magazine- a periodi­ cal I rarely read. There I saw an article about  Eileen Kelly, a Presen­tation of the Blessed Virgin Mary sister, and a group of women who were founding a new community modeled on the women of the early church responding to contemporary  needs. I immediately experienced a sense of excitement, a warming of the heart-God's gentle touch enveloping my being. This group of women became important in my life.

Then there is my friend, Eva, who grew up in a rigid Protestant Fundamentalist home where she was taught to look at Roman Catholicism as idolatrous. In my upbringing, of course, I was taught never to darken the door of a Protestant church. Today, we marvel at the amazing metanoia that has taken place in each of our lives. Eva is now close friends with a Catholic sister, and I was the first Catholic and first woman to graduate from a Protestant seminary.

At times some of us may not attempt something we are called to do because it looks like it is in a box we labeled "too hard." Or we let our fears put others who are different from us into neat boxes labeled, "Do not open." But the Creator of the universe is a big God, a God we often discover hidden in unexpected persons, places and events. There, in the unexpected, the "too hard," the "do not open" places, we can hear God's voice guiding us. We can recognize these divine revelations by an inner sense of knowing, a deep peace, and a great joy in our souls. Yes, indeed,  these are some of the ways God calls us by name.

DAY 1

Close your eyes, and breathe deeply through your nose. Breathe out slowly through your mouth. As you continue this breathing, visualize a glorious light entering your head and moving through­ out your body. Let this radiant light flow through you from head to toe. Breathe in Wisdom. Breathe out all obstacles to God's plan for your life. Open your hands as a sign of your receptivity to God's call. Make this your prayer today:

Holy One, what do you want of me now? Is there something you are calling me to do? Are there changes I need to make in my life to become more like you?

DAY 2

Slowly and thoughtfully, pray this short affirmation: You are mine. 

Hear the Beloved saying this over and over to you. Pray this as your love prayer throughout the day.

DAY 3

Recall occasions when you experienced the Beloved's call or guidance in your life. Write them down, and give thanks for each gift of grace.

DAY 4

Ask the God of Surprises to help you break out of prescribed forms so that you might discover new understandings, fresh visions and unexpected changes. Open yourself to the whisperings of Holy Wisdom.

DAY 5

Listen deeply to the Spirit speaking to you today through people, events and chance meetings. Ask yourself how God is guiding you today and if you are ready to respond. Share your thoughts, feelings and insights with God.

DA¥ 6

Make this your prayer today:

Birther God, you brought me into this life that is full of possibility, wonder and joy. You call me by name, and you manifest the sacred through my human giftedness. Open my heart to live your vision for my life. Surprise me! Seek me! Mold me! Shape me! Love me! May I be a bearer of good news. Use me as a channel of your loving presence to everyone and everything, everywhere.

DA¥ 7

Listen as the Beloved calls you by name and guides you this day:

(Your name), wake up! See holiness all around you. You are standing on holy ground every day of your life. Open your heart to the miracles of my trees growing, flowers blooming, birds flying, cats purring, dogs barking, children laughing. I have given you eyes to see, ears to hear, a heart to love, hands and feet to serve. You, my holy one, be ablaze with my passionate love. Walk in beauty everywhere. Live life fully!

BMM