Inspired by Scholastica

  A Courageous Woman This week we celebrated the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, the first one to encounter Jesus after the resurrection. Mary Magdalene seems a surprising choice for this honor. Why not Peter, whom Jesus named as the leader of his church? Why not his beloved apostle John?   And why a woman in a society where women were considered inferior? Jesus, a God of surprises, chose a woman who was not the ordinary wife-mother image. He elevated Mary Magdalene, a single woman, for her fidelity and fearless devotion. She was with him as he suffered and died on a cross of humiliation when all the other apostles fled except John. There were other faithful women, too, like his mother, Salome, and the mother of James and John; but Jesus chose Mary Magdalene to be the first to encounter him after the Resurrection.      Who are the ones who called you forth and saw the good in you?   Who helped you to become the one to remain faithful when everyone e...

  Thoughts on Heaven I imagine heaven filled with those I have loved, capital “S” saints, small “s” saints. People I have admired, Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day, Mary Oliver, Henry Nouwen. Those who overcame challenges, like Helen Keller, Michael J. Fox, quadraplegics, and veterans missing body parts.   There will be surprises, I know, Like drug addicts, convicts, the mentally challenged, transgenders, prostitutes, grumps and braggers, the homeless, and the loners. No one will be excluded.   God will embrace us all, erase every stain or misstep, fill us with wonder and awe, amaze us with a gazillion stars and galaxies and suns, wash us with waters of gladness and laughter without end, Enfold us with a love that knows no limits.   And so much more.     Barbara Mayer, OSB              

                A Generous God   Sometimes we think we have not done enough, that our sins outnumber our good deeds, or that we have to try harder, achieve more, say more prayers, be worthier, before we will be pleasing to God.   God does not want us to fear or worry, He understands our hesitation, our missteps, God is not keeping a list of our sins and failings. He wipes the tears from our eyes and holds us when we are hurting.   There is not a limited amount of places reserved for humans in heaven. God is not stingy with his rewards, not like a miser who hoards all for himself and keeps track of debts.   God wants to save everyone. There are no limits to God’s bounty, He gives continuously, abundantly, magnanimously – pressed down and flowing over -- endlessly.   Is there any god like our God?   Barbara Mayer, OSB