Inspired by Scholastica

  Women of Courage When I watched “60 Minutes” on TV last week, I was stunned by the story of Yulia Navalnaya, wife of the Russian dissident who recently died in a Russian prison. Andrei Navalny had defied Putin and fought for the Russian presidency but was put in prison. Yulia has been described in the media as the “first lady” of the Russian opposition. After her husband’s death, she declared that she would continue his work. She has his last notes from prison that she plans to publish. Last July she became the chair of the Human Rights Foundation. Moreover, she said, “I will be the next leader of Russia.”   She said it as if there were no doubt in her mind that she would replace Vladimar Putin who now                             has unlimited power and control. She wants to build a free Russia for her children and all who are committed to human rights and freedom. Then I began thinking about strong women in U.S. history. Rosa Parks was the first woman that came to my mind. She w

  Inspired by Scholastica A Joy Spreader How would you like to be remembered when you die? How about “one-of-a -kind kindness advocate”? That’s what SuEllen Fried was called when she died this week at age 92. The last thing she did was get out of her bed and go to say goodbye to her prison friends at Lansing Correctional Facility. Her whole life was spent bringing joy to people in pain. One of the most noteworthy things she did was start a program led by the Lansing inmates called Reaching Out from Within, a self-help program. She also co-founded the first Alvin Ailey summer dance camp for urban kids in Kansas City.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       SuEllen Fried was a very gifted, joyful person who reached out to everyone, especially those in pain. And who is more in pai

  Overcoming Fear   What did the Apostles do after Jesus was crucified? They holed themselves up in a locked room, fearful as mice hiding in a secluded corner.   When they heard that Jesus had risen, they slowly began to understand what He had said about rising on the third day.   Still fearful, they inched open the door and found the women who had discovered the empty tomb. Dumbstruck, Peter and John hastened to see if it were true.   The apostles felt shame at deserting Jesus and letting him die alone, except for Mary and John and the other faithful women.   The twelve knew they had been chosen to carry on Jesus’ mission, but they were uneducated and simple, and a little hesitant to step forward.   Maybe the women, his mother, Mary Magdalen, Mary Salome, and others showed them how to begin their work. Women seemed to know how to touch and heal, and are bold enough to spread the good news: “Jesus is alive!”   Barbar

  Inspired by Scholastica   Success or Failure? I’m reading an interesting novel titled Patchwork Quilt by Anne Tyler. She is one of my favorite authors because of her unusual characters. The main character, Barnaby, works for a small company called Rent a Back. It caters to elderly people who need help doing small jobs that they can no longer do. His family considers him a failure since he didn’t go to college, lives in a tiny apartment, and drives a run-down old truck. His parents are wealthy, and his brother works in his father’s trust company. Barnaby had been married and has a nine-year-old daughter that he tries to visit once a month, but his former wife is not very welcoming. The people he helps think he is kind and trustworthy. Instead of having set hours, he adjusts his work hours to his clients’ wishes. He doesn’t seem to have any friends except the people he works with. He seems happy with his life and has no desire to change. Is he a failure for his lifestyle a

  Inspired by Scholastica   Angels Watching Angels are watching over me etched in stained glass windows in our choir chapel.   The angel straight across from me has majestic silver wings and a long simple staff.   When the sun comes through I am thrilled by the beauty of the colors shimmering above the wooden choir stalls, shining on all the pray-ers.   I like having angels around me ready to protect me from danger, to lift my spirits when I am sad, to give me courage when I hesitate.   Angels radiate God’s glory remind me that I am cared for. They keep me from stumbling or straying or forgetting that I have been chosen to bring that radiance to those who may need a reminder that angels are always there-- Do not be afraid.   Barbara Mayer            

  A Listening Church This October, representatives from all over the world will meet again in Rome to discuss the issues they have been studying for the final phase of the synod. While some may dismiss the event as inconsequential, Pope Francis sees the synod as reflecting his vision for dialogue and decision-making in the church. This sounds like a monumental task considering there are so many different cultures, languages, experiences, and needs of the worldwide church. Pope Francis took a great risk in calling this world-wide synod in 2021. He realizes he cannot know what is happening in every corner of the world and decide how to respond to its needs and issues. He must remain true to the Gospel and the commandments yet realize this is a very different world from the world at the time of Christ. Adaptation seems to be very essential at this time in our history. For example, in some countries there are not enough priests to care for the people. Often married men are appointed