Inspired by Scholastica

Diarmuid O'Murchu,author of numerous books on evolutionary and quantum theology, wrote an important book in 2010 that explores what mature Catholic faith looks like.The book, Adult Faith: Growing in Wisdom and Understanding, is divided into two parts:The first part shows the inadequacies of past beliefs, regulations, and institutions that keep people in a state of dependency; the second part articulates a deeper understanding of what it means to be an adult person and what it means to be human in the 21st century. It may be revolutionary to some who still hold on to the religious beliefs of their childhood. For those who are confused or have given up on religion, it will bring a breath of fresh air and validation. O'Murchu traces the evolution of theology from the 1960's to the 21st century. He boldly describes the aspects of conventional religion which "no longer inspire or offer hope" and unfolds a number of approaches that nurture a mature faith. This new p

Cacophonous cries pierce the air as thousands of white-winged geese swoop upon the marsh, packed together like clusters of nebula, latecomers shoving others for position, nestling close, feet paddling. Then as if by signal they begin to lift off again, black-tipped wings whirring and flapping across the dusty blue sky. Soon they splotch the rippling water with feathery tufts again, dozing in the sun before they continue their spiral dance, weaving back and forth, dipping and gliding in formation above the glittery lake.

Chiara Lubich, charismatic founder of the Focolare Movement (small communities of lay volunteers) and one of the most influential women in the Catholic Church, was a powerful leader and organizer. The movement has spread throughout the world, bringing its ideals of unity and communion to millions of people, including Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists. She once told a group of Muslims about the "pact of mercy" the early members made to each other. "We decided to see our neighbor in a very new way, when we met him or her each morning, really forgetting their imperfections, their defects, covering everything with love."   She conferred with Pope Paul VI and is considered to have been influential in the proceedings of the Second Vatican Council. She also founded the New Families Movement, the New Humanity Movement and the Gen Movement (for young people). After her death in 2008, people continued to follow her commitment to the oneness of all people. Maria Voce, curr

How long, O Lord, will you hide from me? I yearn to see your face, to feel your presence, but you keep fading into emptiness, covered in a shroud – unfathomable mystery. I want a God with skin, with features, not holy card piety, but real flesh and bone. When I read the scriptures where you say, “You are precious in my eyes and I love you” (Is.4:3) I want to believe. When you tell me, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened. . .” (Mt.7:7)  I want to respond. When you remind me, “I was hungry and you gave me food,” (Mt. 25:35) I want to hear your voice. Yet I hesitate, unsure that you are really talking to ordinary, run of the mill, unimportant me. Lord, open my eyes, let me know you are close to me in all the faces I behold, enfleshed in each person I meet.

Many think religious life is dying and certainly some of the old concepts ought to die. The belief that religious women and men need to be secure and privileged has no place in convents and monasteries. Rather we need to stand with people on the margins who live with uncertainty and indignity. The idea that living in community means working and praying together is inadequate. We must be steeped in contemplation and nourished by faith sharing. The continuation of a white European culture must give way to an multicultural makeup in religious communities. Dependence on traditional ways of vocation ministry need to adapt to modern social media venues. We cannot forge a future in isolation; openness to the network of people who are passionate and dedicated to a congregation's mission is essential. This is pioneer territory, uncharted and undeveloped. In our rapidly changing world we need flexibility and adaptability. Religious leaders have to be creative and able to integrate the wide

I’m delighted to hear Mother Teresa will be canonized a saint this year. Her love and care for the dying has long impressed many with her holiness. But after hearing of her dark periods when she felt abandoned by God and even doubted the existence of God, I think her saintliness is even more noteworthy. To dedicate her life to the destitute of India for over 50 years without the consolation of God’s presence is remarkable. Her acceptance of each person, no matter how dirty or diseased they were, as the embodiment of Christ inspired even the most hardened heart. And her devotion to prayer through years of depression and doubt  endears her to me even more. The ordinary person would abandon good works and prayer and indulge in self-pity or resentment if there were no consolation. Most of us think that when we do good, God will reward us with feeling good. Yet she plodded on with her exemplary life without the assurance that she was blessed in any special way. Few people knew of her dar

Winter dresses the hillsides and roads in white studded with shimmering crystals; bare trees bristle as brash winds swirl across the land. Death has swept the gardens clean of color and greenery with only a bleak stalk poking up here and there through the blanket of snow. An old cat scurries across the porch, its fur quivering in the stormy blast.                                                 All is still – then a scraping sound pierces the darkness as a snow plow tunnels the roads, clearing a path for travelers laden with scarves, ear muffs, mittens and boots.  Their breaths  blow smoke signals in the chilly air as they step gingerly into a frozen world.

Epiphany is one of my favorite feasts. It brings back memories of having Epiphany parties on one of my missions and exchanging fun gifts with those who came. I also associate it with light and stars. During these winter days when it gets dark early, I search for light and the brilliance of stars.  I also search for enlightenment as time flies by and wisdom eludes me. We are called to be light for the world, but my bulb grows dim at times. Most days, I'm barely 40 watts. But the magi give me hope. I'll bet the star they followed was sometimes cloud-covered or fog-covered. Yet they persisted through sand storms and dark desert nights. They would not be thwarted in their search for the newborn King.The magi kept their focus on the star which they knew was noteworthy from their study of science. Although there are many jokes about their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh being impractical, the magi had the wisdom to recognize the special star and to follow it. I'm sure w