Inspired by Scholastica

"The Spirit frees hearts chained by fear," Pope Francis said in his Pentecost homily last Sunday. "To those content with half measures he inspires whole-heated generosity. He opens hearts that are closed." We know how the apostles locked themselves in the upper room after Jesus' crucifixion for fear they too would be sentenced to death. Even after the resurrection they were still on shaky ground when it came to preaching boldly and healing people. But when the Holy Spirit shook them on Pentecost they spoke with a new boldness and a joyful zeal. The power of the Spirit can change us too. "It does not revolutionize life around us, but changes our hearts," the pope said."It does not free us from the weight of our problems, but liberates us within so that we can face them.. The gifts the Spirit brings are peace, joy, wisdom, and understanding. Instead of anger and bitterness he enables us to forgive as we have been forgiven. He replaces ou

Elizabeth Johnson If you're looking for a book to stretch your mind and your image of God, I highly recommend Elizabeth  Johnson's Abounding in Kindness. Johnson, a contemporary Catholic theologian, has compiled a number of lectures and articles in this excellent book. The main sections deal with the God of heaven and earth, Jesus the Word made flesh, and the Spirit of divine love. In her introduction Johnson states the theme of her writings: "the overflowing compassion of the living God engaged with the struggles and suffering of the world." Her intention is to make the "abounding kindness and fidelity of God" more concrete and understandable. Johnson's feminist vision of God may be shocking to some, but when she elaborates on how Scripture contains feminine metaphors of God (cf. Deut. 32:18, Is. 42:14, Is. 6:14, John 16:21) and how patriarchy has clouded our concept of God, it is hard to find fault with her arguments. She emphasizes that

“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me.” (John 14:18) Jesus did not leave us orphans. He sent the Advocate, the Spirit of truth, to accompany us on our journey. The Spirit gives us courage, strength, enthusisam to be witnesses to the Resurrection.   Without the Spirit, the apostles were fearful, flagging, discouraged. When the Spirit descended on them, they were on fire, preaching, healing, baptizing.  He put fire in their bellies. They were indefatigable in their ministry to both Jews and Gentiles. We have this same Advocate interceding for us, stoking our cold ashes, sparking new flames within us. We too can be healers and encouragers in our communities, in our world.  God gives each of us a mission, a call, to be a light in the darkness. And there is plenty of darkness: sin, war, abuse, neglect, hatred, racism, and death.  Each day we need to pray for renewed urgency to be witn

We are celebrating the birthday of five sisters in my community who turn 90 this year. They are all  in fairly good health and still active. They are amazing women. Sister Maria (right) with a friend Sister Maria visits the men at the city jail once a week and serves as a prayer leader for the sisters in our care facility. She participates in community activities and assists those who need help. A former Spanish and French teacher, she sometimes helps with translations. Sister Amelia lives in our assisted living center, but she has been caring for visitors in our guest center for about 20 years. She makes people feel welcome with her beautiful smile and kind heart. She was a hostess for many years for special dinners in our dining room (Left to right) Sisters Amelia, Lucille, Elaine, and Sheila Sister Sheila gives talks on the mystics in Sophia Center. She also provides spiritual direction and co-chairs book discussions for an Atchison group. She is an avid reader and