During a sacred meal with his friends, the rabbi mixed-up the ritual. When he stood and put a towel around his waste and carried a bowl of water across the room, he caused confusion. His followers exchanged glances, but stayed quiet, not asking questions. They stared as he knelt before the man with the longestContinue reading “System upset, then and now”
Tag Archives: holy week
As one in the crowd
In my imagination, I am a girl of 10 years old, playing tag with my older brother. We are running through the stone streets of Jerusalem on a Friday morning. My calloused feet are well-accustomed to the alleyways and paths, to the steps and hills; I know my way around and am familiar to theContinue reading “As one in the crowd”
The crisis in Cameroon: join us in prayer and action
He went out and began to weep bitterly. – Luke 22:62 During the Gospel at Palm Sunday Mass, I noticed the emotions expressed by Jesus’ disciples – even when they failed to respond to the call to love and remain faithful. I wondered if I am faithful to Christ. I wondered if I am respondingContinue reading “The crisis in Cameroon: join us in prayer and action”
Death in Spring: two Holy Week meditations
Death encounters On the first day of Spring, I awoke to a voicemail from a friend, her voice cracking with emotion as she said that her mother had unexpectedly died. Please pray for us, Sister. The rest of that day, I attended a funeral for someone else, for the husband of a friend of myContinue reading “Death in Spring: two Holy Week meditations”
Redefining faith on El Camino
Since high school, I’ve been teaching the Christian faith to others. In parishes, classrooms, and while camping in the woods, I’ve taught songs, explained Bible stories, instilled virtues and asked students to memorize definitions and lists. And, occasionally, over the years, a thoughtful youngster in one of those settings would interrupt my enthusiastic lectures andContinue reading “Redefining faith on El Camino”
Holy Week is here
Here we are! The Lenten journey is ending and it is time to emerge from the desert and enter into the Paschal mystery. Holy Week has arrived! Here’s a quick background on these sacred days in the Church year: For your prayer and mediation this week, I’d like to share with you aContinue reading “Holy Week is here”
Holy Week in images
This is a Holy Week, a week to review all of salvation history. This is a week to enter into the story of Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem. Jesus, who is our love and savior, has experienced the grit, the suffering, the mystery and mess of our human living. With active imagination and prayerful hearts, weContinue reading “Holy Week in images”
Holy Week Soundtrack
During this sacred week there are certain songs that, without fail, end up on repeat in my head. Perhaps you’re interested, as the music could enrich your Holy Week too. Palm Sunday “Hosana” from Jesus Christ Superstar Holy Thursday “Stay With Me” by the Taize community Good Friday “Were You There (When They Crucified MyContinue reading “Holy Week Soundtrack”
Who will save the hunger striker?
“Eternal God…You know that these men have testified falsely against me. Would you let me die, though I am not guilty of all their malicious charges?” This week the daily mass readings begin with the cry of Susannah, unjustly accused by corrupt officials, sentenced to death in the presence of the people. We read thatContinue reading “Who will save the hunger striker?”
adventures in the Spirit, part 3
A wise priest once helped me understand what Spirit means. Spirit, he said, is all that relates beyond boundaries. Our Spirits can transcend time, place and bodily nature to relate to our God, the Great Source. Jesus said His Spirit would be with us always. At times, it seems as if the spirits of thoseContinue reading “adventures in the Spirit, part 3”