I was in another Zoom meeting with my friend, another Catholic sister who is a professor on a college campus. Together we were lamenting the extreme polarities in the church and society. Rubbing our foreheads. Sighing. Praying right out loud: God, help us. Together we were bemoaning how the tensions impact our freedom to loveContinue reading “Democracy is collapsing, but let’s imagine how the church could change that”
Tag Archives: mercy
Finding common ground in the din of debate
Debate divides this nation, and democracy is in disarray. On one hand, we enjoy light, good-natured disagreements: — Is the dress blue and black or white and gold? — Do you hear Yanny or Laurel? And then, there are the more serious debates; the ones that could be causing our civility to crumble. The latestContinue reading “Finding common ground in the din of debate”
St. Joe and me
I have been praying to St. Joe, the earthly father of Jesus, a lot lately. I call him St. Joe instead of St. Joseph because shortening his name makes him more real to me, like a friend. When I pray to saints it is helpful for me to behave like we are in relationship; change occurs onContinue reading “St. Joe and me”
Messy Christian music playlist
Every ordinary day, I am reminded that I am weak and desperately need God. When I forget the birthday of someone dear to me, when I lose my keys, when irritation and anger bubble up in my heart–each experience of imperfection can block my trust in God. I am tempted to think I am worthlessContinue reading “Messy Christian music playlist”
Unfriended
“While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” ~ Matthew 9:10-11 This past fall, in the final ramp up to the election, I sawContinue reading “Unfriended”
Being merciful to yourself in the Year of Mercy
Mercy is the point where God’s love meets the needs of the world. When Pope Francis opened this Year of Mercy he stated, In this Jubilee Year, let us allow God to surprise us. He never tires of casting open the doors of his heart and of repeating that he loves us and wants toContinue reading “Being merciful to yourself in the Year of Mercy”
Prayers this is the final massacre
My heart is broken this week. I am aching with everyone who has been hurt in any way by the shooting in Orlando. I am bemoaning the brokenness in our world, the division, violence, judgement, and hate that allow such awful atrocities to occur. I am angry that our nation’s laws fail to protect the commonContinue reading “Prayers this is the final massacre”
Signs of spring in Lent
During this Lenten season, more than any other Lent, I am getting how significant it is that Lent means spring. Lent is also a time for us to connect to the meaning of desert; to magnify the event of Jesus fasting in the desert for 40 days to prepare for his public ministry in ourContinue reading “Signs of spring in Lent”
Loving our enemies in an age of fear
Recently, I have heard a lot of people say “If that person becomes our president, I am seriously terrified about what might happen to our world.” Each time I’ve heard this, I have noticed I am quick to empathize with them, to nod in agreement, to let my own fears be voiced and magnify the concern inContinue reading “Loving our enemies in an age of fear”
Lent: Time to make some changes
Last week, I bemoaned Lent’s fast approach on Twitter: #Lent is only a week away, and I just noticed that I still have some Christmas decorations out… #TooSoon #GodHelpMeGetReady #GodHaveMercy — Sister Julia Walsh (@juliafspa) February 4, 2016 Ready or not, Lent is here and it is time to get into it—time to get intoContinue reading “Lent: Time to make some changes”