Category: good for the soul

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what I learned today

This morning at Mass I saw the most precious thing…and it has served me as a sweet reminder that ” it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs” (Mark 10:14).

During the collection, small children are called to take their offering up to a special basket in front of the altar. I expect there are all kinds of sweet things dropped into that basket — from toys, to slips of paper with handwritten good deeds, to some actual tithing of gifts and allowances.

I remember when my own children would use their special envelopes when they were very little (and later, the fruit of this lesson when I would quietly notice that they gave from their babysitting money or odd jobs).

I was distractedly making a mess of the offertory hymn when I noticed two little sisters coming back from their mission to the altar. They were clearly very pleased with whatever they’d dropped in the children’s offering, when suddenly the big sister turned to the little sister and gave her a happy bear hug before returning to their seats. She was so full of love in that moment that it had to spill out!

I should give that joyfully.

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what is this feminine genius thing, anyway?

I often tease my friend Pat Gohn that I’m an Among Women fangirl. Maybe it’s Pat’s voice, so rich and engaging. Maybe it’s her ability to break down complex theological concepts into a conversation we could have over a cup of coffee (or two…or three!). Maybe it’s just the gentle way she has with her guests as well as the subject matter. You see, she takes these tough topics, like today, on the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and talks about them in a straightforward way that doesn’t mince words or pull any punches, but still comes across with love and respect.

Do read what she says about women, our gift of maternity, our need for dignity, and our source of healing.

Here’s a snippet from her article at the Washington Post. You know you want more…

The gift of maternity is inherent in all women. They are predisposed to motherhood by their design. Yet, as we know, not all women bear children. Even if a woman never gives birth, a woman’s life is still inclined toward mothering. All women are entrusted with the call to care for the people within their sphere of influence. This broadens our ideas of maternity beyond gestation and lactation.

A woman’s relationships with others, even though they may not be fruitful biologically, can be fruitful spiritually. Therefore a woman’s life–her feminine genius–is characterized by physical and/or spiritual motherhood.

Read the whole article here. Tell your friends to read it, too. And then tell her that she rocks. It’s tough telling the truth in today’s world.

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Merry Christmas!

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For a child has been born for us,

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a son given to us;

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authority rests upon his shoulders;

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and he is named

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Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

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Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

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