Catholic Women Preach

Dear Friend,

Peace and all good be yours!

In the midst of so much that can be discouraging, a hopeful light for me this week was watching my dear friend Sharon Chipman on the website “Catholic Women Preach” (catholicwomenpreach. org). What an inspiration. The site is a treasure trove of faith-filled women giving voice to the good news of Jesus Christ.

Reflecting with great sensitivity and love on the scriptures for this week, Sharon invites us to consider them in terms of the power and tenderness of dance. Dance becomes the key to engaging with the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity, the centerpiece of our celebration this Sunday.

Sharon tells us that in the first reading, God invites Moses into a dance. We sense that Moses is more than willing at first, but he has to become honest about his past missteps and the stiffness and stubbornness of the people he’s leading. “The relationship can only be real if he is real,” Sharon observes; his brokenness is “a necessary part of the dance,” and so Moses opens himself more deeply.

As she explores the Gospel, Sharon offers another powerful insight: “We watch Jesus in his human walk with God and if we listen well, we can hear the music of the Spirit, which is the love song between the two of them.”

“If we listen well…” In the cacophony of anger, pain, and frustration around us these days, it is difficult to listen well to God or to each other. Yet the Good News, or we might say, the Good Music, of Divine Mercy and Justice persists. Thank God for women like Sharon, prophets who listen deeply and invite us to do the same. Their strength and boldness can become irresistible. Give a listen. catholicwomenpreach.org.

Gratefully,

Fr. Dan ofm, Pastor