Today is part of the Ordinary time – after Advent and Christmas seasons and before Lent and Easter season. I always thought that term rather odd; is this time so “ordinary?” In some ways I wonder if we can ever consider any time in our liturgical year as ordinary when you consider all that is written during those times. Miracles and teachings and fulfilling prophesies – certainly not meeting my personal definition of something that is ordinary or routine. Can we ever be ordinary after what we just celebrated with the birth of our Savior? Or knowing and anticipating what is to come in the next months?
Besides, today, February 11, is the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Now certainly, one cannot consider that too ordinary. The apparitions of Mary are always such powerful stories, so often involving innocent children who are privileged to see the vision. What I remember most about Lourdes is the movie, Song of St. Bernadette. In searching about this online, I found a great quote from the introduction of the film: “For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not believe, no explanation is possible.” Isn’t that the bottom for most of our faith – if you believe, you can understand how these miracles can happen. There are far too many times when certain things connect or I am “led” in a certain direction. These are “God things” or what I like to call “God-incidence” way too important to have just happened by chance. I think this basis of faith with having proof helps to explain most of our readings.
I loved the reading about Solomon. Even as a child, he was a favorite Old Testament hero to me. I remember my mother referring often to the famous reading about Solomon making the decision as to the question about to whom the infant really belonged. I think she enjoyed it not only because of the reflection of how very wise Solomon was but also because it demonstrated the love of a mother. Solomon’s wisdom is evident in this reading as well. It is clear that he understood that while he built this temple, the real architect was (is) God. Solomon did not take unnecessary credit for its greatness; rather he emphasized the power of God reflected in it. Definitely, he is still one of my favorites!
The responsorial psalm continues to echo that sentiment of the greater glory of God and our appreciation of his “dwelling place.” I was reminded of so many classic St. Louis Jesuit songs as I read these passages. Knowing that we have a dwelling place of such comfort brings us much peace. The idea of one day in the presence of God being superior to thousands elsewhere is easy to understand. The harder part is living in a way that really reflects that and not being so focused on this “transitional” place and its distractions.
In the gospel, Jesus holds us to task that we go beyond the letter of the law and live the spirit. The critics were focusing on very specific behaviors (the washing of the hands) without regard to the broader picture and intent of why we need to be doing these particular things. It reminded me of how we sometimes in our daily lives lose track of why we are doing certain things – what the true picture may be. For instance, if I spend all my time assuring that my house is immaculate because that is what my children need to be healthy yet spend no time with them what does it matter? Of course, that was never a concern from my children, they never worried I was spending too much time cleaning (perhaps the opposite). If my goal is the well-being of my children, then every action should be consistent with that intent not just performing arbitrary tasks. If my goal is to be closer to God and to prepare myself for a life beyond this one on earth, then every action and how I live my life should be consistent with that intent not just following the letter of the law.
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
