I am sitting on a plane as I write this reflection…a jumble of emotion. I’m off to reunion with college friends as we try to do this every few years. Trying to be present to the joy that will come with those relationships that will nurture my soul and not be distracted by all the responsibilities at home. I’m grateful for parents who help shoulder care giving.
A lapsed online reflector, I was grateful for the invitation to come back into the fold of this ministry. As many of us find ourselves, I’m a busy soul with lots of questions, searching for how I play a role in God’s plan but comforted by the readings I heard at mass this weekend (the weekend I wrote this) that my name is written in the heavens.
In the first reading this week I was struck by the image of God sitting vigil and watching us. Sitting vigil. Watching us. What must God be thinking of us right now? July marked the 249th anniversary of our nation and I feel unsettled, hopeless and sad most days. What does God think of where we are in this experiment of democracy? How does God feel about their word’s being weaponized in political arguments? AWKWARD SENTENCE. How does God sit vigil in this mess?
His mercy endures forever.
The beatitudes teach us blessed are the merciful, as mercy shall be theirs.
I am choosing to focus on the corporal works of mercy as I navigate this less than hopeful time in our country’s history. Clothing the naked. Feeding the hungry… On July 5th my son and I went to our favorite community partner and volunteered with the food pantry. As SNAP benefits will be reduced in many ways, I’m finding that I need to find things that I can try to have a sense of control. AWKWARD SENTENCE That was a very tiny, minuscule way that I could find hope that morning. I wonder how can you find a way that you can enact a small way to be that mercy to others? AWKWARD SENTENCE And in some way that maybe we all could feel God’s mercy.
Today’s Gospel speaks to my Gallup strength of Harmony. How can I diffuse a situation and bring common ground to all? I try to use it at work, in my relationships, etc. As many of us, I hate conflict. But I also know that sometimes in the tension there is growth and learning.
In the Gospel I hear Jesus turn inward, away from conflict. It’s the opposite of other images of Him flipping a table in the temple. Instead, Jesus is the one God delights in (as God delights in us) modeling the way, turning the other check. I don’t see this as a lesson of simply turning the other check but recognizing the power in the defiance of not being baited by those taunting. Not lowering oneself to a physical fight but guiding our path forward with the Holy Spirit.
As I was packing this morning, jewelry was on my checklist of items. I have this silver ring with a dove on it and I paused with it. It’s my Holy Spirit ring that I received for my confirmation (it’s the same ring I gave a dear friend on her confirmation when I was her sponsor). As a teen I wore it for “luck” on important test days. Over the years I have worn it on so many days in which I invoke the Holy Spirit in my life for guidance, wisdom, patience. So many days in which I know my hotheadedness may get the better of me but I am praying for grace and patience and wisdom to be still and to listen.
My prayer for us all today is that we are reminded that God’s mercy wraps around each of us. May we extend that grace and mercy to one another on a daily basis. And if you need a ring to help you do that, so be it!
Michele Bogard
As a product of formal Catholic education for 12 years, I truly believe my faith formation has come from working at Creighton University for the past quarter of century. Originally from the Chicago suburbs, I came to Creighton thinking that I would be in Omaha for a year or two and then move home. Little did I know how Creighton and Ignatian spirituality would alter my life plans! From accompanying students on Campus Ministry retreats, learning from former student/staff members who are now Jesuits, to working the Spiritual Exercises with the Deglman Center, I attempt to be a lifelong learner.
At work, I hope to help foster experiences where students feel a sense of belonging and focus on wellbeing, At home, I am a mother to a son who is a great source of joy, laughter and sore muscles (I am not an effective goalie for our front yard soccer practices and my tennis game is pretty rusty). A new gifted Kindle will hopefully help me catch up with a backlogged list of books I’ve been wanting to read. Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a favorite author. Travel is a lifetime passion; my son and I are already planning our next adventure.
I look forward to learning together with you as we reflect on the daily readings together.
