As I was reflecting on today’s readings I found myself needing to go home and let my new puppy out over lunch. The radio station that automatically popped on is a local contemporary Christian station. I chuckled. I never thought I would have this as a programmed station in my vehicle. I’m a pop/hip hop/alternative/classical gal. Never have I listened to Christian or Catholic radio. But thanks to my son (and no doubt his religion teacher at school!), it may be the most played station in my car nowadays.
Coming back to the office after lunch, I sat down to reflect on the readings. The Advocate, or Holy Spirit, is evoked in the Gospel. As someone who still has a Holy Spirit ring from my Confirmation many, many decades ago, I have always felt close to this part of the Trinity. The male figures, Jesus and God the Father, are more often wielded in strange ways during wars and political strife. But somehow the Holy Spirit is the one the continues to inspire with the tongues of flames that call us to be brave. The Advocate is present to make sure those Apostles are ready to defend their faith; to hold them steady when others attack their faith.
I can’t help but think about my unconscious eye roll when the radio came on just an hour earlier. It wasn’t my choice. It was a Christian station. All the stereotypes flew into my mind. And yet, I kept the station on as I drove home. Perhaps it was to feel close to my son. But maybe it was also the Holy Spirit gently nudging me to embrace my faith. To sit with my preconceived notions of the radio station and what others must be like who listen to it. And just maybe it was a moment where I was reminded to be proud of my faith and to defend it…not from external persecution but from my own questioning and internal battle.
The Irish Jesuits have a website called Sacred Space. An anonymous poster adds “St Ignatius of Loyola is said to have prayed that the members of the order he founded would always be persecuted—it was a sign that they were doing their job. It is a strange paradox, but the message of Christian love and forgiveness, a message of peace and justice, is found by many to be very threatening and one that must be attacked.”
May we all find that internal and external peace that comes with surrendering to our faith. And may the Holy Spirit continue to light our way.
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.
