The middle of September is a remarkable time of year…with it comes many a birthday celebration (my mother, grandmother, uncle, a niece) and quite honestly, my favorite time of year in Nebraska when the 80’s and 90’s make way for days of 70’s. Cooler weather allows time for slowing down. As plants slow their growth, I too feel like I can pause and take a deep breath…we opened another school year…we are underway…
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I sat down a week ago to write this reflection. I made it through one paragraph. And the cool air of fall? Replaced by 90’s. The pause? Mired by notes of a past student’s passing, NATO shooting down drone bombs, two MORE school shootings, social media and the news aflame with division. My phone was constantly vibrating. Did you see? Did you hear? Can you believe what they said? Who deserved what? Who do they think they are? The rhetoric in this country is out of control.
Last week, on a panel, I ended with a quote attributed to St. Teresa of Calcutta. “If there is no peace in this world, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to one another.”
Read it again. I’ll wait.
“If there is no peace in this world, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to one another.”
The first reading is a stark reminder for me as I selectively consume the news and social media. As all sides lay blame to issues….too conservative….too liberal…too this…too that…
“Whoever teaches something different and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the religious teaching is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes. From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions, and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds, who are deprived of the truth, supposing religion to be a means of gain.” (1 Timothy 6: 3-6)
We are reminded to avoid false teachers and stay true to God’s true message. Are we not reminded that our humility will be blessed with heavenly rewards? I reread the readings. I close my phone, and I pray.
In the Gospel today, who is highlighted accompanying Jesus? Women. Mary of Magdalene. Joanna. Susanna. And then centuries later, St. Teresa of Calcutta. And who else? Who is closer to you every day? I mean no affront to the men I won’t mention today. But today I hold up the sacred work of the women in the world…. those who have not forgotten that we belong to one another. They lean into difficult conversations when others shy away. They accompany the sick, the marginalized, the wandering, the questioning. They serve in big and small ways, and they inspire me to make this world better. So, to Tanya, Desiree, Susan, Mary, Candice, Teresa, Marlene, Donna, Allison, Marsha, Becky, Margaret, Kate, Micah, and so many more that I hold in my heart, thank you. May you continue to model the light of faith to others. It is through your accompaniment that we are once again reminded that we belong to one another.
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.
