Within the confines of pandemic, fueled by fear, racial unrest and near-constant social media/news coverage, each of us is understandably reaching for the resources we have to cope with the realities flashing daily before our eyes. Where some have found comfort in sourdough starters, new pets, or staying physically active, in our house none of our resources for coping feels more applicable than Theology, of all things.
Let me explain.
At its core (and in the words of St. Anselm) Theology is “faith seeking understanding.” In this way we can always be learners, which feels like a healthy way to approach just about anything worthy of our attention. At first glance, Theology is hubris—to think that we can study the nature of God has struck an uncomfortable nerve from time to time. Of course we can observe how God is, which tells us a great deal about who God is, and this is essential. Particularly in times that require us to call deeply upon what we hold most precious within our core, sitting in quiet with who we know God to be, is mooring.
Uncertain Times
While there are plenty of thing I cannot tell you with certainty in these uncertain times, I can tell you that this work of ‘seeking understanding’ is reverberating through me in the wake of George Floyd’s death (and the deaths of so many others). As a white woman, raised ‘Minnesota nice,’ grappling with the deeply-embedded nature of our nation’s continued biases, that have frankly escaped my attention, has left me wondering how to respond in a meaningful way, and, more importantly how to proceed.
What I have come back to is the constant need to learn, basically to seek understanding of an experience that is unfamiliar to my own. Seeking is an active verb. It’s the same word we use to describe the way the Magi sought the child Jesus. I’ve hemmed and hawed about needing something meaningful to contribute, and maintaining quiet so others can share their perspectives that are far more relevant on the subject than my own; and finally needing to continue moving with the momentum that is calling forth change.
Examining what we clasp tightly
In typical fashion, I’ve responded first by reading (and watching, and listening. I’ll include suggestions below). Of course, this is a luxury to learn from books rather than difficult realities, but it’s a place to begin and it must be done. I have to say the response from organizations from libraries to Netflix has opened my eyes to just how little of my resources have been written /produced by those who do not look like me or share my life experience. My cart at the library is full of books I have not read before, and I’m delighted by a need to wait for them because so many who are also seeking a new understanding.
At our core, perhaps we are all doing a bit of theology, then? Holding up what we clasp tightly be true about God and about ourselves, paring it down and allowing our understanding of the Reign of God on Earth to be shaped to include the voices of others in this same time and place—others who have suffered mistreatment, prejudice, violence, and suspicion, while I naively assured myself those times are long gone.
Seeking
We were able to attend Mass this weekend and there was one moment that stood out to me as an invitation to move forward. Toward the end of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, one of the ushers gestured to the deacon that a frail gentleman in the back had been missed during communion and had not received Eucharist. Immediately, the Deacon moved to the back of the church where the elderly gentleman sat and received the Body of Christ.
In our parish, it is common practice to go to, to seek out those who are physically unable to process forward for communion, to be on the lookout and attentive to ensure participation of each gathered member. On Sunday, I couldn’t help but feel that was a metaphor for the response needed from the Christian community moving forward in our country from this place of pain and silence regarding long-standing racism and prejudice that clearly still exists. Certainly this is needed as we go out in to the world as a best practice.
Holding up the mirror
Whose voices, opinions, ideas are we missing? More than likely–perhaps most importantly–we have work to do within ourselves and definitely in our own faith communities. Holding up the mirror for ourselves and the communities we hold most dear is hard, important work.
To do it well, to do in such a way that seeks to understand, it must be swift, intentional, humble, and consistent. This is core to our identity as a people made in the image and likeness of God. Let it be so.
Come Holy Spirit.
Resources:
Reconciling the Body of Christ, podcast
I’m Still Here, Austin Channing Brown
Selma, movie
Just Mercy, movie
We Are the Church, podcast
We’re Not Going Back to Normal: Who Will We Be When This Is Over, podcast
On my bookshelf: The Hate You Give, Angie Thomas. Also a movie.
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Announcements:
**While the publication date for my book has been moved back, I’m thrilled to let you know that I’ve been working on a digital booklet that is available today! Because they’re digital, copies are available here for only $2.95! **
Because of the new pattern of time we’re experiencing due to coronavirus, Sundays can be even more difficult to really celebrate amidst the rest of our time spent at home. I put this booklet together in hopes of making Sundays feel set apart from the blur of other days this summer. The booklet consists of ten possible Sabbath themes intended to be used as a springboard for conversation and deeper reflection individually, and particularly as a family. Each theme consists of a short reflection, Scripture verses, activity ideas, discussion ideas and a prayer for that day. I would love to hear if/how you incorporate these ideas into your summer routines, please share if you are so inclined. #celebratingsummersundays
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In case you missed it, I shared about Everyday Evangelization at Blessed Is She on June 22:
If your friend circles include folks who are Protestant, chances are that you have had the privilege of listening to them share their testimony—a personal accounting of how they committed their lives to Christ by accepting Jesus into their hearts. Perhaps you’ve even been invited to tell your story. I know I have! And truly, this is a fantastic practice, albeit often less practiced for Catholics…keep reading.