My friends, as always, our intent here, each week is to be in line with the Catholic church universal in its choice of readings, even when we may not always agree with the message being put forth, and it then becomes, “a teachable moment,” to address.  With that in mind, I would call attention to the gospel choice from John today in the raising of Lazarus from the dead. 

   Those of you who have attended our Mary Magdala celebrations on the farm the past few years will recognize that the gospel as written and used today is in error.  The raising of Lazarus is correct, but the prophetic words in this version spoken by Martha are really taken “out of Mary’s mouth” and put into Martha’s!  In the past few years new exegesis has been uncovered showing that some “toying” with this text was done to downplay the prophetic words of Mary – the same words spoken by Peter, that indeed, “Jesus is the Christ!” Being that this homily is going in a different direction, I felt it was best to use the text as written, and we will address this other issue at our summer Mary Magdala celebration – I merely wanted you to know that I hadn’t forgotten. 

   Today’s readings, if we are looking for a theme, are about “living in the Spirit,” and of course, that begs the question, what are those things in our human lives that keep us from “living in the Spirit,” or simply put, “being our best?”

   Do we try to keep a balance between law and love in our daily actions?  In other words, are we regularly more faithful to the law to obey, or the law to love?  It comes down to the heart over the head. 

   On the national/international stage, Pope Leo XIV gives us two examples: one positive, one not so positive on living out of our hearts rather than our heads.  In a positive, prophetic tone, Leo has courageously addressed the current administration in Washington around the issues of migration, the war in Iran, and the lack of diplomacy in working with other world leaders.  This takes much strength of character and grace to take on an administration touting many Catholic individuals and challenging them to better than they are doing. 

   The less than positive example of Pope Leo’s ministry in the Church comes from Catholic Renewal International (CCRI), who are challenging the pope about, “gathering the bishops to discuss, ‘in the Spirit,’ without inviting the people as less than “synodal.”  They are basically telling the pontiff, “The world is changing and if the hierarchy continues to turn a deaf ear, this Church will become less and less relevant.”  On the issue of making rulings “on the family,” CCRI states that it is simply wrong to not involve the people and hear their stories.

   Now, my friends, I lift up these two examples of Pope Leo doing what his baptism and role call him to, and where he isn’t doing what he should, because we the people should be able to look to our leaders for, “the way to go.” 

   And you might ask, how do we know that any particular action that we witness another doing, or we consider doing ourselves is about, “what is best,” from the “heart” primarily, as opposed to simply the “head?”  Somewhere along my own journey toward “what is best” –  what is true, what is good, I came upon the statement, “if it is from God, there will be peace.”  Those words have served me well throughout my life.  And this isn’t to say that our decision to act in a certain way will be free from fear – because we may more times than not, have to stand alone in this “good action” – but all in all, there should be peace. 

  At the beginning of this homily I said today’s readings are basically about, “living in the Spirit.”  Ezekiel tells us quite succinctly that [God] “will put [God’s] breath in [us and we] will live.”  Paul, in his letter to the Romans confirms this fact, and I paraphrase, the Spirit of God is with us, making all things new. 

   My friends, each year during Lent, our true task is to remember that our God loved us so much so as to send us our brother Jesus to very simply, “show us the way” – nothing more, nothing less.  Unfortunately, too many within our Church hierarchy and that of other Christian denominations attempt still, to confuse us with messages of, “God sending Jesus to die the ignominious death on the cross, as if to make up for our failings as humans. 

   I believe that at one time in our sacred, and holy history, this reason was enough for most of us, and it enabled us to “beat our breasts” for 40 days with no complaints.  With modern exegesis, we learned that in holding onto such a small “theology” we missed a much more expansive and better one – once again, our God simply loved us – does love us, and Jesus was all about, “giving us that good example” in living – in loving, to follow. 

   Jesus left us his Spirit so that we would never feel alone, or without the strength when we try “to be our best,” and especially, when no one stands with us.  I am presently reading one of Diana Butler Bass’ books, A People’s History of Christianity, and I will conclude today with the words of an early father of the Church, Clement of Alexandria who lived during the late 2^nd and early 3^rd  Centuries:  “ The Logos [or word] of God (the way the 2^nd person of the Trinity was often spoken of) had become [human] so that [we] might learn how a [human] may become God.” 

   Clement and others lifted up this message because they wanted to stress, “human capacities [for good] rather than consigning humanity to an endless cycle of evil that can only be escaped.”  Jesus, in his humanity said the same, and showed us all what we are capable of.

   May we each, in the remaining days of Lent, see our God as one who has and will continue to love us in an over-the-top way.  Amen? Amen!

Dear Friends,

If you are in the Winona area reading this, you have seen lightening and now steady snow and blowing. We of course won’t be meeting this morning for Mass, so you can stay home and be safe. Hopefully the power can stay on and you can stay in any simply enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature! Blessings to all! I have included the homily for your use and the readings were included in the bulletin on Friday. As always, if I can help you in any way, never hesitate to call, or email.

Peace and love,

Pastor Kathy

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My friends, Mother Nature is keeping us from being together this week, so I am submitting these possible words of wisdom – my and the Spirit’s thoughts on the chosen readings. 

   Our Scripture choices since Christmastime have very clearly called us to “be light” in our world – a world that at present is quite dark in the absence of heart-felt compassion for the People of God.  I think many of us long for some “light” to be shed in the present darkness in a world troubled by war on several fronts – physical violence being thrust on many who are basically innocent: women, children, the elderly, with no clear solution for ending the violence. 

   We live, sadly, in a world that finds too much individualism, and care for the self, along with power-hungry folks running amok, when many claim to be Christian, Catholic even, and seemly have no sense of what that means. 

   As always, let’s look at the Scriptures for guidance.  The first reading from Samuel shows us clearly God’s intent for us in our world, in the choosing of David from Jesse’s eight sons to be ruler for the Israelite people. 

   Samuel the prophet, acts as many of us do, and sees only the “physical” traits of the 1^st son presented to him.  Physical beauty and stature may be one way to judge a person, but we see our God, even in Old Testament times indicating the truest way to judge a person’s worth.  God says, [I] “ do not see as people see: people look at appearances, but I look at the heart.”

   I think we can see this human tendency of being attracted to the physical appearances of those that we might choose as life partners – while the “physical” might be what first “catches our eye,” the wise person realizes that they want someone who more often than not, acts from their heart in engaging the world.  In the case of God, David is chosen – the youngest, perhaps least prepared, but one who will ultimately act, out of his heart. 

   The remaining Scriptures continue the theme of “being light” in the world.  Paul’s letter to the Ephesians states this clearly – [God made you light – live then] “as children of the light.”  As “children of the light,” we must realize that this calls us to every kind of goodness.  Paul continues, “take no part in vain deeds done in darkness.”  It is perhaps a given, but we must realize that Paul is “diving deeper” than a simple understanding, black and white explanation of light and dark.  “Light” in Paul’s sense here, and later in Jesus’ encounter with the blind man in today’s gospel is about “claiming light” for all that is good and noble, while “darkness” better addresses those traits devoid of heart. 

   And as always, we need, in our personal, Christian walks to make these Scriptures our own; basically, asking the question that Jesus addresses in today’s gospel.  I think we see an urgency in his words that, “while he is in the world, he is the Light of the World.” And again, if we are serious about following in Jesus’ footsteps, then we must try and decide what it means to be “light,” and then act as “lights” in our world. 

   A wonderful story presented itself this week on CBS’ On the Road segment with Steve Hartman.  The piece was entitled, Dave the Wave. Dave is one of those wonderful people who comes into the world with a full heart to share.  Dave also had some disabilities in learning, but more than made up for these with his big heart.  Everyone in the small town where he lived, “knew” Dave, his name and who he was – someone who reached out to everyone that he met, greeting them at the very least, and sharing more if people wished.  He went to every basketball and football game, and rooted for the home team.  People watched out for Dave because of the way he treated others, with love and respect.  His brother, who checked in regularly on Dave to see that his needs were being met, marveled at how when they walked the streets together, everyone knew Dave’s name, but no one knew his (the brother’s) name.  This brother wasn’t envious, but knew that in many ways, people responded and cared for Dave because it was reciprocal.  Dave is a “light” in his world. 

   As I indicated earlier, there is much in our world that is more about “darkness” than “light,” and we as Jesus’ followers must be about bringing light – goodness into that darkness.  Being a Christian is never, ever about being “status quo,” doing the minimum. 

   Through our baptisms and confirmations, “we are sent,” as was the blind man in the gospel today. Siloam, the pool that “freed” this man of his blindness, means, “to be sent,” in both the Hebrew and the Greek, and we see in this example, how Jesus’ teachings are always really “loaded” with meaning.  And the meaning extends to us today through Jesus’ Spirit that makes his words, timeless.  Thus, we too, are being “sent” and with a purpose, “to make a difference in our world.” If Christians are “living and breathing” in our world, and we don’t see anything, or very little that resembles “light” – goodness, we might rightly say that something has been missed.

   Someone once said, to act as true Christians in our world is for “grownups.”  And given that, we should realize that “trying to be a Christian,” outside of the status quo won’t always leave us feeling “comfortable,” nor should it – “heart work” takes “being our best,” and if that sounds, too hard, then let us remember, we don’t do this work alone – just as David who had “the Spirit mightily with him,” once he said “yes,”  the same will be true for us.

   The psalm response for today comes from #23 – “Shepherd me O’ God beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.  And finally, friends, it has been said, “the suffering we experience is sometimes the ‘very door’ where God will enter – to draw closer…  Amen? Amen!

      My friends, as we continue our Lenten journey, this week’s Scriptures go a long way it seems to address our everyday lives – the struggles that we face in being true to our baptisms and our confirmational commitments to follow our brother Jesus.  From the Old Testament book of Exodus, on through Paul’s words to the Romans, and Jesus’ exchange with the Samaritan woman in John’s gospel, we too are being taught and counseled like the people of old in very good ways to carry on with Jesus’ message in our world today – a message, by the way, which is the fulfillment of all that came before it. 

   As we spoke of last week, there is much in our daily lives, in the world in which we live today, that is down-right discouraging, and I think it is easy, in that light, to understand Moses’ lament to God in the 1^st reading: “What am I to do?” and further, “God, where are you?” We see in that 1^st reading, Moses’ loving God responding with the “stuff” of life – water first, and later food, if we continue on with the reading. 

   Moses and the Israelite people no doubt learned a bit about the challenge of faith in  this encounter with God, hopefully realizing that “faith” is a gift with responsibilities for both parties involved – the giver and the receiver. 

   Paul, in his letter to the Romans, spells out further the true, fuller gift of faith.  He says, faith brings with it hope, that we can do what otherwise might seem impossible, except for this gift, which makes us strong.

   He continues, our hope is strong because of love, “poured into our hearts by the Spirit.” This reminds me of Jesus’ final words to his followers before physically leaving them:  “Do not be afraid, I will be with you always!”  The gift of his Spirit was his final gift to them and us.

   Then Jesus continues the instruction for the Samaritan woman, his followers and us in the wonderful exchange at the well.   In this story we see clearly Jesus’ penchant for taking people’s surface understanding of a topic, deeper. 

   The Samaritan woman, coming to the well, looking for physical water, eventually came to see that a different type of “water” was being offered!  But this story is wonderful too, for a different reason, in that Jesus gives us a clear path to follow in encountering others “on our journey”  through life.

   His culture told him that not only should he not be talking to a woman in public, but also, not a “Samaritan” woman  whom “all good Jews” were supposed to shun, even though they were Jews too!  Jesus ignores this law which clearly was not about love, and was therefore able to do so much, more good.  By his ignoring a loveless law, Jesus taught everyone in his hearing that when we look for those things that unite us, rather than what divides, we truly choose the better path. 

   And one final comment from these readings comes from the psalmist today in #95:  “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”  In order to follow our brother Jesus, we need to have hearts of flesh, not of stone.  A “heart of flesh” as Jesus gave our world, would have allowed Bishop Barron to meet with us when we asked…  That is why I handed out stones when you arrived today – as you carry your stones around this week in your pocket, perhaps it will remind you that meeting our world with “hearts of flesh,” instead of stone, will get us much further.

   As you may be aware, March is Women’s History Month – and in fact, today is International Women’s Day!  March holds 31 days to remember the often-forgotten women of history – and many times, they were forgotten, simply because they weren’t men!  Former CBS News anchor, Norah O’Donnell, has a new book out, We the Women, remembering many of these memorable females.  I look forward to reading it! 

     March is therefore, a good time to remember the women in our lives and thank them for the gifts they gave us that made us who we are today – gifts many times taken for granted . And as I say this, I do realize that some of the women who have been part of our lives may not have been positive influences, but be that as it may, we all have many women who have been guides for us to follow.  You all have your own list to remember, and I will share just a few comments here regarding the plight of women in our world today, and why it is important to remember them. 

• Because both Church and State are very patriarchal places, women when paired with men, always, always have a tougher time, basically responding to a world that has been taught to believe that a woman is less than any man simply because of how they happen to have been born!  And if you don’t believe that, ask yourself why this country, in nearly 250 years, has been unable to elect a woman president, when in the last 10 years, two superiorly qualified women have tried and failed to be given the chance to lead in this way.  And, I would add, they didn’t fail, but our country did! 
• Our Church is no better, and I would submit, even slower to move than the country in general where women are concerned.  And women can’t change these ignorant ideas of “less than” perpetrated by men in positions of power, and sadly, by some women too, in both Church and State, by themselves.  Men who love women must be advocates for their sisters, wives, daughters, granddaughters and women friends declaring the lie when they hear it, and see it.  Not that a woman is better than a man, but all things being equal, she should not have to fight against the sexist notion of “being less than” from the get-go. 

   I think we have moved past the unfortunate situation that Hillary Clinton faced in 2016, when part of the commentary introducing her at the Democratic National Convention as the 1^st woman ever to be nominated by a national political party to run for president, included a description of “what she was wearing!” I don’t recall what her opponent was wearing!

   And even though some of this may be getting better, we have to keep in mind that so much of this, we call it sexism, is very subtle.  Women in my age group grew up “believing” almost unconsciously that they needed permission, especially in matters of faith from a man, who “stood” in the place of God, for all intents and purposes. 

   Our beloved Church, in well over 2,000 years, in its hierarchy of men, has not uplifted the calls of women to be priests, and I’m not holding my breath that they will anytime soon.  I, along with many Roman Catholic Women Priests, in the early days, struggled with our God-given calls to pursue priesthood for service, in a Church led by men who said, “No.”

   Earlier I mentioned the need for men to “speak truth to power” when they hear the lie of women’s unworthiness and of how important that is.  One such man in my journey to priesthood was a Southern Baptist minister who was my instructor in chaplain training.  Seeing my frustration with the Catholic church, of not hearing, “Father say it was okay,” my instructor, Mark Hart said, “Kathy, you don’t have to have anyone’s permission to do what God is calling you to do!”  This was a life-changing moment for me!  And of course, Robert’s support along the way has meant the world to me!  So, men, don’t underestimate the power you have to speak up for the women in your lives – for their goodness and humble worthiness to follow their calls in Church and State – wherever that may lead.

   Finally, my friends, many of us lament that our younger people have pretty much in mass walked away from Church affiliation, across the denominations.  And with eyes wide open, ears fully tuned, we should be able to understand that when we don’t listen to new ideas, and can’t accept the worth in all created beings, the days when we can hold the minds and hearts of our younger, less indoctrinated people, are really gone!

   In conclusion then, our brother Jesus said something really wonderful to the Samaritan woman in today’s gospel that we should take into our present day lives – would that our hierarchical men could as well!  Jesus said to her:  “If you only recognized who it is who is asking you for a drink…”  For us my friends, we need to take that a step further – “If we only recognized who  it is who is asking us for some food, for a bed, for respect, and so on…”  Friends, it only matters that Jesus gave himself as gift so many, many years ago, if we can then see him today in the imploring of the needy in our midst.  “Open your eyes and see, [he says], the fields are ready for the harvest!”  Amen? Amen!