Osler's Razor

Nuns have been confronting the rest of us about poverty for years, but maybe we are starting to notice. I had never known any nuns until I started to volunteer at Crossroads, an ecumenical social service organization. At various times nuns served on the staff or as volunteers. One was of the schoolmarm type, but all of the rest were the most forward-thinking women I had ever met. They constantly challenged us to work toward a more just society. If you own stocks, you may notice that many of the proposals at the stockholders meetings are put forward by groups of nuns. They invariably concern workers rights and safety issues, and they are almost always voted down. I am glad that nuns are beginning to be noticed. They are playing a vital role in our society. Mom
 

American Catholic nuns don't just rock the bastion of institutionalized misogyny their church has always been, it looks like they're shaking the staid foundations of a church with serious reality check problems. I wouldn't be surprised if they wouldn't end up saving it too, by prompting the much needed changes one bus tour at a time. Rock on!
 

The ties that bind and strengthen family, community, church, institution and nation come from within – when enshrined at the pinnacle, schism or separation often nurtured.

The most respected, admired and emulated faith communities seldom share common names over their entrances. Outreach programs expanding and perpetuated give voice and quiet recognition to the efforts of many and hope and promise to all.

Invitation, not Coercion
Susan Stabile: 03-16-12

“I read a column by Margaret Silf in a recent issue of America Magazine, it speaks a simple but profound truth, that is, that ‘the spirit of the Gospel is a spirit of attraction, not coercion.’ Silf writes

A wise saying tells us that ‘God draws, the devil drives.’ It follows that when our hearts are feeling drawn by the power of divine attraction, there God is at work; but if we are feeling the pressure of coercion, this is not of God. It is not hard to see the difference between human communities that revolve around a center of attraction, where love grows and draws, and those that rely on fences and demarcations that keep the flock within the prescribed boundaries. Where the spirit of love is the center of attraction, many will find their way to that center, drawn like iron filings to a powerful magnet.”

My spiritual home, the Catholic Church, has mortal wounds still festering and the jury decision from Bellefonte, Pennsylvania Friday evening continues to shed light upon one open sore. With ease and practical anonymity we often lend voice to other’s voices of disgust and disdain. Are the Sanduskys, Penn States, Bishops and Pope all who are tainted with blind eyes and silence, whose silence helped facilitated heinous acts perpetuated upon our children?

Dare I hold my church, other institutions, our nation responsible for more than child sexual abuse? I must! As with “Nuns on the Bus”, we should question and discuss the House Republican budget (or any budget), though not in condemnation alone. All must sacrifice and contribute to restructuring and sustaining the social programs held sacred by many, the programs that are often the life line to most served.

“In the course of His teaching He said: ‘Be on guard against the scribes, who like to parade around in their robes and accept marks of respect in public, front seats in the synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. These men devour the savings of widows and recite long prayers for appearance’ sake; it is they who will receive the severe sentence.’ “

“Taking a seat opposite the treasury, He observed the crowd putting money into the collection box. Many of the wealthy put in sizeable amounts; but one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins worth a few cents. ‘… I want you to observe that this poor widow contributed more than all the others to the treasury. They gave from their surplus wealth, but she gave from her want, all that she had to live on.’ “
- Mark 12: 38–44, New American Bible

As young and adult women, as mothers and grandmothers are we not all “Nuns on the Bus?” Our bus boldly emblazened with “life’s journey” on the sides. Our forum: our life, our voice – God given and with a request, that we reverence, nurture and share our gifts with everyone we encounter.

With the gift of money aside, do we possess the faith, courage and strength to be the first to speak, the first to lend voice and serve the least among us?
 

I did! I went to a Catholic university for undergrad, and was very active in the office of spiritual life and the office of community service. I had the opportunity to work with many nuns, and they all would fit in on this bus. They were dynamic, engaging, hard-working women who never got any recognition for what they did. I miss being around them every day.
 

The heart and soul of the RC Church. I have a deep and profound respect and admiration of these women and their vocations (and you know that I don't just toss those kind of accolades around). G-d Bless them and those with whom they serve doing the work of Jesus.

Scott Davis (descendant of dour Puritans)