There, in the middle of Mass,
was the opportunity to break into groups
and share with others.
The question-prompt went something like:
When have you met someone from another culture? How did it impact you?
I shared about the birthday party I went to last week
for Suzi, a dear friend whom I affectionately consider “a qigong sister”
Suzi is a woman who calmly explains that
her body is filled with metastases
and she is in the final chapter of her life.
Recognizing this will probably be the last birthday she celebrates in person,
she and her family gathered with their nearest and dearest
about 30 or 40 of us.
Meeting most people for the first time,
I noticed how kind each person was
How each came from different walks of life
and different parts of the country… and world.
At the toast, Suzi explained
that each person at the party was a do-gooder:
the farmer who delivers a portion of his crops to interfaith food pantries with Suzi’s husband
the volunteer who helps people register to vote and works at our election polls
the colleague who met Suzi helping African children orphaned by AIDS
the neighbor who takes in people and animals who need a home – and also happens to make the best carrot cake
I reflect on Suzi –
who spent her own life doing good
in the humblest of ways
and now in her final chapter
is teaching us how to do good
and live well
up to our last days
and our own last birthday celebration
What an enduring gift
What an endearing gift
At Mass, time is up for our discussion
After Mass, the woman in front of me turns around and asks
“How are you a do-gooder?”
“Well…
Suzi introduced me as a Roman Catholic Woman Priest”
The woman thanked me…
My deepest thanks go to Rev. Suzi
and all the people at the party
and all those in our world
who are doing good every day
in the humblest, quietest of ways
Questions to Prayerfully Ponder:
Breathe in Ru-Ah – God’s Spirit. Ask Her to help you see with Divine Eyes.
How do you do good? I’m sure you do – or you would not be reading this blog!
Whom in your circle of love is a do-gooder?
This week, affirm yourself and others for the good you do. Remember with each kind act, we are repairing the world which is the Jewish practice of tikkun olam and building the kin-dom of heaven on earth which is a Christian practice.
PS – Please pray for my companions and me.
This week I will be traveling to Rome for the ordination of six women & trans priests from United States, France and Spain including my friends Rev. Anne LaTour and Rev. MaryKay Daniels. The Pope, Synodal delegates, leaders from partner organizations like Women’s Ordination Conference and Future Church and the media have been invited. The ordinations will happen on Thursday October 17. Please keep us in your prayers.
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