It’s really quite amazing to find so many other people I know who maintain blogs. I found the blog of someone I met in grad school who has since become a Holy Cross sister, Amy Cavender. I also found the blogs of some Jesuits who I know from their time here in Detroit as novices, Ryan Duns, in particular. I’m sure I’ll come across more.
It seems to me that as more women religious start doing this, the stereotypes about nuns that are out there in popular culture will begin to fade somewhat. That’s a good thing.
Speaking of connections, I must say that I see this as a way of embodying the CSJ charism, which is all about “union with God and the dear neighbor.” A beautiful expression of this is contained in the Consensus Statement I referred to in an earlier post. There it says, “The Sister of Saint Joseph moves always towards profound love of God and love of neighbor without distinction.”
That’s a pretty tall order, at least the last part of that quote. Sometimes it’s hard to love… What about the man who broke into the house and robbed us? What about the homeless woman who suffers from mental illness? What about politicians who lie to keep getting re-elected? What I know for sure is that I have not arrived at a point where I can say I truly love all neighbors without distinction. What I hope is that I’m moving towards that ideal “little by little, as much as I am able.”
I wonder what would happen if we as a society could focus a little less on who we’re “supposed” to love and focus a little more on loving those who need it most?
Sandy, I am really impressed with your blog. I don’t know how you manage to do all that you do. But you certainly do it well!
Thanks for sharing what is deeply personal and important to you!
And Happy 25th! Glad your celebration was so delightful and that it will continue all year.