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Breath of the Spirit

Pastoral, Liturgical, Teaching, and Social Justice Moments brought to you by www.DignityUSA.org.

Breath of the Spirit is DignityUSA’s electronic spiritual and liturgical resource for our members and potential members. Nothing can replace your chapter or other faith community, but we hope you will find further support here for integrating your spirituality with your sexuality and all the strands of your life.

We welcome relevant homilies, inspirational writings, social justice opportunities, or theological articles from other sources also — particularly from wise women and men who can help us grow as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) and allied Catholic/Christians. You may volunteer to help with this program or send your comments by e-mailing info@DignityUSA.org ATTN: Breath of the Spirit.

AUGUST 30, 2009: TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY OF THE YEAR

Readings: 
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8
James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Today’s lectors will not correctly proclaim today’s first reading unless they understand the biblical significance of Moses’ initial words to his people. “Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live . . .  “Through the mouth of the greatest Jewish liberator, the author of Deuteronomy is telling us what underlies all biblical rules and regulations: life. By following such “statutes and decrees,” a person should have a more fulfilled life than someone who rejects them.
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AUGUST 23, 2009: TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY OF THE YEAR

Readings: 
Joshua 24:1-2, 15-17, 18
Ephesians 5:21-32
John 6:60-69

One of the most intriguing aspects of studying Scripture critically is to surface the many different theologies which make up our sacred writings. This is especially eye opening to us Catholics. Throughout my life I’ve asked or been asked, “What do Catholics believe about this?” Or, “How do Catholics explain that?” Trained to memorize one catechism answer for every question, we’re amazed to discover our sacred authors might provide us with as many as half a dozen answers for the same question.
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AUGUST 16, 2009: TWENTIETH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR

Readings: 
Proverbs 9:1-6
Ephesians 5:15-20
John 6:51-58

Regular readers of these commentaries know how often (as recently as last week) I quote and refer to Carroll Stuhlmueller and Hans Walter Wolff. Though I’ve read the works of, and been influenced by other famous Scripture scholars, these two were among the many dedicated men and women who actually taught me. I sat in their classrooms, took notes during their lectures, and passed their exams. But more than just learning the “material” they so generously shared, I learned them. Read more »

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AUGUST 9, 2009: NINETEENTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR

Readings: 
I Kings 19:4-8
Ephesians 4:30-5:2
John 6:41-51

One of Hans Walter Wolff’s most memorable classes revolved around the great Scripture scholar’s reflection on something which takes place in today’s first reading. “Elijah went a day’s journey into the desert, until he came to a broom tree and sat beneath it. He prayed for death: ‘This is enough, 0 Yahweh! Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.’ ”
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