I've barely had time to think about this milestone. This past weekend I attended the Call to Action conference in Milwaukee, WI. I can't fully describe the energy and passion I found in the people there, those hurt and wounded, joyful and happy, but all seeking and yearning for inclusive and just Church. This year - after much prodding - we were able to get a "young adult" keynote speaker in Shane Claiborne. Look him up - what an inspiration! He absolutely hit the ball out of the park with this message of being in solidarity with the poor, living in community, and striving to ask good questions about ourselves and God. Asra Nomani, a young adult progressive Muslim woman, talked about her experience being in an oppressive environment and finding no support or solace in her church community. Finally, on Sunday of the conference, Sr. Joan Chittister spoke on faith and church today. All of them were simply inspiring!
An analogy from conference that I liked had to do with the Church being like Noah's ark. Can you imagine what it was like in the ark? The Church, like Noah's ark, smells. It can reek. Yet, we are all in it together, and if we get out we drown. We can do something about the stench. This, my friends, is what call to action was about - doing something about the "church stench" in the Catholic church. To be sure - and to be fair - there was much celebrated about the Catholic Tradition at Call to Action. Ritual. Saints. Prophets. Progress. Vatican II. Yet, as many know all too well, the odor lingers. We are called to act!
I returned home on Sunday from conference to celebrate my 30th birthday. Jeb and I went and picked up my iPad that I have been saving for, he took me to dinner, and we ended up at Marble Slab Ice Cream. Last night several colleagues and friends helped me celebrate by gathering at Jake Melnick's Pub for happy hour, beverages, and half price appetizers. I do know one thing from the last week: I am blessed and loved. I am blessed and loved by a God that created me in his/her image and likeness - and calls me to continue to work on behalf of justice in his Kingdom. I am blessed and loved my many family and friends who see much in me. I am truly thankful.
The picture below depicts a banner the CTA 20/30 group used at conference which asked, "What are YOU waiting for?" in our church and society. Take a peek if you like.
Thank you for all who helped make my birthday special and memorable.
Peace always.
