Spirit Stirs

It has been stirring within me for a long time, possibly much too long. My thoughts were delivered on this Resurrection Sunday in the form of a tweet. “Go to my brothers and tell them that you have seen me. Yes, we both know they will find it challenging to believe you but you are not responsible for their disbelief.” — Resurrected Jesus to #MaryMagdalene

In two sentences, the social and cultural tension of patriarchal systems was revealed. It was no secret then as it is no secret today. Two thousand years after the Resurrection, I wonder when do we all learn to identify and counter it in truth as contradictory to the Gospel of Christ.

When we exert our conscience, intellect, or strength, we are maligned. As diverse as our physical characteristics are, we are subjugated to a narrow definition of beauty and are too often eliminated from conversations that impact our lives. 

Decades ago, I wrote a greeting card that read: “From the announcement of the Incarnation to the proclamation of the Resurrection…the women have always been there.” The Triune God of All knew the lived experience of women when Mary was asked to participate in the Incarnation. Similarly, the Resurrected Jesus knew his brothers were struggling to embrace his teachings stemming from the heart of God’s Law. As women, we know what it is to be questioned and not believed. 

Dismissed and relegated to the margins, we are objectified and judged to be either sexually pure or promiscuous. While the hierarchical Church declares Mary to be a perpetual virgin, the lie spoken by Pope Gregory XIV about Mary Magdalene is still accepted as truth by many. Denying our full humanity, dualism reigns.

 Yet, in spite of the misogyny, God accompanies, honors and trusts us. More importantly, God showers us with love and mercy. We know this as it is our lived experience and that of our spiritual mothers and grandmothers through time immemorial.

 Too many of Jesus’ brothers continue to be challenged by words of truth from their sisters. The yearlong Covid-19 pandemic has provided new ways for us to be Church, new ways for Spirit to move among and between us. During this time, Spirit stirs new opportunities of grace. What new experiences or understandings are blossoming for you? How will you continue to apply them when we are beyond the pandemic? What is stirring within you? What will you deliver?