The Last Sunday of Summer/Next Week is September and Labor Day

I experienced two types of community today.

First the gathering of a small Eucharistic community which I started here in Lexington before Christmas in 2009. I have tried to meet once a month but life has not permitted us so today was our 4th time. About 12 of us (including one man) gathered in a home of a woman who has taken care of her quadriplegic son for 30+ years at home, alone. She is beginning to think of his placement in alternative living arrangements. There comes a time when we cannot do what we did when younger. I ask God's guidance for B.

I learned that Michael Crosby Franciscan who wrote about the dysfunctional RCC is now speaking out for women priests. I had not heard of his taking such a position, I will have to check. A young woman attended who is seriously considering putting herself forward as a candidate for RCWP. She has a Masters in Pastoral Studies, lives in Lexington and a new hospice chaplain. I think she will be an excellent priest for the community should she choose to do.

Our readings and reflection focused on "Who do I invite to the table?" I addressed the Shadow side of ourselves-that which has been suppressed by family, culture, church. The shadow aspects can be negative or positive. I said, "My opposites were being a victim or being empowered. I came to consciousness at WRAMC, stopped being a victim and empowered myself." Been on the journey since then to empowerment as a daughter of God." They appreciated my story. The dialogue homily turned to the times the RCC turned away family, friends from receiving the Eucharist. The great hurt that has been caused by the Pharisee rules that Jesus railed against.


I feel that I need to study more to be able to add more to the homilies. Although being open to the Spirit speaking is the most important for me. I need time in prayer. I feel that I have to study all the time to make up for being lost for so many of my years.


In the evening I attended an open AA meeting here in Lexington. The speaker a woman in her 40's told her story of starting to drink when she was 15 (ACOA), knowing by the time she reached college that if she didn't quit she would be dead by 30. She and her spouse helped each other to sobriety and she hasn't had a drink in 20 years.
Her story had many poignant moments but I will tell one.

A couple of years ago, her mother was healthy, came home from Fl and became ill. Never diagnosed with an illness she died in six months. The storyteller was heartbroken. Before her mother died she would repeat the phrase, "It is what it is." Her daughter took it to mean that she was accepting of her own death, couldn't change it. On the first anniversary of her death the storyteller was in SC on vacation. She was full of grief and wanted a sign that all was well, "Mom, I need your help." The family went down to the beach and on the wharf she looked to her right,"There was a fishing boat and its name was "It is what it is." The storyteller knew her mom was okay and had sent her a sign. One for the emotional-spiritual books. Synchronicity or a mother's love for her daughter.

A community is created by the people who gather. AA and the 12 step programs are all about the spiritual journey and their stories tell of "their higher power" who loves them and provides for them. And so it is true with our stories.

Blessings everyone as you start your week.