Embracing Inclusiveness
Advocating Mercy
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May 25, 2024Dear Parishioners and Visitors,
Years ago, while studying in Rome, I received some sage advice from a theology professor regarding today's feast, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity: "Don't ever try to explain a mystery. Just accept it."
In my ministry among the LGBTQ+ community I find myself encountering the Trinity - the awesome Creator, the Redeemer who loves us without exception, and the Spirit whose inspiration and creativity is manifest in beautiful diversity.
I'll never understand the transgender experience it is a mystery to me. But I accept it as the beautiful reality of some of my siblings and as a manifestation of God's mysterious life.
As a gay man, I may never understand the heterosexual experience, but I appreciate and love those who live and love a bit differently than I do.
I understand that encountering others is a glorious encounter with the Trinity every time someone else's life is a mystery to me or when we celebrate and live our appreciation for the incredible diversity that we live among. It all points to and reveals the Divine Creator, Redeemer and Spirit!
Our life's mission is to accept the mysterious ways God reveals Self to us in those whose expression of love and living are different. We don't need to understand others to see the Divine in them. We don't need to understand the mystery of the human person to love like Jesus taught us.
When you pray, please pray for me.
JR
Director of LGBTQ+ Ministry