Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

  Paradox: A seemingly absurd or contradictory statement or proposition which, when investigated, may prove to be well founded or true. –The Oxford Dictionary   On January 2, 2023 I lived with paradox. My youngest brother, Dan, died and was born into new life. His death is a blessing and at the same time it is a great sorrow. Have you experienced this mystery of paradox in your life? Can you embrace opposites in feelings, thoughts, relationships, in life itself?   Over the years I’ve been intrigued by the reality of holding opposites at the same time. Dwelling in the mystery of paradox is transformative. I have learned by living in the mess of unknowing I discover the gift of wisdom by going through the messiness, arriving with new insights for living.   In the gospel parables Jesus often uses paradoxes. “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.”  “To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what s/he has will be taken away...

A couple of Saturdays ago, I attended our local circle meeting.  The hostess Sisters had invited us to their home for brunch.  Both the food and the conversation at the table were delightful and animating, including many compliments for the “chef.”  After the dining room table was cleared, we sat in a circle in the living room for prayer and continuation of “checking in” with one another – “What’s going on in your life and your ministry?” We eight Sisters each had lots to share with one another and much acceptance of and encouragement for one another when a challenging situation was recounted.  We were able to appreciate the humor in many situations and laugh.  When I thought about the day later, what I remember most is what a gift it was to just “be” with each other and to laugh.        I recalled a poem written by Kaye Ashe, OP:   The search – for self, for wisdom, for love, for truth, for justice, for God – is strenuous and ...