Breath of the Spirit

Pastoral, Liturgical, Teaching, and Social Justice Moments brought to you by www.DignityUSA.org.

Breath of the Spirit is DignityUSA’s electronic spiritual and liturgical resource for our members and potential members. Nothing can replace your chapter or other faith community, but we hope you will find further support here for integrating your spirituality with your sexuality and all the strands of your life.

We welcome relevant homilies, inspirational writings, social justice opportunities, or theological articles from other sources also — particularly from wise women and men who can help us grow as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) and allied Catholic/Christians. You may volunteer to help with this program or send your comments by e-mailing info@DignityUSA.org ATTN: Breath of the Spirit.

DECEMBER 31, 2006: HOLY FAMILY

Readings:

I Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28

I John 3:1-2, 21-24

Luke 2:41-52

One of the most important discoveries in the last century and a half of biblical studies is that many of our sacred authors employed "sources."

DECEMBER 24, 2006: FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Readings:

Micah 5:1-4a

Hebrews 10:5-10

Luke 1:39-45

If Luke were writing this commentary, he'd certainly draw attention to the last line of his gospel pericope: "Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." It's the theme of his double-volume work. For Luke, the perfect disciple of Jesus is one who hears God's word and carries it out. In his first volume, Mary exemplifies that commitment.

DECEMBER 17, 2006: THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Readings:

Zephaniah 3:14-18a

Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 3:10-18

In a recent talk, Sister Diane Bergant chided those who use Advent to prepare for the birth of the baby Jesus. "That baby's already been born," she reminded her audience. "He grew up, was killed and rose from the dead. Our Advent readings proclaim the freeing of a helpless people, the people Jesus of Nazareth came to set free."

DECEMBER 10, 2006: SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Readings:

Baruch 5:1-9

Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11

Luke 3:1-6

Reflecting on John the Baptizer’s historical ministry in his classic work, The Cultural World of Jesus, John Pilch states, "The heart of (his) message is the need for repentance . . . a change of mind . . . a broadening of horizons, transformation of experience, reform of life.

DECEMBER 3, 2006: FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Readings:

Jeremiah 33:14-16

I Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

One of the things which makes the study of Scripture an exciting endeavor is the discovery that what biblical people are anticipating is often replaced by something better. This is what takes place in today's three readings.

Vision Statement

DignityUSA envisions and works for a time when Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Catholics are affirmed and experience dignity through the integration of their spirituality with their sexuality, and as beloved persons of God participate fully in all aspects of life within the Church and Society.