What A Gal!

What a compliment! Intelligent and attractive, says the Lord. Or Samuel. Or whoever actually wrote the book of Samuel those thousands of years ago. But Abigail was so impressive to the writers that they remembered her name, and that she was not only attractive, but intelligent! When her husband insults soon-to-be King David, David swears a vengeance of sorts against the entire household. But Abigail intervenes. She overrides her husband's poor decision making and brings David food and wine, and then apologizes to him, although none of this is her fault.

Historically, Abigail disobeying her husband is a big deal. Even now, it would be a big deal that a wife went out and deliberately did what her husband wanted no business with, because married couples are supposed to work together and respect one another's wishes. So what can we learn from this disobedient, defiant woman?

Abigail's story struck me as anti-peer-pressure tale. She was intelligent enough to know that in this moment, right now, it would be better for her to not go with the crowd. But more than that, she also knew when to put aside her personal pride and admit wrong-doing in her presence. Even though she had not been the one to actually hurt or insult anyone, she was willing to humble herself before David and truly apologize, because it was best for everyone. David describes her as having "good judgement" and as "blessed".

It's a rare day in the Bible that a woman's name is remembered, let alone given an entire chapter to herself. Abigail's story is one that we can all learn from; patience, humbleness, wisdom, good judgement. All of which came from one woman's actions. Proverbs 31's description of the ideal woman is tossed around a lot, and she is difficult to picture, let alone be. But I think Abigail provides us with a more steadfast image. A Daughter of the Lord (or son) should not be afraid to admit they are wrong, to know when they are right, and to act for the good of many.

Tota tua,

LeAnn

"Words not Deeds" in our Baptism

At Mass yesterday, in light of the Baptism of Jesus in the Gospel, the priest encouraged everyone to consider their own baptism, and what it means to them. As Catholics, baptized as babies, we often seem to forget that we have been baptized or that it "did" something for us as Christians. 

In reality, our baptism is everything. It signifies that have become part of a community of believers, that we been washed clean of Original Sin, and that now, we have a duty because we have been anointed priest, prophet, and king. So, what does my baptism mean to me?

As a priest, I am called to celebrate the Mass with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am called to pray for others, and offer my own "sacrifices" to the Lord. Just as Melchizedek offered burned offerings, we offer are on failings, triumphs, lives to God each day. But we also offer the greatest sacrifice each Sunday in the Eucharist, recognizing and receiving God's Son. 

Baptized as a prophet, I am called to proclaim my love of the Lord! This means that I am to share my faith with others, to not deny him three times as Peter did, but to claim God as my own. This also means that I am supposed to bring others closer to God through my own life. Camp, church with Josh, prayer with my family and friends, all of these things are acts of a prophet for the Lord. 

King. I think this is perhaps the most difficult one - what does it mean to be a king for God? I think this is a call to leadership, in our own ways. For me, this being a camp director, a big sister, a future wife and mother, who will guide those in her care closer to God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

But ultimately, my baptism means action. It means walking my talk, and truly embodying what Christ has called me to be, a daughter of God, a priest in my own right, a prophet through the written word, and a king through leadership skills and opportunities Christ has blessed me with. 

Try to meditate on your baptism today - what does it mean to you? What do you do and what do you say that shows the world your fire that you have been baptized with? 

Tota tua, 

LeAnn 

P.S. the quote, "words not deeds" comes from Alice Paul, a suffragist and feminist who is totally worthy of a quick search today if you feel like learning about an incredible, hardworking woman!