Rev. Catharine Is Currently
On Medical Leave

Why Care for the Ancestors?

Why should we care about who came before us, those we knew, those we didn’t, and those who are lost to memory? Why do we care for our ancestors? It isn’t so we can save them. It isn’t so we can absolve them of their complexities, their transgressions against us and oppression of others. It […]

Where Do the People Come From?

Axis mundi. Omphalos. Strange words to our English-hearing ears. Each expression means, in its own way, the Center of the Universe. The Axis Mundi might be the World Tree in any of a number of myths. The Omphalos, or Navel of the World, might be anywhere that is held most sacred, anywhere said to be […]

Lux Perpetua Luceat Eis

The dead are not dead; they are not under the earth… Moferere moferere eggun eggun… Lux perpetua luceat eis… The text above, in English, Yoruba and Latin, is the body of a three-part song that was written for Samhain, the Celtic—and now Pagan—celebration of the Mighty Dead, the ancestors. It was written by a largely […]

Courage, Child of Love and Integrity

The Friday Mirror will return, I promise. What I have to give tonight is somewhat different from the Friday Mirror. Feel free to reflect on your week, spend some time writing this weekend (as I will), and know that the Mirror will be back soon. *** “Courage is being willing to at what you’re afraid […]

Cells in the Body of God: Part One

We are cells in the body of God. A teacher of mine gave me that phrase and it has become one of the most important pieces of wisdom I have ever encountered. A cell is not merely a small part of a larger being. A cell has within it–whether it’s a skin cell, a liver […]

Earth and Starry Heaven

A dear friend/former roommate of mine is now dying. Actively. I think of D’s and my times together, and right now, one special memory, or set of memories, comes to mind. We loved glitter. Both of us. I don’t think she loved it as much as I did/do, but we loved it. We put it […]

Orphaned Believers and Skeptical Dreamers

Orphaned believers, skeptical dreamers / You’re welcome. You can stay right here. / You don’t have to go ~~Over the Rhine~~ Thanks to my friend Oscar Sinclair for introducing me to the words above. They are, indeed, a fine encapsulation of my hopes for The Way of the River. Orphaned believers Some of us belong […]