Whoever Receives One Such as This in My Name, Receives Me
Perhaps it’s not that difficult at all if we can just truly embrace the meaning of some merciful, powerful words ofJesus from today’s Gospel.
Entries by Deacon Ray Dever
In Church Documents on Gender Identity, Where Is the Compassion?
But the church’s refusal to engage with the facts about transgender individuals also brings with it something else that concerns me greatly: a stunning lack of compassion.
Holy Families: How Far We’ve Come, How Far We Have to Go
“On this Holy Family Sunday as we look upon those sparkling manger scenes in our homes and churches, we need to recall that this family from 2,000 years ago was also marginalized in many ways.”
Do You Realize What I Have Done For You?
Far too many individuals and groups of people, like LGBTQ+ folks, do not experience church as a place where that foundational Last Supper example that Jesus calls us to follow is practiced.
The Vatican’s New Document on Gender: Is There Hope?
“As the parent of a transgender daughter and as a deacon whose ministry includes pastoral care to Catholic families with transgender members, it is painfully apparent that the document is totally divorced from the lived reality of transgender people.”
Home for the Holidays?
Though we are surrounded by images of perfect family celebrations for Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is impossible to ignore the pain so many of us hold inside, as we go about our business, doing our best to maintain the positive outward appearance that the season seems to demand. My heart goes out to those families who struggle through the holidays.