Reflections on the 2011 Trinity Institute
by Sister Carol Bernice
 

I have had the great good fortune to attend three out of the last four Trinity Institutes.  They have been, for me, concentrated doses of  higher education missed out on in earlier years.  Even long overdue, a theological education is worth the wait!  Sitting in the pews at Trinity Wall Street now, literally at the feet of theological heavyweights from the world over, and learning from them and from fellow attendees, makes me feel truly privileged. 

This year the theme of the Institute was "Reading Scripture through Other Eyes."  The "other" referred to is, of course, the regular other--those at the margins of power--the not-white, -rich, -male, -straight, -American,  and, yes, the not-traditionally theologically trained.   It turns out that all those "others" have been reading the Bible lo these many years, and have something to say about what it means.

The voices of all these are coming together to create a rich, new chorus of Biblical interpretation and something more than interpretation--more like streaming Bible--that is so life-giving as to once again imbue Scripture with its good name. 

From Walter Breuggeman we heard that the Bible is thick, layered and conflicting and thus reflects not only we ourselves but God, too.  We heard Sr. Teresa Okure say that Jesus is the "live wire" at the heart of scripture who, when touched, by it matters not whom, imparts truth.  Mary Gordon showed us the character of Jesus--big enough for each and all to find ourselves within.  Gerald O. West demonstrated how reading out loud together reveals touchstones of our common story.  (Watch interviews and short videos with Breuggeman, Okure, Gordon, and West.)

In my small group, there were six of us working together to theologically reflect upon the presentations and discussions of the panelists.  We six came to value the process of reading, and thinking, out loud.  Though not so culturally diverse as all that, still our individual backgrounds were varied enough to create sparking thought, emotion, and insight.

All in all, from provocative preaching, gorgeous liturgy, inspiring addresses, and compelling conversation, not to mention good food, Trinity Institute once again provided me with the opportunity to steep myself in the wondrous depth that is Scripture and its study.  I am sorry that there will be no Trinity Institute next year and sincerely and fervently hope it will come back to us thereafter.  And I hope not as something strictly and only online--there is value, God knows, in the incarnate experience.
 

"Diggin' Diversity":  Learning about Food Justice

By Sister Helena Marie

Northeastern Organic Farming Association of NY

On January 21st, Resident Companion Erin Martineau and I drove though an enchanted winter wonderland to the annual winter conference of the Northeastern Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY), held in Saratoga Springs.  Snow continued to fall as we spent the weekend attending workshops and keynote addresses around the conference theme of "Diggin' Diversity." 

The conference reinforced our commitment to diversity on the farm, from the crops we plant to the organic and mineral supplements we add to the soil each year, to the incorporation of animals and all that they contribute to the whole cycle of life and death on the farm.  We attended workshops on new potato varieties, growing blueberries and bramble fruits, supporting the biology in soil and compost, and raising poultry, rabbits, and pigs as part of a diversified farm.  The conference emphasized not only diversity on the farm in terms of crop varieties and animal breeds, but the importance of cultural and ethnic diversity in the organic/local food movement.

One of the keynote speakers was a community organizer and food activist from Detroit, Malik Yakini.  Mr. Yakini helped to begin the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, which in turn began an urban farm of several acres that now grows food for the local community, called D-Town Farm (profiled here).  His work includes an initiative called "Undoing Racism in the Detroit Food System."  I was extremely interested to follow his work, which has many parallels to the anti-racism trainings in which I participated when I worked at the Episcopal Church Center.  It was illuminating for me to see the ways in which racism plays out in the area of obtaining food in the city of Detroit, and to witness the ways racism is being addressed and justice pursued in the area of food.  It is my hope that our work of the Melrose convent, Bluestone Farm, can begin to address food justice issues and racism in the Brewster/Danbury region.

All the Way to Heaven . . .
by the Reverend Suzanne Guthrie
 

All the way to heaven is heaven,
because you said, "I am the way."
- Catherine of Sienna

One of the most interesting sermons I ever heard was given at a monastic profession. The preacher described the journey of the man being received as a monk in terms of the Beatitudes. The monk had experienced some kind of trauma or setback and discovered humility. He found he needed God and his journey was set in motion (Blessed are the pure in heart). Then, because of his own misfortune, the struggles of other people touched him. He found he cared for people and their suffering in the world (Blessed are those who mourn). His arrogance began to slip away (Blessed are the meek), and at the same time he longed for holiness, and justice for the oppressed and disenfranchised (Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness). He began thinking of others more than himself (Blessed are the merciful) and gave himself to others more freely.

As he continued dropping his pretensions, he uncovered his authentic self layer by layer, surprising even  himself (Blessed are the pure in heart). And, living into the Christian imperative, he took on activism and peace-making, attracting the inevitable condemnation and enmity while striving for social justice (Blessed are the peacemakers. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake). While not consciously trying, he indeed embodied the Beatitudes through his continual conversion, growing in grace throughout his adult life.

Contemplating the Beatitudes as a kind of ladder of perfection is not a new idea. Dante describes the angels singing a particular Beatitude at each cornice of the Mount of Purgatory, as souls, released from their need of purification, ascend to heaven. Ambrose likens the stages of perfection to one Beatitude resting upon the other. Augustine and Hugh of St. Victor play with pairing the Beatitudes with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, virtues and vices.

But I like what Catherine of Sienna says.  "All the way to heaven is heaven, because you said, 'I am the way.'" As I strive to live into the Christ life, I taste heaven at each increment of grace, and, I hope and pray, I inadvertently let loose a little of paradise into the world, even if I'm not conscious of either receiving or giving.

Suzanne Guthrie offers a weekly self-guided retreat at her website: At the Edge of the Enclosure.

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