Using exclusively male pronouns for the Divine can be limiting, idolatrous, and downright damaging to our spiritualities. It can subconsciously rearrange our imaginations, decrease our self-esteem, and make us question our place in the ongoing creation of the world. Let’s explore other images of God and see what these images might have to say to …
Grounded in kinship
"Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, ‘What do you wish?’ She answered him, ‘Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.'” …
Part 3: How do we respond?
This is part 3 of 3 of a series based on a talk I gave at a parish in 2016. Find Part 1 and Part 2 by clicking on these links. To contemplate how we respond to the God who loves us, let's turn to Samuel and see how he responds to the Holy One, …
What’s with “She?” Happy International Women’s Day
I was a Jesuit Volunteer in 1999 when I heard my most compelling reason for addressing God as She. It was an evening talk by theologian, Elizabeth Johnson. In her talk (as in her books), Johnson puts it plainly. Addressing God exclusively as He creates an idol: a static image of the creator as male. …
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Ash Wednesday
I remember Ash Wednesdays. Ash Wednesday 2002 when I heard the best homily by Father Rob Marsh, SJ. Ash Wednesday 2005, when I had juuuuust starting dating the man who would become my dear husband. That day, the second reading stood out to me the most: "Behold, now is a very acceptable time;behold, now is …
Part 2: What is the message?
This is part 2 of a 3 -part series that I spoke about a women's group in a local parish. Sometimes my students ask, as we all do, if God is so good and loving, then why do bad things happen? Great question. I don’t know. I’m not God. But I do say… Not everything …
Part 1: Who’s calling?
This piece is inspired by a talk I gave to a local parish women's group in 2016. I'll split it into three parts. The first: Who's Calling? My daughter is two years old. For her, when you call someone, you see their faces. Admittedly, she calls few people - namely her grandparents. And she knows …
Who is Macrina?
I had the pleasure of speaking at a Women Deacons Prayer Service at St. Agnes Catholic Church in San Francisco last year. This prayer service focused on Saint Macrina, the younger. Never heard of her? Neither had I... My daughter got a caterpillar for her third birthday a few weeks ago. Side note: try not to give toddlers living things for birthday presents… well, unless they’re going to reveal a mystery about the Creator of the universe. Then, I guess,it’s okay. So, my daughter received a caterpillar as a present …
Is God ashamed of being called ‘she’? Are we?
Where I come from, mistaking a boy for a girl is a serious offense. Sure, everyone mixes up a neutrally-clad infant in a stroller—“Oh… what a cute little girl.” (“Ahem, that’s my son.”) A parent is not usually deeply insulted by this mistake. But the stakes get higher as we get older. Where I come …
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Molleen Dupree-Dominguez 