February 09, 2010
 
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| In the Spirit of St. Thérèse |
| by John Zmirak |
| 7/01/09 |
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This week I'd planned to address the complex, nuanced topic of humility -- the virtue that consists in facing honestly your own good habits and vices. Key to it, of course, as C. S. Lewis explained unforgettably through Screwtape, is to pay yourself attention without getting overly interested in the subject. We are each our own favorite action-movie hero, a preference deepened and darkened by the spill of Original Sin. A prerequisite for humility, Lewis suggests, is a certain emotional distance from the subject of ourselves, a willingness to step back and try to look at the "thing" objectively. Furthermore, any craftsman of word, sound, or image must learn to retreat from the toil and tears he poured into his creations and judge their merits. Later on, if he's healthy and humble, he will look at the best of his work with a certain wonder and surprise: "Did I do that? Surely not. That's better than I could do." And in some ways, it always is -- which is what we mean by "inspiration."
But all my intentions of crafting a decent piece exploring these issues were ruined today when I read a piece by a better writer with a deeper grasp of the subject. Indeed, her intimate acquaintance with the virtue of humility, and the sweet docility to truth that flows from it, can be read in every line of the piece she penned for the New York Times on June 27. In the essay "Born Again in Brooklyn," Irish-American poet Michele Madigan Somerville recalls her journey of faith, explaining how she rejoined the Church of her youth and became a "born-again Catholic."
This decision wasn't easy for Ms. Somerville. There were deep wounds from the past still left unhealed:
Most of the Sisters of Charity who taught at my grade school were tyrants. In 1971 I knocked on the door of my parish rectory to inquire about becoming an altar server; I was advised that only boys could serve. Brides, said the priest, were the only females allowed on the altar.
What is more, as a young girl Somerville had witnessed a grotesque abuse of the Sacrament of Penance:
When my mother became critically ill at age 30, a Catholic priest administering last rites refused to offer absolution when she, who had given birth to four children by age 25, refused to express contrition for taking birth control pills.
As a teacher in a Catholic school, Somerville saw firsthand the emotional price helpless children pay for the insensitivity of certain Catholic firebrands:
I watched a 19-year student of mine weep in homeroom in response to that morning's "pro-life" announcement, which included references to "mothers who killed their own babies."
After all this, you really might wonder how Somerville could muster the fortitude to darken a church's door. But not all was bleak and wintry. There were glimmers of light and compassion within the murky Catholic sanctuary, and Somerville was not too proud to seek them out.
Giving credit where it's due, Somerville confesses that "a radical nun was the first person to teach me anything sophisticated about poetry." She notes that the Church feeds the poor. In a phrase that might have been taken from Newman's Parochial and Plain Sermons, she writes, "On most days a logic-defying confidence in the potential of the sacraments to deliver grace persists in me." And she meditates on the paradoxical coexistence of sinful clergy and Renaissance art:
While I consider the brutality of the papacy, now and throughout history, a source of shame, Roman Catholic art, often commissioned by those very same bad popes is a source of pride, and comprises a tradition in which I, as a poet, often work . . . .
Burning hyssop and frankincense, the stark and heart-charging splendor of Gregorian chant, Marian devotion; the iconography, the Latin Agnus Dei and Litany of the Saints, the Angelus bells, the rapture at the crux of Catholic worship have always held fierce sway with me.
In search of a worship community, Somerville wasn't too proud to "experiment." She writes: "My aims were practical and ethereal, metaphysical and physical. I wanted to transcend, but as the mother of three toddlers, I wanted convenience, too." She notes that some priests reacted badly to her children's behavior, or the fact that she nursed during Mass. Such priests "failed the audition."
She sought out parishes that were "racially and socio-economically diverse," that included "the presence of women priests when I was lucky enough to encounter it." Practicing discernment, Somerville allowed "zero tolerance for folk masses, anti-abortion diatribes, ecclesiastical greed, rote reciters of scripture and congregants who refused to sing." Instead, she looked for "homilists witty, lyrical and learned," and found one in a "brilliant theologian and Dante maven." She was home.
Not all has been hearts and flowers for Somerville in our deeply human and imperfect Church. She writes of her ongoing pain in lines that raise a tear or two:
You might wonder how someone like me -- a feminist-progressive living in 21st-century Brooklyn -- can abide the Vatican's positions. Well, I don't. I am Catholic under protest and I'm in good company.
Providentially, Somerville has found spiritual leaders who offer her courage and support. She encountered one such soul at "an interfaith Gay Pride Celebration held in a Roman Catholic Church,"
a former Catholic nun who left her order many years ago and is currently an Interfaith minister. She spoke of her work as a person of the cloth, her life as a lesbian, her 25 years with her beloved. The honorific "Reverend" precedes her name. She wears a Roman collar.
Somerville was taken aback by this sister's "fervent recommendation that progressive Catholics remain in the Church -- so as to be in a position to create change." But she was convinced. And so Somerville humbly remains inside the Church, as Catholic as you or me. Probably more so.
But she doesn't just sit idly by, like some "cafeteria Catholic." Somerville tries to work her way into the kitchen, to gently nudge the chefs into serving up healthier fare. She lists among her spiritual works of mercy:
But Somerville's life as an activist, born-again Catholic isn't all Martha. There's also a hint of Mary. In her meditative moments, she reflects that if there is "indeed a God presiding over the End of Days, the particulars, the language and myth, various sects employ as means for understanding and revering God will wash away moot in the flood of some unified, unifying light." While she waits with us for that final revelation, Somerville self-effacingly practices the Faith in a spirit that would surely be familiar to St. Thérèse or St. John Vianney. As she avers, "Practicing provides pockets of peace, soothes me when I am terrified, enhances my appreciation of the created world, helps me to shape who I am into the woman I wish to become."
Savoring Somerville's prose I was intrigued to read her verse. One of her forthcoming books, titled Black Irish, suggests her strong connection to her Celtic heritage. And the immersion in theology that is apparent from her essay was sure to find its way into her poems. So I wasn't unduly surprised when I found online the following poem by Sommerville -- an adaptation of an old Irish rebel song to reflect her renascent interest in matters of the spirit. Of one spirit in particular -- the guardian angel of all those who contest the claims of authority and stand up for the right of the individual to (in that poet Sinatra's words) do it "My Way." To really enjoy the song, you should first hear the tune, which she took from the Fenian anthem "The Rising of the Moon." (The Clancy Brothers perform it here.)
With no more ado, here is Somerville's song -- rich in reference to Scripture, and deeply infused with the humility that is hers.
Non Serviam, Lord
I'll ascend into heaven, that's where I'll exalt my throne
up above the stars of God, and the covenant's lofty stone.
In the sides of the North I'll ascend above the cloud.
Being like to the Most High, I will sing out bold and proud:
And I'll say "Non serviam, Lord! No, non serviam, Lord!
I am not some cringing servant. So, non serviam, Lord."
Does Job fear God for nothing? Or hast thou not put a hedge
around him and his dwellings, and he feels his safety pledged?
Thou hast blessed his work and wealth, and hast watched over his race.
But strike down his good fortune, and he will curse thee to thy face.
And I'll say "Non serviam, Lord! No, non serviam, Lord!
I am not some cringing servant. So, non serviam, Lord."
Why pester me O Jesus, what have I to do with thee?
Or since our name is Legion, I should probably say "we."
Art thou simply being cruel, smiting us before thy time?
If thou really must expel us, how about that herd of swine?
And I'll say "Non serviam, Lord! No, non serviam, Lord!
I am not some cringing servant. So, non serviam, Lord."
Feeling hungry, Son of God? Why not turn these stones to bread?
Or leap down from that Temple -- will He let thee hurt thy head?
Or see those mighty kingdoms, spread from sea to shining sea --
All their glory will I offer to the one who worships me. Still I'll say "Non serviam, Lord! No, non serviam, Lord!
I am not some cringing servant. So, non serviam, Lord."
John Zmirak is author, most recently, of the graphic novel The Grand Inquisitor and is Writer-in-Residence at Thomas More College in New Hampshire. He writes weekly for InsideCatholic.com. Readers have left 30 comments. This could easily be one of the most sarcastic things I have ever read. One is left with a deep feeling of a lack of humility on her part, but not sure if the article is lauding or condemning her. Bravo! Written by Criffton Uh, hmmmm.... I wonder how St. Therese and St. John Vianney would take that? Written by Marie It's good that Ms. Somerville has found her way back into the Church, even if her return is on her own terms. There are many more like her who stay in the Church "under protest." One day, however, she may find her anger abating, and realize passing on radical feminism to her three toddlers is not in their best interest and certainly not what the Church has to give. Written by Deal Hudson I'm not sure I understand how the title relates. Obviously this woman is perhaps the opposite of St. Therese, but well...hmmm...not sure what you were trying to achieve. I think the woman is a nut, to be sure, but I'm confused about what I'm supposed to take away. I wish you'd written the article you described in the first paragraph. It sounded wonderful! Maybe next time. Written by Lindsay This author was correct in saying, "All my intentions of crafting a decent piece exploring these issues were ruined today. . . " when he wrote this essay in praise of an egotistical poet Michelle Madigan, who eloquently celebrates in rhyme Satan's pseudo-heroic rejection of obedience to God's will--in this case, the Church's pro-life morality and teachings. Catholic social teaching, morality and dogma are those of Christ, speaking through the successor of St Peter; and the same Christ who said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." She's self-deceived about being any but a heretical Catholic. This shallow woman neither walks the walk nor talks the talk; to call herself "Catholic under protest" is as wrongheaded as the title of this essay; which is an insult to everything St Therese was, did, and valued. I shudder to think that Madigan probably doesn't make a good (if any) confession repenting of, and rejecting, her stated views before receiving Holy Communion. St Paul had something to say about the consequences of unworthy reception of the Eucharist, --but of course Madigan would reject his "harsh paternalism." I shall pray that eventually she sees her anti-authoritarianism for what it is, and repent before she meets her Maker: who said that He would refuse to recognize (far less reward) those who called "Lord, Lord . . . " --but did not do his will. Written by Aunt Raven Just to set the record straight.... The "Non Serviam" song was written as a satire of Ms. Sommerville's theology. I'm sorry if that wasn't apparent to everyone. Written by John Zmirak It's a good thing when a young 'un doesn't understand an off color joke. So, perhaps it's a good thing that this piece flies completely over my head. "consider the brutality of the papacy, now and throughout history" Say what? Has Benedict XVI been beating the Swiss Guard with his staff again? What's going on here? And, God forbid, I too would pass out cold if a priest at Mass spoke up with the least bit of fervor against abortion. But probably for different reasons than Ms. (?) Sommerville. Mine would be from joy. What exactly about this woman is Roman Catholic? The collar on her "friend"? She is certainly entitled to her opinions, however screwball, but please! I like John's writing, so this piece leaves me in complete bafflement. I just don't get it. And, that's okay with me. PS John: I second the motion above, please do write the piece originally planned... Written by Nick Palmer I had mixed feelings on this NY Times piece. Part of me empathized with her, especially on the sexual abuse scandal. I was in my clueless stage when the U.S. scandals broke. However, the recent Irish report has really shaken me to my core. I am still working on that. In any case, it is a big church and I would rather have everyone there, than not at all. Sometimes in life, things slowly sink in. Let's remain strong in our beliefs, yet welcome everyone. More importantly, I am always happy when someone is taking their children to Mass and passing on the faith. I wish as a church we were more open to those who want to explore our faith, and specifically more open to those who want to raise their children Catholic. I have heard so many cases of well-intentioned parents trying to get their children baptized only to be turned away for one reason or the other. On this note, I'm also trying to work on my own judgmental attitude towards those that may act or speak in a way that I don't agree with. I still want them, and their children in our great church. None of us are perfect and who am I to judge. Written by Ann Somerville tries to work her way into the kitchen, to gently nudge the chefs into serving up healthier fare. — John ZmirakI have little doubt that this is how she sees her work within the Church just as I have no doubt at all that it shows a staggering ignorance of the mission the Church has been given. To believe that the "fare" served up by the Church is the creation of the Magisterium and can be changed at will makes one wonder why anyone would bother belonging to such an institution. The Church has a different perspective about who is crafting the recipes: "The knowledge which the Church offers to man has its origin not in any speculation of her own, however sublime, but in the word of God which she has received in faith." (Fides et Ratio #7) Written by Ender ...you have decided to teach the virtues utilizing the "via negativa," Mr. Zmirak? I think its great. Really, all you need to do now is provide nearly any short quote from Rose Saint, and the lesson should be very clear... Written by Okie As a Therese I must have my say on this day Therese the Little Flower was all about making one's way to Jesus... in my view, we have had more than our share of bumps in the road along this stretch of our Church's History. Ms. Sommerville lays bear, I'm afraid, but a small glimpse of the stuff that has been surfaced by the hard crashing waves of Vatican II and the exponential leap forward in our ability to communicate with one another. We have the ability today to get the word out, get a camera on it faster than ever; and we still have a voracious appetite for reporting on our worst attributes, sin. Therese was all about love because she was a sweet companion of Jesus....ALL LOVE. My heart aches for Ms. Sommerville, for she carries the wounds and the broken glass perceptions of our generation, and I welcome her with open arms as Deal stated; for Jesus, who heals all, will bring the WHOLENESS and ONENESS He so desires for His body the Church. I say, on this day, in any little way, LOVE.... express your love. Written by Mother of Two Sons One really needs to click over to Somerville's diatribe to get a full feel for what inspired Zmirak's piece. I love the radical Catholic Church. I love that there are Roman Catholic bishops sticking their necks out to ordain women. That Catholic doctrine places mighty emphasis on the role of conscience in worship and creates fertile ground for conscientious dissent. I support dramatic change as energetically as I can. I withhold my cash from the bishops and hand my diocesan appeal tender to the Woman’s Ordination Conference and to SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests). I devote much time and talent to working in the Gay Ministry at my church. I recognize it is my obligation as a conscious, conscientious Catholic to discern — to know that the church no more belongs to the Vatican than it does to me. The power of the Church may rest with the College of Cardinals, but its glory rests with people like me. Once I accepted that being Roman Catholic did not require that I be a papist — once I understood that it was possible to be simultaneously outraged by and in love with the Church — I saw the obstacles to being a practicing Catholic in a new way. Is everything clear now? Yuck! Written by Michael Ms. Sommerville is actually laying bear the reality of a segment, I dare say, a large segment of the body of The Church, and it is the consequence of the lack of spiritual development in this era of exponential technological advancements in information overload. We must remember that these advancements were made possible by a mere few who were willing to persistently persist until they got to the breakthrough innovation....... instead of being appalled by her views, I steep myself in JESUS seeking to be inspired with compelling words that melt all things away except HIM. Would that there would exist in The Body of Christ, The Church, a few, who would, Clinging to JESUS, persistently persist to usher in the era of SOUL-Powered Catholics..... Christ did not condemn, He saw past their words and in some cases while challenging their true heart intention, called them into The TRUTH, often exposing a new "to them" perception of the Heart of God. I think this call for WOMEN Priests is really an expression of a demand to be given an EQUAL Place--- in reality in God, we are equal. All Great Movements in the Church were started by individuals of great fire and angst about whatever was going on in the Church of the day.... they started Religious Congregations, Opened Orphanages, started schools, fed the poor, accompanied those who were dying on the streets..... and their zeal so inspired others to multiply their positive efforts. It is time for positive Innovation..... I heard just the other day that Mother Teresa refused to go to an Anti-War rally but informed those who invited her to contact her when they organized a PEACE rally. When you have your RIGHT place in GOD, since you are the only YOU that will ever be, you don't need a title, an ordained position, to do YOU. I think our Church will benefit in a re-design not in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, but in everything else so as to more authentically serve the comprehensive develomental needs of her flock with the priority being not "making the Sacraments", but continuous integrated spiritual development. What an unstoppable force of GOOD would emerge! Written by Mother of Two Sons I don't think words can express the sadness I feel for this woman and for that matter the many "Catholics" that believe like her. Mother of two sons, I think your explanation for our current culture is right on. Ann, I disagree that we should just welcome her and not be judgemental about her words. I am glad she is taking her children to mass, but she is also going against the teachings of the church. She has a venue that can influence others to believe the way she does. Love the sinner but hate the sin. This is no less than heresy on this woman's part. I think this is a real problem today. Nobody wants to speak the truth becuase it is not our place. Well then whose place is it? If her words go unchecked or not debated than the message one could convey is that her opinions on doctrine and dogma of the church can actually be changed. I thank you Mr. Zimarak for informing us of this woman's article. I can now include her in my prayers personally. Written by Laurie Sorry John, but I'm going to have to call a spade a spade. Your article, using the photograph of St Therese of Liseux and the title, "in the spirit of St Therese", is downright deceitful and disrespectful to St Therese. Sure you threw in a bit of cryptic satire at the end, but how on earth the spirit of this Ms Somerville is in any way similar to St Therese is beyond me. I was originally going to enumerate all the areas where the two are at completely opposite ends of the spectrum, but there's too many so I'm not going to bother. You're basically comparing Beelzebub to Christ and trying to assert that they are of the same spirit! I'm really not sure what you were trying to achieve. You make several false assertions such as parishes 'that included "the presence of women priests..."' Do you get away with such statements just because you put them in quotation marks? Obviously it can't be true because the Catholic Church does not ordain women priests. So why do you just relate it as if it were. If you're trying to win sympathizers to the "progressive" Catholic cause, you're doing a very clever job, but I'm dismayed that you got a platform on Inside Catholic. Written by eddie Eddie, the whole article is a satire. I didn't start to get it until about halfway through. Written by Hildy Johnson I would rather have inspiration than satire. This article was not inspiring, but depressing. Sorry but I just don't get the joke. Written by Christine Eddie, the whole article is a satire. I didn't start to get it until about halfway through. — Hildy JohnsonOr maybe just sarcastic? Though, it is a bit funnier now that I realize the poem was made up. Sorry I'm so slow on that! However, Mr. Zmirak's satire usually leaves a smile on my face (in that laugh so you don't cry sort of way), but when I first read this article, it just made me profoundly sad. Written by Lindsay I don't think satire and sarcasm are supposed to make you laugh all the time. Sometimes, understated sarcasm is the best way to make the point about how awful something is. In fact, reading through this and slowly realizing how utterly and completely different this woman's view is from the Little Flower DOES make you sick to your stomach...and in doing so, provides a means to eliciting how sad this situation is. Its easy to blow off what is going on in our Church. Mr. Zmirak has used sarcasm, satire, and understatment to illicit the proper response from us: disgust and profound sadness for a lost soul. Written by Okie Have to admit, when I read the piece in the Times I wondered if it was satire, particularly when I read the "brutality of the papacy" line and considered our gentle Benedict. Then I read this and didn't think it was satire. It is, right? Please tell me it is? I found her tiresome. I found her unoriginal, baby-boomeresque "I want to be Catholic, but not a Roman one" carrying on tiresome. I'm sure this woman will be at the front of the line when the American Catholic Church is formed, probably within the next decade. Written by Elizabeth If this is satire - and many of the comments make it clear that's the case - then brother you missed by a mile and then some. John, you did too good of a job. It was much too believable, sad to say. Written by Jerry B If you're trying to win sympathizers to the "progressive" Catholic cause, you're doing a very clever job, but I'm dismayed that you got a platform on Inside Catholic Eddie, Dr. Z is a progressive like Dom Gueranger was a modernist Written by I am not Spartacus I really am. I guess I forgot how much CRAZY TALK we have all suffered from Catholic dissenters, enabled by a hostile media (for which Mrs. Somerville is an unimpressive shill). In normal times, Catholics might have caught on that irony was involved when a writer... * Mentions Screwtape right up front. * Calls the denial of absolution to the unrepentant " a gross abuse of the sacrament." * Calls a 19-year-old a "helpless child." * Compares a willful, petulant, spoiled middle-aged dissenter to Therese of Lisieux. * Says that prose as pitifully clunky as Somerville's could have come from Cardinal Newman. AND FINALLY: * Sums up her worldview in an Irish drinking song that sets to music virtually every statement attributed to demons in Scripture. You know, I really didn't think I was being that subtle. I guess things are just that bad. God help us all.... Written by John Zmirak The Spirit of St. Theresa.....please! The Little Flower advocated the simple path to the Lord. There is nothing simple or uncomplicated (political in nature) about Ms. Sommerville's spirituality. Nothing much seperates her viewpoint from that of liberal protestantism (nondenominational euphamism) other than being radically unconformist to Catholic theology. She should try being a regualar catholic and being unconformist to the prevailing secular ethic, which she obviously blends in nicely to. No sacrifice on her part. No charity for the fullness of grace within the true faith. If she would have charity, she would proclaim with the spirit, Jesus is Lord! For it comes from above. No such charity here! Written by Bboy "Key to it, of course, as C. S. Lewis explained unforgettably through Screwtape, is to pay yourself attention without getting overly interested in the subject." John, I wish you had tackled Robert Hugh Benson (who didn't think highly of his "Light Invisible") instead of this screwball woman. Benson would have been a better example of what Lewis had explained. Let see now, even as a spoof. What, in your article, has humility to do with this crazy woman? Humility is truth. The opposite of humility is pride. And pride is the devil's biggest property. This woman might have been honest to herself, but honesty to oneself is not always the truth. No wonder she can quote all scriptural verses the devil spoke and still feels honest. The father of all lies, too, recognized the Son of God, and sure, was honest to himself. But he is still the father of lies because he refuses to affirm the truth. You flunked this one, John. I suggest you read more about St. Therese and St. John Vianney. Written by Marie HARHAAAAARRRRHAAAR Delicious. Excellent work! Written by Harry For goodness' sake, can people not recognize satire when they see it? What a humorless lot we have here! A delightful piece as usual, John.  Written by Christine Dear John Zmirak: I want to thank you the commentary your wrote about my New Times piece "Born Again Catholic in Brooklyn." I can't say anything about the Times piece here -- Stay tuned. More is coming. I read dozens of Catholic blogs, but I have never heard of this one, but a friend directed me to it today. The overwhelming response to the piece has been inspiring. best regards, Michele ps. By the way, "Michele Madigan Somerville" is the name. www.stationsoflight.com www.michelemadigansomerville Written by Michele Madigan Somerville Living a simple life helps one become humble. That's often hard to do. The Daughters of St. Francis of Assisi in Lacon, IL live simplicity as part of their charism. Check out their new video, <a href="http://tinyurl.com/mkfwqw"> Images of Franciscan Simplicity.</a> Written by Kevin Banet |
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