June 18, 2023: "Credibility Through Compassion" with Sr. Cathy Murray, OP

Preaching for the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sr. Cathy Murray, OP, reflects on exercising Christ-like authority through compassion: "Jesus grants the apostles authority and credibility to engage in his mission - authority that does not come from domination, from command and control, but from compassion. Compassion is the power driving Jesus into action; Compassion shapes his plan. Compassion is the ability to see others in their giftedness and to share that ability to see others in their giftedness.Jesus has that incredible gift of looking at one another with hope. Seeing giftedness and seeing potential can waken spirits, can be huge news to the other – to the one seen, but also to the one seeing." Sr. Cathy Murray, M.Div./LCSW has had two ministries throughout her religious life weaving together social action and preaching. She ministered for fifteen years in parishes in Northern California as a pastoral associate where she preached regularly and led adult education programs as well as retreats. She has also ministered as a social work supervisor for Sonoma County Adult Protective Services. Today, she serves on the leadership team for her community, the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael. Sr. Cathy has been a faithful member of a Twelve Step Program since she was a young adult. Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/06182023 to learn more about Sr. Cathy, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.